Swifties Sit or Stand: a Study in Eras Movie Etiquette
by Carol Hansson
On Oct. 13, 2023, Taylor Swift The Eras Tour Movie will premiere in theatres across North America. The entire Swiftie fandom both collected a sigh of relief – and squeed for joy, as, finally, those who wanted to experience the Eras Tour for themselves could do so without fighting in the Great Ticketmaster War or battling with scalpers.
Those who had already enjoyed the show would be able to relive memories (special shout out to those who attended the three L.A. shows where filming occurred) … those who had tickets for the future would be able to prepare themselves … and those who don’t have tickets would have the closest experience to a real concert as they could get.
As Aug. 31 slipped away … conversation on “movie theatre etiquette” sparked a debate. Do we sit and sing quietly in our seats? Do we sit and dance and sing? Do we only say the chants? Do we stand and dance in our seats?
Taylor’s original social media post about the concert movie said, “Eras attire, friendship bracelets, singing and dancing encouraged 🫶1, 2, 3 LGB!!!! (iykyk).” That implies to me that we’ll be trading the friendship bracelets, going all out for our outfits (I for one will be wearing the Lover outfit I had planned for my non-existent tour date next year – non-existent because as of right now, I lost the Great Ticketmaster War) but as for what we actually DO at the concert/film? Yes, Taylor said to dance, but a movie experience is different than a concert.
I reached out to Cineplex itself – the theatre company in Canada showing Taylor Swift The Eras Tour Movie – and this is the response that I received.
“Hello Carol, Thank you for reaching out to us today regarding etiquette during TAYLOR SWIFT THE ERAS TOUR. We understand that concerts can be an exciting and energetic experience for everyone attending. While we generally encourage our guest to be considerate of others and avoid disruptions, we also recognize that concert atmospheres can be different from traditional movie showtimes. If a majority of the audience is engaging in activities like standing, singing, or dancing, we understand and support that collective enthusiasm. However, we kindly ask all guests to e mindful of their fellow concert-goers. Disruption such as excessive standing, yelling or actions that impact others' enjoyment will be addressed by our cast members to ensure that everyone can fully enjoy their experience.”
It looks like management will take the cue from the crowd – if everyone is happy, singing and dancing, then they will leave them be. If the majority is sitting, those who are standing will be asked to follow suit. But this statement leads to a few questions – what happens if there is no majority, and it is half dancing/half sitting?
I polled a bunch of Swifties to see what the overall consensus was – the results came back as 58.3 per cent say attendees should sit – and 41.7 per cent say they should stand. Fairly even in that case.
In my opinion, I think we should take other people’s experience into account. Once everyone is seated in the theatre (even when everyone is outside, if you’re theatre has assigned seats) double check with the people behind you to see if they’ll stand, or if they mind you standing. Be considerate for those who are unable to stand – maybe find a different place to dance.
I think that opening night, Oct. 13, is going to be the rowdiest night. Later showings (the film will be showing Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays through from Oct. 13 to Nov. 5, check your local listings to see what’s still available) should be quieter.
If you want a more chill experience, I would suggest going to a showing somewhere in the middle, closer to the end. I am hoping that each theatre will designate a few showings for those who want to dance, and some for those who want to sit and enjoy, but that’s up to each theatre’s management.
I will leave you with some comments from Swifties on what they are looking forward to:
“The MUSIC first and foremost, but also the atmosphere and the girl gang vibe!!” ~ Kim
“Being in a room with people who love her music just as much as me.” ~ Gemma
“I’m most looking forward to a smaller more intimate audience for the theatre version. I felt very overwhelmed in the stadium. I also have chronic pain but couldn’t see anything if I sat so it was always a struggle on if to sit or stand.” ~ Rachel
Carol Hansson is a freelance writer from Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. A Swiftie since Self-Titled, her favourite album is Lover. She is also a craftsperson, making hand-stamped keychains, dog ID tags, bangles and rear view mirror dangles. Her website for Swiftie and other interviews is www.changing-channels.com; her hand-stamped items are available at www.asyouwishcustomdesigns.com.