Actor Quote by Lem Doolittle
““Many in the audience consider leaving. If anyone leaves, let them leave. The theatre is not a prison. If anyone coughs, cough also. The Theatre is not a sickbed. We minister to the audience. We revere the pains of the audience.””
About This Quote
Source Play or performance context, unknown source
The theatre is open, not a prison; audience members are free to leave or cough, and their pain is respected.
In simple terms: Theatre invites freedom and empathy, not confinement.
Key Takeaway
Respect audience autonomy.
Themes
theatre
freedom
empathy
Mood
thoughtful
empathetic
Type
theatrical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- event management
- audience care
- public speaking
Key Concepts
performance art
human connection
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure comfort while maintaining order?
- What responsibilities do performers have to audiences?
A Different Perspective
May underestimate logistical challenges of open policies.
![“As an actor, if you step to the side and you look at [Thornton's performance] technically, and you try to imagine doing what he was doing, most people would panic. Most people would be on the set, and they would be panicking, going, "I'm not doing anything!" All the ham instincts in you would be…” quote by Edward Norton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/f09/edward-norton-2203_actors_as-an-actor-if-you-step-to-the-side-and_15751.jpg)
