\n<\/p>\n
It\u2019s well worth acknowledging that for actors, the foyer of a theatre is not a relaxing space. Unlike the general public, who might mill about before the show or chomp on Maltesers during interval, many performers feel the need to be \u2018on\u2019\u2014to network and make nice and represent their well-fought place in the industry. \u201cNo matter how much you might enjoy a show,\u201d<\/em> some say, \u201cWhen you\u2019re at the theatre you\u2019re in the workplace.\u201d\u00a0<\/em> It\u2019s an interesting perspective (if a hardline one.) So let\u2019s talk everything you need to know about the art of foyer talk.<\/p>\n Foyer talk is an important skill for actors to develop. It establishes their place in their creative community and ensures they can adequately socialise and network with their peers. Actors shouldn\u2019t feel the need to \u2018perform\u2019 in a theatre foyer; an actor desperate to network and make an impression often feels forced and drives others away. However, it does pay to be mindful of what you say and how you act\u2014and to always do so with respect and compassion.<\/strong><\/p>\n Returning to our point about a foyer not being a relaxing space: ideally, it should be. With a little consideration and some practice, there\u2019s nothing stopping you attending a stage show or a film premiere and having one helluva time. And all the while, establishing that you are an industry presence to be reckoned with.<\/p>\n In its most direct definition, \u201cfoyer talk\u201d refers to conversation and social interaction that takes place in the foyer of a theatre between audience members. It is generally light in tone, and often relates to the show being seen that evening. It occurs prior to the performance, during the interval and occasionally afterward\u2014although many venues tend not to stay open after the show.<\/p>\n For actors, foyer talk has a slightly more pointed meaning. It covers the above definition, but also refers to the industry talk between actors as audience members. There\u2019s a lot of \u201cHow\u2019s your year shaping up?\u201d<\/em> and \u201cHave you seen [current show] yet?\u201d<\/em> and the much-dreaded \u201cSo what are you doing next?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Foyer talk isn\u2019t networking<\/a> per se \u2026 which is kind of what makes it such a great space to do exactly that. It invites a less formal tone between peers\/collaborators, building a social closeness rather than a strictly professional one. Therefore, it\u2019s a great place to make a good impression, and to follow up later.<\/p>\n The first thing to know about foyer talk with actors is this: some hate it, some love it. Some can\u2019t stand it, but can still \u2018work the room\u2019 like a 1940s movie star. All successful actors realise that there\u2019s an art to it\u2014and a skill most vital to your continuing career.<\/p>\n The best piece of advice we can give to actors in a foyer is to ask questions. Especially<\/em> if you find yourself nervous in social situations. Be inquisitive and generous, and task yourself with finding out as much as you can about the actor you\u2019re speaking to. Good conversationalists will reciprocate; bad conversationalists won\u2019t, and you\u2019ll save your breath.<\/p>\n The other piece of advice we\u2019d give is that you don\u2019t\u00a0have\u00a0<\/em>to talk about the industry. A little foyer talk can be a great space to bring up your latest hobby, or what\u2019s happening in your life with family, love or even your day job<\/a>!<\/p>\n Honestly, it\u2019s quite refreshing to have an exchange with a fellow creative about something non-work-related. It can also save you from coming across as desperate, or self-serving.<\/p>\n If your goal is strictly to network with others in that space, we\u2019re not here to judge you. However, we would suggest thinking of networking in a theatre foyer as a guerilla tactic, rather than an all-out assault that ends with you cornering some poor casting director<\/a> and saying \u201cLET ME READ FOR<\/em> YOU!\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n Make an impression as a human being rather than an industry peer\/hopeful. Often you\u2019ll be talking to a non-actor in this situation; can you speak to their past work? Can you think of questions to ask them? One great piece of advice we\u2019ve heard is to find a mutual point of admiration you can speak about together. It could be a fellow creative or, ideally, the show you\u2019re both there to see.<\/p>\n The time to ask direct questions about working together is never at the event in question. Follow up on their socials, or via email after the date. And if you\u2019ve proven yourself able to hold a conversation, you should have things you can call back to when you make contact.<\/p>\n Can you approach industry figures in a foyer if you haven\u2019t met them before? Obviously you can, only don\u2019t be weird about it. We\u2019ll leave this up to you to judge, but there\u2019s no point crossing a room if you\u2019re only going to say something that could have been an email.<\/p>\n Regardless of your intentions, there are a few established rules of foyer talk. These may be unwritten and unspoken, but they\u2019re important to know and understand.<\/p>\n One final point, and an important one. If the show you\u2019re all watching together is The Worst Show Of All Time, wait until you\u2019re well out of earshot of anybody before you start tearing into it with your date. You never know who might be listening, and you must always assume the parents of the lead actor are sitting directly behind you in the auditorium.<\/p>\n A lot of successful foyer talk is about diplomacy. Even if you hate a show with a fiery passion, find a polite way to compliment some aspect of it. If you find out the actor you\u2019re speaking to booked that commercial you taped for the previous week, congratulate them and then feel bitter on the way home.<\/p>\n Odds are, if it truly is The Worst Show Of All Time (and they\u2019re more common than you might think), you won\u2019t be alone in your appraisal. Think about what\u2019s actually gained in your public calling out of the show\u2019s flaws.<\/p>\n So there you have it: our definitive guide to all things foyer talk! Before we finish up and you head out to your local theatre, let us leave you with one final piece of advice. This relates back to the importance of foyer talk, and how improving it as a skill can aid your acting career.<\/p>\n If you find yourself deeply uncomfortable in a foyer setting, treat it like an acting exercise. Play the part of an actor talking to their peers, putting on the face of somebody generous and engaged and set to make a good impression. At the very least, you\u2019ll reap the benefits of the foyer; at most you\u2019ll practice this important skill and discover that it ain\u2019t so bad at all.<\/p>\n Just remember that in a space designed to host actors and tell stories: you most definitely belong. You belong as much as your peers, be they on the stage or in the auditorium sitting next to you. And this is to say nothing of the importance of the audience\u2014there\u2019s no show without them. Period.<\/p>\n Theatres welcome all, and require all to be truly brought to life. Plus, their foyers usually have snacks. What\u2019s not to like?<\/p>\n Good luck.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWhat is Foyer Talk?<\/h2>\n
Talking to Actors in a Foyer<\/h2>\n
Networking in a Theatre Foyer<\/h2>\n
The Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts of Foyer Talk<\/h2>\n
Do:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Don\u2019t:<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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What if the Show You\u2019re Watching is Terrible?<\/h2>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n