Among the enduring topics within the field sure to garner more than a few opinions, one with the longest legs is dress codes. Holly Mulcahy tackled the topic as it relates to audience dress codes in an article at Neo Classical from 12/29/2014 that generated some intriguing feedback.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, there’s an undeniable degree of trepidation among newbie patrons over what to wear, consequently, they don’t seem to mind basic guidelines. Interestingly enough, I went back through all of the Take A Friend To The Orchestra contributions and discovered that quite a few of the contributors focus on dress codes and their impact on ticket buyers (here, here, here, here, here, and here).
In a number of instances, they were part of a larger point about patron trepidation but this is where having some guidance can be useful and in similar fashion, this is where Mulcahy’s article comes into play.
Worth noting is in one of the comments where Mulcahy mentions that the impetus for the article is the result of being asked so often by potential ticket buyers what they should wear and although she tends to err of the side of caution by first mentioning whatever makes the patron feel comfortable it is always followed up by offering better defined guidelines because many have a tendency to want to fit in whenever visiting somewhere new (emphasis added below).
Certainly, the goal here is to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable and to that end, I get asked all the time by new and regular ticket buyers what is acceptable to wear. More to the point, if ticket buyers are asking, we need to have answers so while I tell people to come in whatever they are comfortable in…some people still want to know what everyone else is wearing, and that is their choice.
Mulcahy’s sartorial suggestions are terrific and I’m curious to know which other patron dress codes you’ve encountered that caught your attention (regardless the reason). If available, consider including a reference URL if it exists at the organization’s website.
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I always advise people who are unsure about what to wear to dress as they would if they were going to a restaurant where they’d spend on their entrees what they spent on their tickets.
Hi, Drew,
A friend and I were recently talking about newbie concert attendees in terms of audience building, and she asked me to do a blog post on attending classical concerts for newbies. I ended up writing 3 blog posts at Anatomy of Perceval. What to wear is ALWAYS a consideration. I tend to tell people that I wear nice clothes because the musicians and conductor are getting dressed up to perform and I want to show my respect for them. My blog posts:
Attending a classical music concert part 1: https://ccyager.wordpress.com/2014/12/20/attending-a-classical-music-concert-part-1/
Attending a classical music concert part 2: https://ccyager.wordpress.com/2014/12/27/attending-a-classical-music-concert-part-2/
Listening to classical music: https://ccyager.wordpress.com/2015/01/03/listening-to-classical-music/
Building audience is an ongoing challenge for all orchestras I think. Many focus more on kids and 20-somethings, but my friend and i have been talking about older adults (30+) who may have had some exposure as kids but are still wary of the concert experience. Any ideas, suggestions, etc. are welcome!
Cinda
At ArtsWave, we used to run a regular series on our blog called “What We Wore to Art” with photos of the diverse attire at all kinds of arts events. We hoped to show people that everything is possible – and creativity in dress is welcome.
http://bit.ly/whatweworetoart
What a great idea Margy, thanks for sharing. I love the one titled “What the Kids Wore to Art.”
Love this site…so much fun! http://lastnightatthemet.com