As I entered a sold-out cinema for a "Wicked: Part One" preview event in Sydney this week, I had a terrifying thought: What if people started to sing along? Moments into the film and just seconds into the first song, my worst fear was realized. A group of musical theater kids, who fancied themselves more talented than the on-screen cast, broke into song during the movie, disrupting the experience for everyone.
After a few exaggerated sighs and one or two side-eyes, they eventually got the message and stopped singing. But it made me wonder: Should singing be allowed in cinemas, especially during musicals? The cinema etiquette debate led me online, where I found countless TikToks discussing the annoyance of audience members singing along during films.
One user, @nadismediacorner, humorously stated, "Don't leave your movie theatre etiquette at home. I just know people are going to be singing along, but I refuse to be interrupted." Another user, @sing_with_jake, remarked, "When people start singing during the 'Wicked' movie ... don't even try." This shows a clear consensus among viewers regarding the unwelcomeness of singing during a film.
Theatre and movie etiquette are basically: sit down, be quiet, and let the professionals perform. Disruptions like audience singing ruin the immersive experience intended by the filmmakers and performers.
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