Is it a kick for you to always be the first person to start clapping or does it just happen because you’re truly impressed with the performance? (Theater, Orchestra, Movie, etc).
Thanks
Q
Not at all. Half the time I’m not sure if the applause is necessary.
I only start the applause if it’s there’s that awkward pause where the actors are in a “freeze” and the audience isn’t sure if this is the right time to applaud or not. I’ve been that actor, and when you’re waiting for the applause so you can break the freeze, it’s agonizing. I blame the director; one should never direct the blocking so that applause is assumed or anticipated, but they do. So I’ll be the one that starts the house clapping so we can get on with the show.
But overall, I offer less applause than most audience members. For example, I don’t applaud all musical numbers, only the great ones. Again, because I was that actor, and there’s nothing that drains your energy and makes you feel more weak and self-conscious than courtesy applause. Even silence is better and more honest. Good applause comes when something connects so strongly with the audience that the applause is spontaneous and heartfelt, not because the music went “ta-DA!”
As a singer (read: choir member) in a church choir (and sometimes a handbell ringer), I will vouch for the fact that sometimes there’s a quality in silence that says that the music or the words connected with the audience in a way too profound for applause. Sometimes we sing stuff which is just plain fun, or so technically difficult that applause is appropriate or enjoyed, but sometimes, when we sing right before the prayer, and we sing something deeply moving, reverent silence is the right response. It’s a church service. Everything we sing is supposed to be an act of worship, not a performance.
If the applause is apparently spontaneous from the congregation, I’ll take it even if it isn’t the “right” response. But if the guy at the lecturn has to say "let’s show the choir our appreciation . . . " um no. Just no. Especially if the choir is departing the “stage” as quickly and quietly as possible.
Nope. I don’t enjoy clapping in the first place so I really am not going to do it first.
My husband, however, will sincerely be first and will start the audience off if no one is clapping and he thinks we should all be clapping. He has large hands that he manages to clap very, very loudly, so he can get an audience applauding quite quickly. He likes clapping for performers. I think as a performer himself he feels a sympathy for the person on stage and wants to show his support.
Oh, absolutely. And “applause starters” who stumble over moments like that make my teeth itch. You don’t HAVE to applaud every single song, folks! Sometimes, it’s way better if you don’t. And if you must clap, please wait a moment or two (or three or four) to let that beautiful silence speak first!
I am the person that has to make the awkward last clap, a full second after everyone else has stopped.
I started to make applesause on one occasion… but ditched it for Apple Rhubarb Pie, instead. Being the trusty crusty fellow that I am.
I wanted to add for those of you who like to always start the applause: If you’re ever at a classical music concert, please be familiar with the music and the pauses inbetween movements and don’t go if you’ve been drinking heavily and may nod off.
Need I say more? 
Q
I made the New Year’s Resolution this year to be the applause starter for any performance put on by children or teens; at school, or church, or wherever. I hate it when there’s that awkward pause between the completion of the performance and the tentative “pity applause” that starts leaking out. The way I figure, the whole purpose of kids being in a choir, band, play, etc… is so they can hear some applause. Lord knows these kids seldom get a measurable cut of the gross…
Adult performers? You’re on your own.
I have a couple of times. It’s never pity applause. It’s when I think it’s good, but I’m tired of waiting.
My choir director at church does it all the time, and makes a big show of it. He will not let there be that awkward silence. But he’s also very well trained and knows when applause is inappropriate.
That said, we have applause for God sometimes, too. I bet that seems weird to some people.
I never start applause. And I usually feel vaguely odd about clapping. I mostly clap due to peer pressure. I always think, “The dim boy claps because the others clap.” (“The Freaks at Spurgin Road Field”)