It’s 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 ‘on’—to network and make nice and represent their well-fought place in the industry. “No matter how much you might enjoy a show,” some say, “When you’re at the theatre you’re in the workplace.” It’s an interesting perspective (if a hardline one.) So let’s talk everything you need to know about the art of foyer talk.
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’t feel the need to ‘perform’ 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—and to always do so with respect and compassion.
Returning to our point about a foyer not being a relaxing space: ideally, it should be. With a little consideration and some practice, there’s 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.
What is Foyer Talk?
In its most direct definition, “foyer talk” 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—although many venues tend not to stay open after the show.
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’s a lot of “How’s your year shaping up?” and “Have you seen [current show] yet?” and the much-dreaded “So what are you doing next?”
Foyer talk isn’t networking per se … 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’s a great place to make a good impression, and to follow up later.
Talking to Actors in a Foyer
The first thing to know about foyer talk with actors is this: some hate it, some love it. Some can’t stand it, but can still ‘work the room’ like a 1940s movie star. All successful actors realise that there’s an art to it—and a skill most vital to your continuing career.
The best piece of advice we can give to actors in a foyer is to ask questions. Especially 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’re speaking to. Good conversationalists will reciprocate; bad conversationalists won’t, and you’ll save your breath.
The other piece of advice we’d give is that you don’t have to talk about the industry. A little foyer talk can be a great space to bring up your latest hobby, or what’s happening in your life with family, love or even your day job!
Honestly, it’s 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.
Networking in a Theatre Foyer
If your goal is strictly to network with others in that space, we’re 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 and saying “LET ME READ FOR YOU!”
Make an impression as a human being rather than an industry peer/hopeful. Often you’ll 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’ve 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’re both there to see.
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’ve proven yourself able to hold a conversation, you should have things you can call back to when you make contact.
Can you approach industry figures in a foyer if you haven’t met them before? Obviously you can, only don’t be weird about it. We’ll leave this up to you to judge, but there’s no point crossing a room if you’re only going to say something that could have been an email.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Foyer Talk
Regardless of your intentions, there are a few established rules of foyer talk. These may be unwritten and unspoken, but they’re important to know and understand.
Do:
- Congratulate people involved in the production, particularly actors coming out after the show. Be a warm participant in celebrating the success of your peers.
- Patronise the (snack) bar of smaller theatres. It’s an important way for them to make some additional cash towards wages or general upkeep.
- Try to make time for the people you know in the audience. Greet your friends and peers, and ensure that your date isn’t left stranded in the process.
- Prioritise conversation about the show you’re seeing. Especially true if you’re speaking to the creative team that worked on it.
- Ask questions. We’ve covered this above already, but it warrants repetition. Be generous and curious.
- Follow up with industry figures after the event. Even better if you can do so in relation to your previous talk.
Don’t:
- Avoid people if you don’t feel like talking. You don’t have to throw yourself into the fray, but it’s probably better to head home or retreat outside for some air if you don’t feel in the mood to socialise. If you’re lucky enough to know people in the audience, you can also find a ‘safe’ group of friends to hang back with.
- Ask for an audition in the room. This is not a place to solicit work.
- Be overly critical about the industry, or individuals within it. There’s a time and place to have a good ol’ grump about the state of stage and screen. This is never in a public setting.
- Keep looking over the shoulder of the person you’re talking to so you can see who else is there. This is some classic rude behaviour in a foyer setting. Be present.
- Drink to excess. No matter how tempting the allure of an opening night free bar, your evening will only end in disaster.
- Knock the show you’re watching. Especially in interval, or around other theatre guests. You know what? This should be its own section…
What if the Show You’re Watching is Terrible?
One final point, and an important one. If the show you’re all watching together is The Worst Show Of All Time, wait until you’re 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.
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’re speaking to booked that commercial you taped for the previous week, congratulate them and then feel bitter on the way home.
Odds are, if it truly is The Worst Show Of All Time (and they’re more common than you might think), you won’t be alone in your appraisal. Think about what’s actually gained in your public calling out of the show’s flaws.
Conclusion
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.
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’ll reap the benefits of the foyer; at most you’ll practice this important skill and discover that it ain’t so bad at all.
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—there’s no show without them. Period.
Theatres welcome all, and require all to be truly brought to life. Plus, their foyers usually have snacks. What’s not to like?
Good luck.
