by Ringo » Jan 5th, '20, 13:27
Everybody loves a thrill! My bread and butter is fake seance and spirit theatre.
I honestly believe that audience reaction and emotional investment in these shows depends upon which country you are in. I have (on other forums) discussed the perils and thrills of performing supernatural entertainment in Northern Europe. I'll write a bit here.
This is the frozen land of vikings, pagan gods and hell is an eternal cold instead of the Christian version of a burning hell. This is reflected in the souls of the people here. They too are cold, reserved and stiff. It's hard to make a Scandinavian person show an outburst of emotion. As oppossed to people from, South America say, who are wam blooded, open and invest emotionally in experiences.
As an excellent example, I watch a TV program here where lottery winners are surprised at work etc by an official handing out their prizes. They don't know they have won until they are surprised. I have seen people win millions and barely crack a smile. There is something quite disturbing about seeing a dour looking person holding a cheque for a million amongst confetti cannons. They maybe can muster a mumbled, "That's nice".
So anybody planning a spook show should definitely think about audience reactions - what is the probable reaction and match that with your performance. A huge finale greeted with quiet, polite applause can feel like a failure. A more discreet finish met with the same applause can feel dignified and fitting.