Not to clap at the end of a performance?

[HesBehindYou]

I have a condition that means clapping can make me pretty unwell pretty quickly. But it just feels so desperately rude not to applaud.

I generally at least just applaud a bit if it's one of the children's school shows or similar, because I worry the other parents will really judge. But often it takes hours before I feel recovered.

But is it really bad not to applaud at a professional show? Any suggestions what I could do instead? I don't want to look like I haven't enjoyed it, but it really does make me unwell

Cheer and take your phone out for a photo of the curtain call?

Oh I really know how you feel. I struggle to clap too. Not all the time, but I've got arthritis in my hands and sometimes it's just too painful. It does feel awkward to just sit there doing nothing.

I sometimes clap silently, although I worry it looks sarcastic because it looks like a slow clap. I try a big smile at the performers instead, or if it's something loud, I'll give a whoop instead.

Ok perhaps this is a daft thought, but it is what popped into my head. It would certainly be a cheerful and easy way of indicating appreciation. But you might feel a slightly little bit daft.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/eBuyGB-Clappers-Noisemakers-Children-Birthday/dp/B0BV36B88K/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=hand+clappers&qid=1703864651&sr=8-8

right hand across your heart and a big smile- would that work.

I LOVE this idea and shall be doing it myself in future - thank you @twigolsenisabrat

Bravo! Maybe?

Just smile.

What happens- someone notices and thinks you're a moody cow. Oh well. You're not. Issue resolved
Someone notices and says we'll you're a moody cow. You smile and say no no, I loved it but I have bad arms. They feel like shit. Issue resolved.
No one notices. Issue resolved

Honestly, don't do it. It's fine x

Record a sound bite of applause on your phone and press play when appropriate. Don't give a thought to those who judge you because of your condition. You've appreciated the performance and that's all that matters.

Me too, my hands are arthritic. I can clap properly for a few seconds then that's it. I've never been frowned upon tbh, I think if you can't clap properly then people should assume there is a genunine reason and its not just because of bad manners or unappreciative response.

I'd just put my hands together to look like a clap, I can't see anyone would notice if they're moving or not

I never applaud
Just because it seems such a ridiculous thing to do.
But there is plenty of other idiots doing it so they won't really miss mine anyway.

I also get a weird feeling from clapping, makes my arm muscles twitch, hard to explain - I deal with it by not clapping until everyone else is and stopping quickly

I've seen people clasp their hands together at their chest and smile instead of clapping. Same message, less movement, and leaves performers in no doubt that you're showing your appreciation.

Ah, at least the idiots are not name calling others though. Huh

I can't clap, so clap my good hand twice against my leg and that's it

This is what I do too.

Mime clap. Noone will know

As a long-time am dram nerd... don't worry about it. If you're in the front row of a church hall, yes maybe the cast will notice. If you're in any sort of professional performance, the lights are too bright for those on the stage to be able to see. Whoever is sitting beside you might notice, but you can explain to them at the beginning of the show if you really want.

I wouldn't give it a second thought and I wouldn't do anything to injure yourself!

I agree that probably no one will notice, but if it's worrying you, could you take a small sign saying "Bravo" or similar to hold up.

What a good idea to take a sign to hold up! Like the darts! But best not 180! Great show! Might be better sentiment.

But even that means holding up
her arms for quite a which is an unnecessary movement in this case. Plus a sign will annoy people behind.

Only if held very high, I was envisaging just having it at chest height really. It is just a gesture.

As a performer….I’d be happy with an audible ‘brava’ or ‘bravo’ and a smile. I love the hand over the heart idea.
But as someone mentioned earlier, in a production with stage lighting, we can’t really see you. If we can, the smile will say everything.
Oh, and if you enjoyed it — tell your friends to come along!

I was going to suggest a thumbs up or waving paper but I think waving paper would have a similar affect to clapping

Definitely do NOT clap if it makes you feel unwell. No-one will notice at all, please don't worry!

If you’re worried about what people around you might think, just bandage one or both of your hands.