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

Give a whoop!

You can still mime clapping surely without your hands touching?

Go with the sign saying bravo. That's hilarious

Fuck me 😂

Could you use a Vuvuzela instead?

Yeah, that’s the Christmas spirit @kitsuneghost 😂

Could you keep your palms together and just clap your fingers if that makes sense? I just tried it and it was very minimal movement with the arms.

I could just imagine OP whipping out a horn down the west end

This is a non-problem, just put your hands together and vaguely move your fingers as if you are clapping but without the noise. So like miming clapping. I do this at graduation ceremonies as I'm on the stage dressed in an idiotic academic gown and have to clap several hundred times in front of the parents. If I really hit my hands, I'd get tired! Or not, no-one will notice, thumbs up to kids also fine.

@bettynutkins that's what I meant! Put your bottom hand on your leg and there's even less movement. Think of it like the late Queen waving whilst hardly moving at all.

This is just the sweetest thread. It’s really nice you’re worried about looking like you’re not applauding, honestly though no one notices. And if they do they wouldn’t think much of it.

i, for no apparent reason, rest my hand on my lap and just tap the top of that hand with the palm of the other. Like gently. Not even enthusiastically. Often im holding something so just tap my thigh with one hand. I think it started when I was a teen and felt lame clapping and then it just became a habit hahaha.

I don't get how this would help? It would still involve rapid arm movements? Or am I missing something?

I would make / order a custom flag on a stick that you can hold up saying 'applause' with clapping hands ;) a bit tongue in cheek but completely fine - and would mean your hands can stay resting in your lap

Learn to whistle with your fingers in your mouth.

Shows appreciation and keeps your hands busy

How about a slow golf clap… you really only have to do it a few times and then start digging in your purse or pockets for something imaginary if you feel conspicuous. Otherwise just smile and don’t bother with the theater.

Do you attend a lot of clapping events? I would say I’m pretty average and only encounter one or two clapping events a year, so wouldn’t think it’s that big of a daily issue.

A smile is the biggest thing, I think.

Hold your hands, palms up in receptive position?

Thumbs up is more muscle work I think.

Showing appreciation for the performance is a part of the fun. I hope you find a way to do it that works for you, OP.

I had a condition which meant I couldn’t clap for about 18 months ( one of my hands was disabled) and part of my job requires me to go to the theatre. A lot.

I mimed clapping. You don’t need to bang your hands together.

So sorry to hear about your health, it must make daily life extremely hard
Please try not to worry about what others might think, although easier said than done I know.
You could always just make sure you are holding a drink cup at the end as if it's that that's preventing you from clapping.

A thumbs up would be fine, it's repeated movement that causes weakness for me

I would and have done a very slow mime clap, due to a skin condition. Nobody notices.

Thank you, yes you are right, it does. It's the frustrating things like brushing my hair or folding laundry that you dont think about until they are tricky

I'm really grateful for this thread, I was feeling very self conscious as my disability is so invisible, but this has made me feel less alone /like there are different options

My daughter does a lot of performing arts so it's a fairly regular thing for me
(And she loves going to watch shows too)

(and we went to a pantomime this evening, which is why it was on my mind)

Can you make a little heart with your hands?

My mum had MG and it really is debilitating x

I've never noticed if others applaud or not, and can't see why anyone would judge you if you don't. Please, think nothing of it.