Student theatre - Parents watching?

[BuwchGochGota]

My DS is in the first year at university and has been cast in a play with one of the university theatre societies.

I normally go and watch him when he performs in plays (at home) and would like to go and watch this. But I'm worried it is a total faux pas for a student's parents to turn up.

I've asked him what he thinks and he's not entirely sure what the "done thing" is, but is perfectly happy for me to come and watch.

Should I go, or will I look really out of place amongst the student audience?

If it's open to the general public there's no reason not to, I would think. As a kid, we all went up to London to see my DB performing in theatrical and musical performances.

My DM literally never came to anything I was in. I went to drama school and there was a bus that went from the college door to her house direct.

I never really got over it, to be honest.

Go, enjoy. Melt away at the end rather than hanging about, but meet the cast after and tell them they were all amazing. Especially the wee lassie hanging around by herself looking a bit awkward.

Thanks @ErrolTheDragon , that's reassuring. DS thinks it will be open to the public.

I went to watch my dd, she's a musician. There were perhaps 15-20 parents there

Our DC is also musical and plays in many uni societies we don’t get to all concerts but certainly they are open to the public and parents go.

Oh that's really sad.

DS isn't studying drama but loves acting and I've been to see everything he's been in up until now (and often get roped in to help out with front of house, costumes etc)

Thank you @gogohmm and @Onthegrid , again it's reassuring that I probably won't be the only parent there!

Oh OP do go please. My DD plays clarinet and I went to see her perform in her uni concerts (sadly not many bc covid). And my DS is a keen sportsman and I try to get to as many of his matches as I can. It does help (not gonna lie) that his uni is only about 40 mins' drive away and the furthest match is about an hour's drive tbf.

There are not many parents there (probs bc they could be coming from anywhere in the country and it's a long drive from Kent to the Midlands to watch a US footy match) but I know that DS appreciates it. He gives me a subtle wave when he spots me as they are warming up 😍

@BuwchGochGota
My DD1 performed in choirs when at university. We just bought tickets. No one could tell we were parents of a performer. Others might have been too for all we knew! We have never gone without her knowing. Just been to see her in her current choir! If tickets are sold, just buy them. Have a lovely time.

We really enjoy seeing DD in her uni productions and there are usually a fair number of other parents there. We don't usually get more than a quick hug at the end as she's usually off to a post-show party though!

Go if your DS is happy for you to!

DS2 (drama llama!) has been in various shows at uni and we've tried to go whenever we can. There have usually been a few parents there - often those of the 'leads' or 'directors' etc (i.e. where it's a big deal of a show for them).

When DH couldn't come I took DS's pseudo-godmother who is now an actor and part of a casting agency. DS accidentally mentioned it in passing and it caused quite a stir backstage apparently!

Ticket sales help to fund the production so go!! My DC heavily involved with (extra curricular) theatre during their degree, we went to every show and it was about 50/50 parents and students.