What does clocking the audience mean in drama?

In the context of acting, "clocking the audience" refers to being overly aware of, or pandering to, the presence of the audience. It can involve making direct eye contact, breaking character, or performing in a way that seems artificial or overly theatrical.

Clocking the audience is generally considered a negative in drama because it can break the illusion of reality, causing the audience to be reminded of the fact that they are watching a performance rather than experiencing it. This, in turn, can lead to a less immersive and emotionally engaging experience for the audience.

To avoid clocking the audience, actors strive to stay in character and remain focused on the internal motivations of their roles, rather than on their external appearance or the presence of the audience.