Theatre Etiquette

We want everyone who attends a live theatre performance to thoroughly enjoy that performance. Below are a few items, that if followed, will greatly enhance the experience for all concerned.

Please remember that this is not a movie. The people on the stage can hear and see you. Your reactions fuel them. Your negative actions can also affect them. Although you may never see this reaction, because being performers, they are skilled at hiding them, you are affecting them. The performers and all those people behind the scenes have worked very hard to create an evening of entertainment for you. Please show them the respect they deserve.

Also remember that the people sitting near you did not come to hear your conversation with your buddy, either in the theatre or on the phone. They did not come to hear you rattle paper or your kid fuss. They came to enjoy the performance.

No cell phones: Don't let them ring or buzz during a performance. Do not speak on them during a performance. If you must take an emergency call, leave the auditorium and only begin speaking to your caller once you are away from the rest of the audience. Even your neat watch that chimes or beeps the hour is a distraction.

Coming and Going: Please do not enter or leave the auditorium during a performance unless it is an emergency. Please arrive before the performance begins. The time posted is the time the show actually starts... there are no commercials or previews! It is the option of the theatre to prevent audience members from entering the auditorium until intermission or at least a scene change.

Noises: You may not notice it, but candy or cough drop wrappers, whether unwrapped quickly or slowly, make a lot of noise! Please don't unwrap them during the performance. If you suspect you will need one, have a supply on hand already unwrapped.

Noises, part two: We love babies, but if they fuss or fidget or cry, we want them to be somewhere else.

Fidgeting: Please sit still. Ramming elbows into your neighbor or kicking the seat in front of you is highly annoying.

Sight Lines: Be aware that hats and large hairdos impede sightlines.

Pictures: Usually photography of any kind is prohibited during a performance. Check with the theatre, and if they do allow you to take pictures, don't use the flash or the video light. If you would like a picture of the cast, ask the theatre manager. They will probably be happy to assemble the cast after the performance for a short photo session.

Now for some Dos:

Do laugh in the appropriate places.

Do applaud with enthusiasm in the appropriate places.

Do tell all your friends, after the show, what a great time you had.

Comments?? Anything to Add?? Please let me know.

Links:

Apparently we are not alone:

http://www.waysidetheatre.org/Education/Etiquette.htm

http://centerstagechicago.com/theatre/articles/etiquette.html