Theater Etiquette – What You Need to Know

Going to theater is an experience unlike anything else in the world. It opens horizons, broadens your mind and makes the impossible come to life before your eyes. Everyone should get to experience the theater at least one time in their lives but not without some training. Theater requires a bit of etiquette and class and nothing is more embarrassing then to attend without knowing. If you are planning on attending the theater and are unsure about the rules of etiquette, here are some key basics to get you up to snuff:

Get rid of your cell phone

Throw it in the ocean, leave it in the car or at a bare minimum put it on vibrate/silent mode. Even that is a bit of a no/no, however, because those close by will hear the buzzing. Nothing is worse than your cell phone blaring to life right in the middle of a pivotal scene at the theater. This one is a no-brainer yet it amazingly manages to happen quite often. Don’t be THAT guy/gal. While we are at it, don’t text either. The light will glare in a theater like a north star. Best bet here is to leave it in the car or at least your purse for the duration.

Keep reasonably quiet

If you are going to say anything to your fellow theatergoers, make sure  you whisper quietly and use tact. Sound travels really well in a theater (go figure) and everyone else probably doesn’t need or want to hear your business. They want to hear the show they paid to see.

If you are sick or tend to fall asleep, stay home

This should go without saying but every time we go to the theater someone hacks their way through the entire performance. Stay home if you are unable to control  your cough or if you are sick. Lots of people in a confined space shouldn’t be exposed to your germs anyway. This also goes for snoring. You know if you are likely to fall asleep. If you are, then stay home please.

Don’t join the cast without being invited

If they are singing and they didn’t ask for crowd participation, keep your lungs delated. No singing allowed until after the show in the car, people. Also, don’t participate in the lines people are (or should in your opinion) saying. Let the actors act and you audition if you are that anxious to get on stage.

Dress comfortably, but not necessarily black tie

If you are there opening night, perhaps you might dress up fancy. Otherwise, wear something somewhat warm as the air is usually cranked up. Dress code for regular performances is very relaxed at most theaters.

Never leave when the actors/actresses are bowing or closing the show

This is just good manners and you should never be so dismissive that you up and leave in the middle of it. They work extremely hard and that end of show bow/close is a way for them to thank you for attending. Be polite and gracious as they are being to you.