{"id":4782,"date":"2017-10-14T15:33:30","date_gmt":"2017-10-14T15:33:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/?p=4782"},"modified":"2017-10-14T15:33:30","modified_gmt":"2017-10-14T15:33:30","slug":"a-handy-guide-to-theatre-etiquette-for-beginners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/performerstuff.com\/mgs\/a-handy-guide-to-theatre-etiquette-for-beginners\/","title":{"rendered":"A Handy Guide to Theatre Etiquette (For Beginners)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A Handy Guide to Theatre Etiquette (For Beginners)<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \"\"<\/a><\/span>

Written by\u00a0Kaitlin Bellamy<\/p>\n

October 10, 2017<\/p>\n<\/font>

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Cellphones. Stage actors\u00a0can see the annoying little glow, and we can hear the disrupting vibration. Those are just a\u00a0couple of the laundry list of annoyances that can ruin a good theatre-going experience for everyone. Here\u2019s a helpful list of Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts to help you avoid being that person.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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1. Unplug<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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TURN. OFF. YOUR. CELL. PHONE. Don\u2019t just put it on vibrate, then check it surreptitiously during the show. Turn it off. Just give us two hours of your time, unplugged. We work very hard to make it worth your while.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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2. Be Early<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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If you’re late, not only will you disrupt the performers and your peers, you might miss more than you planned. Ushers are often instructed to hold late audience members in the lobby until a certain moment has passed. Even if you barely miss the curtain, you might be stuck outside for ten minutes. Rule of thumb: If you\u2019re early, you\u2019re on time. If you\u2019re on time, you\u2019re already late.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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3. Stay In Your Bubble<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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It\u2019s simple, really: You paid for ONE SEAT. Stick to it. Keep your purse, coat, and children out of the aisles. Share the arm rests. The seat in front of you is not a footrest. And, you\u2019d think I wouldn\u2019t have to mention it but Broadway audiences have proved me wrong — electrical outlets on the stage ARE NOT FOR YOUR PERSONAL USE! Keep to your own space.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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4. No Peer Policing<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Remember, you\u2019re here to enjoy the show, not to police the rest of the audience.\u00a0Other people\u00a0might be breaking the rules by talking, but it\u2019s up to the theatre staff to take care of it. Instead, bring the problem to an usher\u2019s attention.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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5. Know Your Limitations<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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My grandmother is a lovely woman, but mostly deaf\u00a0and refuses to admit that she\u2019s hard of hearing. If you are going to see a show, and you have special needs, don\u2019t be ashamed of them. Speak up, and let the theatre help make accommodations. It is so much better than spending two hours asking (at full volume) \u201cWhat did they say?\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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6. Eat Before, Not During<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Unless it is actually Dinner Theatre, please don\u2019t eat during the performance. Concessions should be limited to the lobby during intermission unless it is specifically stated otherwise. In the rare cases where food is allowed, please continue to be respectful. No loud wrappers during tense moments of silence. Even gum can be distracting.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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7. No Paparazzi<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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When we say no photos, we mean it.<\/em> Flash pictures are especially annoying, and even dangerous. In a dark theatre, those flashes are blinding. But even without flash, the constant clicking is highly disruptive to the people around you. Professionals are often brought in to film or take promo shots, so unless you were specifically hired for it, leave the camera at home.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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8. Quiet, Please<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Please, for the love of Shakespeare, shush. No talking during the performance. Feel free to laugh. Feel free to react. But reacting is different than commentating.\u00a0And please, I\u2019m begging you, no matter how much you love a musical, don\u2019t sing along.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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9. Participate<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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There is, however, such a thing as too quiet. Many shows these days are interactive, or call for some level of audience participation. Should you be chosen, or called out by an actor, please just roll with it. It will be over in a moment, and rejecting the chance to be part of the show just makes everyone uncomfortable. Who knows? You may even enjoy yourself!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Need some advice? We\u2019ve got you covered.<\/h3>\n