Theater Etiquette To Publications / Articles - Theater Etiquette

Posted 9/23/10

• Walk quickly and talk quietly as you enter the theater. Be aware of, and polite to, other persons in the theater.  Make room for them to pass if necessary.

• Visit the restroom and/or get a drink before the performance begins to avoid having to leave your seat during the performance.

• Once you are seated, you may talk quietly to the people next to you until the performance begins.  However, stay alert to instructions or announcements from teachers, ushers or theater personnel.

• When the lights in the theater start to dim, it is the signal that the performance is about to begin. You should stop talking and turn your attention to the stage.

• Stay in your seat throughout the entire performance. Opening doors and walking around during a performance is distracting to the audience and actors.

• During the performance, listen and watch closely. Talking during the performance will disturb others around you, and you may miss the best part. Whispering is still speaking, so please remain quiet.

• If you think something is funny, it’s OK to laugh. If you like something a lot, applaud. This will let the performers know you are enjoying the show.

• At the end of the show, applaud if you had a good time. Applause is how you say “thank you” to the performance. The actors will bow as you applaud. That is how they say “thank you” for coming.

• When your group is called to exit the theater, please move quickly and quietly toward the exit indicated by the ushers, teachers or theater personnel.