Theatre Etiquette
Notes
Theatre Etiquette
Notes
…which means you
should take some.
Theatre Etiquette
Notes
Yes, you.
You should take some notes.
Theatre Etiquette
Notes
Test tomorrow.
I promise.
Theatre Etiquette
Notes
Ohhhhhh, I see.
Now you want to take notes.
Theatre Etiquette
Notes
What’s the BIG deal?
What’s the BIG deal?
It is important to act in an appropriate
fashion depending on the event in which
you are attending!
This behavior might be OK at a
LHHS football game
What’s the BIG deal?
It is important to act in an appropriate
fashion depending on the event in which
you are attending!
BUT it would NOT be appropriate at
a funeral for say… like the Pope.
What’s the BIG deal?
Every situation your in calls for a specific
behavior, and if you fail to meet that
expectation, by the general public, to
behave in that certain way…you will
IRRITATE AND ANNOY those around you.
What Is Theatre Etiquette?
Definition:
Theatre etiquette is the proper
way to look and behave
when one is attending a
theatrical experience.
The Movie Theater Example
Have you ever sat
next to, behind, or
in front of
someone in a
movie theater
who did not know
how to behave
properly during a
movie?
The Rules
Dress Appropriately
Do not wear sandals, hats, or shorts.
If the show is in the evening you
should dress more formal that you
would if the show is during the day.
The general rule is the more you pay
for your ticket the more formal you
should dress.
The Rules
Be in your seat on time
It is customary to be at the theatre 30
minutes before the show begins.
Use the restroom before going to your
seat, Intermission and after the show.
If you need to get up from your seat
before or after the show, be sure to
say, “Excuse me,” as you pass.
Do not rock in your seat.
Share armrests and leg space.
The Rules
Mind Your Feet
Keep your feet in front of you.
Do not place feet or personal
belongings in the aisle.
NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER
NEVER PUT YOUR FEET ON THE SEATS.
Do not kick the chair in front of you.
Gentlemen please keep your feet and
legs still during the performance.
The Rules
Cell phones, Pagers, Watches
Please turn off all things that beep and
electronic devices (avoid interference).
Never use your cell phone in the theater.
Always wait until intermission.
If you accidentally leave something on,
just turn it off once it beeps, never
answer it.
The Rules
Cameras, Video-cameras, MP3
You are never permitted to bring any
of these things into a theatre.
All live theatre is performed with
performance rights which do not allow
for the recording of the show.
Flashes and clicks distract the actor.
You will be removed from the theatre
if you break this rule. And your film or
camera will be confiscated.
The Rules
Shhhhh! Silence is Golden
During a performance do not talk,
sing, hum, or even whisper.
Keep your thoughts to yourself until
the intermission or after the show.
If you have anything negative to say
WAIT until you leave the theatre.
Not only can the people around you
hear you (who knows who they are)
but so can the actors onstage.
The Rules
No Food, Drinks, or Candy
Do not bring food, drinks, or candy
into the theatre.
You may sometimes bring a bottle of
water into certain theatres but often it
must stay in your bag.
If you have to have cough drops only
unwrap them during applause.
Never stick your gum anywhere
except in the trash.
The Rules
Applause! Applause!
You should applaud when the
conductor or director enters the room.
Clap with enthusiasm BUT never shout,
whistle or yell during the performance.
Clap at the end of scenes, songs,
acts, and completed performances.
You may also clap to applaud a
moment.
You do not need to stand during a
standing ovation. You should only
stand if you feel obliged to do so.
The Rules
When It’s Over…
Applaud, whether you enjoyed the
show or not. You may applaud louder
for certain characters if you like.
Do not rush to the exits. It is very rude
to the actors and director to rush out.
Take everything you have or have
received with you, even if you don’t
want it anymore. LEAVE NO TRASH!!!
Keep your thoughts to yourself until
you leave the theatre.
Some Suggestions
If you’re bored try to find an
interesting character, set piece, or
costume design to look at.
Give the show a chance! Most plays,
especially those in 3 acts, are often
very slow until the third act. The
playwright is giving you lots of
background information until that
point - building suspense.
Try not to leave - but if you must (and I have) - leave at Intermission.
Some Suggestions
Read the program. Often you can get
useful information and interesting
notes from the director.
Use the intermission to stretch your
legs, get something to eat, and use
the restroom. Know that second acts
are often shorter than the first.
If you ever have to question whether
your behavior or action would be
inappropriate…DO NOT DO IT!