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THEATRE ETIQUETTE

What most people don't realize is that whether you are on stage or viewing the show, YOU are part of the performance. Theatre is not theatre without an audience. Theatre is NOT just what's happening on the stage, it's the combined energies of actors, technicians and audience. Theatre is truly magic: an art form created out of the energy flowing between people in a dark room, on both sides of the curtain.

For an actor on stage, one of the most disheartening things that can happen is to come out for the curtain call and see people heading for the exits. The act of staying in your seat to show your appreciation for what you've just seen is an important part of the art form.

Some other important elements of theatre etiquette:

Coming late is inappropriate. Latecomers not only affect the performers on stage, they also annoy the other audience members.

Eating or drinking during the performance is inappropriate. The unwrapping of candy, or any item, no matter how quiet you try to be, will be heard by the actors and audience. This is an auditorium where we state no food or drink is allowed in the auditorium, please respect that.

The use of ANY form of photography or video is NEVER appropriate. Flash & video lights in a performer's eyes can be dangerous. Flashes disrupt the lighting effects & the pleasure of other audience members who came to the show. Your flashes were not included in the Lighting Designer's hard work so please don't add your own effects. Your screen while taking video & photographs disturb the technical crew as well as the audience around & in back of you who paid to see a live performance on stage, not a tiny screen in your hand. 

Talking, making comments, & calling out to the performers during the performance, are innappropriate.

Any use of your cell phone during the performance is inappropriate. If it chirps, rings, beeps, whistles or texts, turn it off.

Applause is always approriate - in the right places. - Thank you!