Audience Etiquette *You will develop the ability to watch plays with intelligence and with emotional sensitivity!!

Rules of Theatre Etiquette (aka Proper Behavior) Know the curtain time and arrive early enough to obtain tickets and be seated BEFORE the lights dim. -Once the first act has begun, you will not be seated until intermission Do NOT talk during the production When the curtain opens and the set pleases you, it is a compliment to applaud.

Rules of Theatre Etiquette Continued The curtain call is usually the time that the audience shows with its applause how much it enjoyed the show. -Show-stopper-an especially fine scene/individual performance—rare and brings applause during the show -Standing ovation-reserved for truly outstanding performances

Rules of Theatre Etiquette Continued The play is not over until the last bow has been taken. -ONLY leave the theatre during the performance out of necessity or an emergency WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY?? -Remember: The first acts are usually longer

Rules of Theatre Etiquette Continued Food and drink are NOT permitted in the theatre. -EXCEPTION: Dinner Theatre Come… TO ENJOY! TO LEARN! TO GROW!

Audience Etiquette Vocabulary Curtain Call—at the end of the show when all the actors take their bows Show-stopper—an especially fine scene or musical number during the show when the audience applauds Standing ovation—at the end of the show when the audience stands to applaud

Being a theatre critic Critique—to examine or judge carefully and critically “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” Base your evaluation on “artistic merit” Critiquing means POSITIVE FEEDBACK and negative feedback Encourage, don’t discourage! NO ONE IS SIMON!!