We will be taking notes! You need your journal

Theatre Etiquette Notes

…which means you should take some. Theatre Etiquette Notes …which means you should take some.

You should take some notes. Theatre Etiquette Notes Yes, you. You should take some notes.

What’s the BIG deal?

This behavior might be OK at a 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! This behavior might be OK at a football game

BUT it would NOT be appropriate at a funeral for say… like the Pope. 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.

IRRITATE AND ANNOY those around you. What’s the BIG deal? Every situation you are in calls for a specific behavior. If you fail to meet that expectation 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 formally than you would if the show is during the day. The general rule is the more you pay for your ticket the more formally 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 or 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.

The Rules All electronic devices: Please turn off all 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 makes noise, 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 unless specifically told by the theatre staff that food and drink are permitted. Water is usually the exception, but ask first. If you have to have cough drops only unwrap them before the play begins. 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 but, if you loved the show, stand during the final applause!

The Rules When It’s Over… Applaud, whether you enjoyed the show or not. You may applaud louder for certain characters if you like. 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!