Act Right! Proper Theater Etiquette I am too cool to act a fool... yeah.

Attire: What Not to Wear From the Shakespeare Theater Company WebsiteShakespeare Theater Company Website “… patrons usually dress in business casual attire for non-Opening Night Performances and in formal business attire for Opening Nights. However, we'd rather have a patron come in jeans and a sweatshirt than not come at all out of concern for how they are dressed. “…the theatre can be slightly chilly due to a particular set design's impact on the air flow. Lap blankets are available at the coat check if you get chilly.” Mrs. Penn says, “Complimentary lap blankets are not typical so bring a sweater if you tend to get chilly.” I am lookin’ FINE!

Golden Rules of Theatre Etiquette THE BIGGIES! Silence cellular phones, watch alarms, gaming devices, etc. before entering the theatre or leave them with house management. Unwrap all candies and cough drops before the show starts.

Golden Rules of Theatre Etiquette Be on Time –Late arrivals are often not seated. –Arrive 30 minutes before the show starts to get your ticket and use restrooms etc. –Get to your seat before the performance begins.

Golden Rules of Theatre Etiquette Do Not Speak During The Performance –Laughing at jokes and applauding the actors is encouraged. –Do not repeat the dialogue or explain the plot to your companion. –You are not at home watching television. –Do not hum, sing along or keep time with any body part. –Calling out an actor’s name or talking back to the characters is generally not acceptable.

Golden Rules of Theatre Etiquette Force yourself to wait for a pause or intermission before digging through a purse, backpack or shopping bag. Leaving while the show is in progress is discourteous. Stand up to allow other patrons to get to their seats. No Pictures Please –Copyright laws prohibit photographing [or recording] most performances.

Golden Rules of Theatre Etiquette Do Not Put Things On The Stage –The stage is not a resting spot for your pocketbook or your playbill or your feet. These items are ugly for the audience to look at and dangerous for the actors. Keep Your Feet Off The Seats –Do not drape your legs over the seat in front of you and do not walk on another seat to get in or out of yours.

Golden Rules of Theatre Etiquette Finally, when in doubt… Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.