Theatre Etiquette Rules
Most Theatres have their own set of theatre etiquette guidelines. The objective is to allow everyone to have a wonderful time at a live performance. Theatre etiquette is important to maintain order and allow the show to proceed on time with no interruptions or disturbances.
When attending a show on Broadway or any other theatre you should follow these theatre etiquette rules:
Have your tickets ready and make sure you stand in the right line, line for ticket holders and the line for purchasing tickets
[image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”667″ align=”right” size=”medium”]Do not cut the line
Be punctual, arrive in advance
If you arrive late you might be expected to wait for an intermission or a time the theatre attendant will allow you to go to your seat
Do not wear a hat or big hair accessories as to not block the view of the people sitting behind
Do not bring young children to adult shows
Choose a show that is age appropriate for your child
If you bring a child to a show they should not sit on your lap but in their own seat
Children should not be left unattended [image source_type=”attachment_id” source_value=”669″ align=”right” size=”small”]
They should understand that talking is not allowed and any noise is not allowed
Feet should be on the floor not on the seat or the back of the seat in front of you
If kids start to cry or talk or are bored and disturb others they should be taken out for a break in the lobby area, do not wait for a scene before stepping out to the lobby
Apologize when you get up in the middle of the show
Your phone should be on silent or off
No texting or surfing with your Ipad or phone or receiving and reading text messages or emails during the show
No talking, singing or humming during the show
No getting up in the middle of the show
Go to the washroom in intermission or before the show starts
No eating or chewing loudly during the show
Sit in your seat properly not leaning to the right or left as not to disturb the person behind you
Sit in your assigned sit so not to have to move and disturb the performers and audience in the event the original ticket holders of these seats show up and you are in their seat and have to move to find your own seat (and disturb a little more)
No flash should be used during the show most theatres do not allow pictures
No kissing or public display of affection as you are disturbing people sitting around you and also making people feel uncomfortable
If you must get up or need to go to the washroom excuse yourself to people you are disturbing
Always be polite and courteous, “excuse me” and “thank you” goes a long way
If you are looking for something in your purse like keys, lipstick, cell phone wait for the end of the show
Do not leave before the show is over to beat the crowd and traffic
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“Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.” – Sonia Ricotti