The Basics of Good Theatre Etiquette

Quickly and quietly find your seats. If the show has started, ushers will hold you at the door until there's a scene break and then they will escort you to your row. Be ready to follow them.

You really shouldn't be snacking at your seats, but if can't resist, gummy bears or marshmallows wrapped in a cloth napkin are great option. Keep an unwrapped lozenge at the ready.

Turn it off entirely if you can. Nothing is more distracting to your seat neighbors than the blue hue of your cell phone screen and if your ringer goes off, you can own that embarrassment 100%. You were warned! 

Seriously, just wait! You should be glued to your seat once the curtain rises, but if you must...move quickly and quietly and don't return until intermission. People have paid good money to see the show. Don't ruin their experience. 

It's important to be careful not to damped the atmosphere. What happens on stage is pretty magical. Discussing opinions afterwards is part of the fun, just remember, you could be sitting next to the leads family member! Be kind and save it until later.

A quick whisper to your neighbor or an audible reaction to what's happening on stage is fine, but talking during the show is extremely inconsiderate. It is disrespectful to the performers and distracting to the people sitting around you. It's just plain rude. Don't do it. If you're attending with a young child, take some time before the show (before the curtain rises) to explain the story and remind them that once the lights are off there's to be no talking (whispers only). This (along with your model behavior) will help them learn proper Show etiquette and grow respect and admiration for the performing arts.  

Most theaters no longer have a dress code and while dressing to the nines is appreciated, it is not required.  If you consider going to the theatre a special occasion (after all, it's likely not an everyday occurrence for you, am I right?), so maybe don't wear your everyday clothes. Consider if it's a matinee or an evening performance, community theatre or a Broadway show, opening night or a special gala event and allow that to guide your decisions to dress accordingly. A good rule of thumb is to start with what's comfortable, appropriate, and respectful of the venue, and go from there. Please though, no flip flops!! 

Always, always, always...stay for the final bow to show the cast your appreciation. This is the time to clap vigorously to and get a few whoot-whoots in for your favorite character.

Literally and figuratively. Seats are tight and people are getting up and down all throughout the show. Best to leave large bags at home. And try to shake your mood before the curtain. Performers are giving you their all and they feed off of your energy. If you want a great experience...smile, laugh, clap, and show how much you're enjoying yourself. You'll be happy you did. But don't sing along, unless the audience has been invited to.