Theater Etiquette: A Guide for Audience Members

Theater is a wonderful experience shared between performers and the audience. To make sure everyone enjoys the magic of a live performance, there are certain unspoken “rules” or etiquette that both audience members and performers are encouraged to follow. Good theater etiquette shows respect: the audience respects the performers’ hard work, and performers respect the audience and their fellow crew. Whether you’re attending a show at the Electric Theater or performing onstage with Encore, knowing proper theater etiquette will help you be a considerate participant in the arts. Let’s break down some guidelines for both sides of the curtain.

Etiquette for Audience Members

As an audience member, you play a crucial role in the theater experience. Your reactions, attentiveness, and courtesy contribute to the atmosphere of the show. Here are some tips to be a stellar audience member:

Arrive on Time (or Early): Plan to get to the theater with time to spare. Rushing in late can disrupt the performance and other patrons. If you do arrive after a show has started, theaters will often have you wait until a suitable pause or scene change before seating you, to avoid distractions. It’s best to be in your seat, settled and with your phone silenced, before the lights go down.

Silence Your Devices: Speaking of phones – always silence (or better yet, turn off) your cell phone and any noise-making devices. A ringing phone or text alert in the middle of a quiet, intense scene can break the immersion for everyone. Also, avoid the temptation to text or check your screen; the glow is very noticeable in a dark theater and can be distracting.

No Talking During the Show: Once the performance begins, it’s time to watch and listen quietly. Whispering to your neighbor can be heard more than you think, especially by those sitting nearby or by performers in quieter moments. Save your comments or questions for intermission or after the show. Part of the joy of theater is being fully present in the story unfolding live.

Be Mindful of Reactions: It’s absolutely encouraged to laugh at funny moments, gasp at surprises, and applaud at impressive songs or the end of scenes – your genuine reactions fuel the performers. Just keep reactions appropriate to what’s happening on stage. For example, it’s polite to hold applause during a song until after the last note (unless it’s a show where audience interaction is expected). If something unexpected happens (like a dropped prop), it’s best not to comment or giggle loudly; trust the actors to handle it.

Stay Until the End: Unless it’s an emergency, remain in your seat until the show is completely over (typically after the curtain call bows). Leaving early not only means you miss part of the experience, but it can also disrupt others and seem disrespectful to the performers who are concluding their hard work. During the curtain call, clap for the performers – they’ve put in a lot of effort, and this is your chance to show appreciation.

Respect the Space: Keep your feet off the seats in front of you, and don’t place belongings where they might bother others. If you have a coughing fit or crying child, it’s okay to discreetly step out to the lobby and return when ready. Many theaters don’t allow any food or drink (aside from water) in the seating area – check the rules of the venue and follow them to keep the space clean and comfortable for everyone.

Photography and Recording: Generally, no flash photography or video recording is allowed during theatrical performances. It can be very distracting and is often against copyright rules. Some theaters permit photos before the show or at intermission in the auditorium; others don’t allow any photos of the set. Listen for any announcements or look for signs about this. It’s best to play it safe and not take photos or videos during the show itself. Enjoy the moment live, and if you want a memento, many shows sell programs or you can take a picture with cast members in the lobby afterwards if available.

By following these audience etiquette tips, you help create a respectful environment so everyone can get lost in the show’s magic without distractions. Performers truly appreciate a polite and engaged audience – it often makes them perform even better!

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