Attending a live theater performance is a unique and immersive experience, one that can stir emotions, provoke thought, and provide a much-needed escape from everyday life. However, for all its magic, theater is also a shared space where respect for others is essential. Good theatre etiquette ensures that everyone in the audience can enjoy the show without distractions, interruptions, or discomfort. Unfortunately, some audience members disregard these unwritten rules, unknowingly becoming “that person” who negatively impacts the experience for others.
In this essay, we will explore the key aspects of theatre etiquette and provide practical tips on how to be a respectful, considerate, and appreciative member of the audience. From managing your phone to choosing the right seat, we’ll discuss the behaviors that can make or break a live theater experience, ensuring that you never become the person everyone else is annoyed by.
- Arrive on Time, and if You’re Late, Wait for the Right Moment
Punctuality is one of the most basic yet often overlooked aspects of theatre etiquette. Arriving late can disrupt the performance, distract the actors, and disturb other audience members. The lights dimmed, the curtain rises, and the magic of the stage begins—nothing kills the atmosphere more than a latecomer stumbling into the theater while everyone else is settled in.
Why it’s important:
Disruption to Performers and Audience: When you arrive late, you’re likely to miss important parts of the story, but you’re also likely to distract others as you try to find your seat, potentially blocking their view. Additionally, your arrival might draw attention away from the performance.
Late Seating Policies: Many theatres have a policy where late arrivals are not allowed to enter until a certain scene or act is complete. If you’re running behind, be prepared to wait in the lobby until the timing is appropriate for you to re-enter.
What to do:
Plan your journey to ensure that you arrive early. If you’re attending a popular show, allow extra time for parking or public transportation delays.
If you do arrive late, be as discreet as possible. Wait for a cue from the ushers or the performance before entering. Moving as quietly as possible ensures you’re not disturbing the experience for others.
- Turn Off or Silence Your Phone
Smartphones are an integral part of modern life, but when it comes to theater, they can be a major disruption. The glow of a phone screen in a darkened theater can distract other audience members, and a phone ringing in the middle of a dramatic scene can completely break the illusion.
Why it’s important:
Distraction to Others: A ringing phone or a glowing screen can divert attention away from the performance and break the concentration of those around you.
Respect for Performers: For actors and performers, maintaining focus on the performance is crucial. A ringing phone can disrupt their flow and distract them in the middle of a scene.
What to do:
Before the show begins, turn your phone off or, at the very least, set it to silent mode. If you need to keep it on for emergency reasons, make sure to keep it in your pocket or bag, away from view.
Resist the urge to check your phone during the performance. Even if you’re tempted to glance at it, remember that it takes away from the experience you’re having, as well as the experience of those around you.
- Avoid Talking During the Performance
Live theater thrives on the collective experience of being present and immersed in the performance. Talking, even quietly, during the show can disrupt the flow of the production and distract other audience members. Whether you’re commenting on the action, discussing the plot, or engaging in side conversations, speaking aloud while others are trying to focus can be frustrating.
Why it’s important:
Distraction to Others: Even if you’re whispering, your conversation can disrupt the concentration of other audience members, many of whom are trying to follow the performance without distractions.
Disrespect to the Performers: Actors work hard to bring their characters to life, and it’s distracting for them to hear conversations from the audience. Their performance deserves your full attention.
What to do:
If you feel the need to discuss something, wait until intermission or after the show. If you’re with a group, respect the space around you and speak quietly in between scenes or acts.
If you must ask a question during the performance, try to hold off until a natural break in the show or use non-verbal communication, like a quick gesture.
- Be Mindful of Your Body and Belongings
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the theater, but being conscious of your body and belongings can make a big difference in how you impact the experience for others. Fidgeting, rustling bags, and noisy snacks are small but significant disruptions that can pull attention away from the stage.
Why it’s important:
Noise Distractions: The sound of a crinkling candy wrapper or a rustling jacket can be incredibly loud in the quiet, focused environment of a theater. Even the best acoustics can’t mute these noises, and they often stand out.
Space and Comfort: If you’re sitting in a small theater seat, being considerate of your personal space and the space of others is crucial. Spreading out too much or leaning into someone else’s space can make the experience uncomfortable for others.
What to do:
Keep your movements minimal and avoid adjusting your seat too much during the performance.
If you bring snacks, opt for quiet ones like granola bars instead of noisy chips or candy. It’s also a good idea to eat them during intermission so you’re not crunching or rustling during a quiet moment.
Store your belongings (like bags or jackets) underneath your seat or in the designated space to avoid obstructing the aisle.
- Respect the Intermission
Intermission is an important time for the performers, the crew, and the audience. It allows everyone to stretch, use the restroom, and refresh themselves. However, intermission can also become a time of chaos if not handled respectfully.
Why it’s important:
Rest and Recovery for Everyone: For performers, intermission is a brief moment of respite before they dive back into their performance. Similarly, for the audience, it’s a chance to discuss the show, gather their thoughts, and refresh for the second act.
Disruption: If people rush out of their seats or crowd in the aisles during intermission, it can create unnecessary congestion, slowing down the flow of people and potentially leading to frustration or accidents.
What to do:
Use intermission wisely, but be mindful of time. If you need to use the restroom or grab a drink, do so quickly to avoid holding up the line or causing unnecessary delays.
If you’re in a group, consider organizing your movements so you’re not blocking the aisles or seating areas when others are trying to pass.
- Applaud at the Right Time
The act of applause is an integral part of live theater, but it’s important to know when it’s appropriate to clap. While applause is a natural expression of appreciation, premature clapping or excessive noise can interfere with the pacing of the performance.
Why it’s important:
Timing is Key: Applauding at the wrong moment can disrupt the rhythm of the performance, especially during dramatic or poignant scenes when silence is meant to dominate.
Respect for Performers’ Work: Applauding after a key scene or a difficult piece of acting shows appreciation for the performers’ efforts. Waiting until the appropriate moment respects their performance.
What to do:
Wait until the end of a scene, or when the actors have fully finished delivering their lines, before clapping. During more intense moments, save your applause for the conclusion of the act or performance.
If you are unsure, follow the lead of other audience members. If they begin clapping, it’s typically the appropriate time to join in.
- Keep Your Focus on the Show
It’s easy to get distracted by your surroundings, especially in a social setting like a theater. However, maintaining focus on the performance is one of the simplest ways to practice good etiquette. If you’re constantly checking your watch, whispering to your neighbor, or fiddling with your phone, you’re not only missing out on the experience, but you’re also detracting from the enjoyment of others.
Why it’s important:
Attention to Detail: Theater is a live art form, and the subtle nuances of a performance can be lost if you’re not paying attention. The power of theater lies in its ability to captivate and immerse, but that requires your full attention.
Consideration for Others: If you’re distracted, it’s easy to accidentally distract others. Good theater etiquette ensures that everyone around you can be fully engaged in the experience.
What to do:
Keep your attention focused on the stage. If you find your mind wandering, refocus by thinking about the plot, the characters, or the emotions being conveyed.
If you do need to leave your seat, try to do so discreetly and without disrupting others.
