Attending live theatre is an exciting and immersive experience, but good audience etiquette is essential to ensuring that everyone—including performers and fellow theatergoers—can enjoy the show. Unlike watching a movie at home, theatre is a live performance, and what the audience does affects the actors on stage.
Whether you’re a seasoned theatre fan or attending your first show, following these theatre etiquette guidelines will help make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
1. Arrive on Time (or Even Early!)
⏰ Why it Matters:
• Arriving late distracts both the audience and the performers.
• Many theatres won’t allow late seating until an appropriate break.
• If you arrive just before the show starts, you may rush and disrupt others while finding your seat.
✅ Pro Tip: Aim to arrive at least 20–30 minutes before curtain time. This gives you time to find parking, grab a program, and settle in.
2. Silence Your Phone (Better Yet, Turn It Off!)
📵 Why it Matters:
• Even a vibrating phone can distract actors and audience members.
• Bright screens ruin the atmosphere—a dark theatre means no glowing screens!
• Texting and scrolling during a show is rude and disrespectful to performers.
✅ Pro Tip: Turn your phone completely off or on airplane mode before the show begins.
3. No Talking During the Show
🗣️ Why it Matters:
• Whispering—even quietly—can be heard in a live theatre setting.
• Actors feed off the audience’s energy, and chatter can throw off their timing.
• Other audience members are there to focus on the performance, not your side conversation.
✅ Pro Tip: If you must say something, wait until intermission.
4. Unwrapping Candy or Snacks? Do It Before the Show!
🍬 Why it Matters:
• Crinkling wrappers is surprisingly loud in a quiet theatre.
• No one wants to hear rustling instead of an important monologue!
✅ Pro Tip: If you have a snack, unwrap it before the show starts or during intermission.
5. Stay in Your Seat Until Intermission or the End
🚶 Why it Matters:
• Getting up mid-performance disrupts the actors and audience.
• Some small theatres don’t allow re-entry if you leave during a performance.
✅ Pro Tip: Use the restroom before the show starts or during intermission.
6. Keep Your Feet & Belongings to Yourself
👜 Why it Matters:
• Legroom in theatres is limited—putting feet up on the seat in front of you is disrespectful.
• Large bags should be kept under your seat, not in the aisle.
✅ Pro Tip: Travel light and be mindful of your personal space.
7. No Flash Photography or Recording
📸 Why it Matters:
• Flash photography can blind actors, affecting their performance.
• Many productions have copyright restrictions, meaning recording is not allowed.
• Your phone’s bright screen distracts both performers and audience members.
✅ Pro Tip: Check the program for official photography rules and enjoy the moment without recording.
8. Show Respect During the Curtain Call
🎭 Why it Matters:
• Actors work incredibly hard—applauding is the best way to show appreciation.
• If the performance was amazing, consider giving a standing ovation.
• Leaving before the curtain call is considered disrespectful to the performers.
✅ Pro Tip: Stay seated and applaud until the cast leaves the stage.
9. Dress Appropriately for the Theatre
👗 Why it Matters:
• While dress codes vary, theatre is a special event, and dressing appropriately shows respect.
• Some venues allow casual attire, but for opening nights or professional productions, smart casual or formal wear is recommended.
✅ Pro Tip: When in doubt, opt for neat and polished attire.
10. Enjoy & React, But Be Mindful
😂 Why it Matters:
• Theatre is a live experience, and actors appreciate authentic audience reactions.
• Laughing at funny moments, gasping at surprises, or tearing up at emotional scenes is part of the experience.
• However, excessive cheering, loud commentary, or over-the-top reactions can disrupt the performance.
✅ Pro Tip: React naturally, but respect the moment and the performers.
Final Thoughts: Theatre is a Shared Experience
Theatre is one of the most magical art forms, and audience members play a huge role in making each performance special. By following theatre etiquette, you ensure that everyone—actors, crew, and fellow audience members—can enjoy the show to the fullest.
What’s your biggest pet peeve about bad theatre etiquette? Share your thoughts in the comments!
