10/04/2026
We want you to enjoy the show, but be respectful so that others may do the same. Proper theater etiquette centers on minimizing distractions so that both the performers and your fellow audience members can focus entirely on the live show. Unlike a movie theater or home streaming, live theater is an interactive, shared space where the actors can see and hear you.
Before the Curtain Rises
• Arrive early: Aim to get to the venue 20 to 30 minutes before showtime. Late arrivals are highly disruptive.
• Unwrap your snacks: If you have candies, mints, or cough drops, unwrap them before the performance begins. The crinkling of wrappers during a quiet scene can carry far.
During the Performance
• Turn off your phone completely: Merely setting it to vibrate or silent is not enough—alarms can still trigger, and glowing screens are incredibly distracting in a darkened auditorium. Texting, scrolling, or using your phone as a flashlight is universally considered poor manners.
• No talking or whispering: Save your commentary and thoughts for intermission. Even hushed whispering travels easily in acoustic spaces.
• Absolutely no flash photos or video: Capturing audio/video recordings is strictly prohibited due to licensing laws. Flash photos are distracting to others and can pose a safety risk to actors.
• Be mindful of your physical space: Keep your bags securely tucked beneath your seat rather than in the aisle, where they become a trip hazard. Sit upright rather than leaning heavily onto a companion's shoulder, which blocks the sightlines of the person directly behind you.
Intermission and Beyond
• Stay in your seat: Do not leave your row mid-act unless it is absolutely necessary. Plan your restroom or concession breaks for the designated intermission period.
• Show authentic appreciation: Actors thrive on the crowd's energy. Laughing at jokes, gasping at surprises, and applauding generously at of the scene and the end of the show are highly encouraged. Stay in your seat through the final curtain call to show respect to the cast before making your exit.
