Following several visits to theatre recently I have noticed that many audience members seem to have forgotten that there are other patrons in venues. It is worth remembering , thankfuly, that gone are the days when formal clothes and similar restrictions were the norm
Theatre etiquette is the phrase used to describe a set of rules and expected behaviours when you step inside an auditorium. Every person in the audience may have a different opinion on what "correct" theatre etiquette entails, however it's likely the vast majority will agree over a collected list of what is deemed "normal" in the theatre, and what is deemed "inappropriate."
- Arrive early to avoid disrupting others. While audience members can arrive late to the theatre, performances in theatres will begin at the advertised start time. So if you arrive late at the theatre, you'll miss part of the action. Some shows will not let in audiences until a suitable moment in the show, so you may miss lots of the show. Try to arrive at the theatre at least 15 minutes before the show so that you can go to the toilet, get a drink, and relax
- Allow other guests to their seats without blocking their way.
- Handle latecomers gracefully and avoid disturbing the performance.
- Be mindful of personal space and respect others' comfort.
- Silence your devices to avoid distractions. During the show, you are not allowed to use your mobile phone in the theatre. Don't text, make calls, or answer calls during a live performance: It's extremely distracting for theatre goers around you, and can be offensive to the actors performing on stage. We recommend turning off your phone, or at least putting it on airplane mode, before a performance. If your phone does go off, decline the calls immediately and put your phone in your bag. If you are caught using your phone throughout a performance, your phone may be confiscated.
- Similarly You cannot take pictures during a performance. If you are caught taking pictures, a front of house member will tell you to stop, and if you are caught doing so multiple times, you may be asked to leave the theatre. There are a few shows which invite audiences to take pictures in the curtain call. If that's the case, then make sure your phone does not obstruct anyone else's view, and turn off your flash.
- Stay quiet during the performance.
- Remain in your seat unless necessary.
- When should I Applaud to show appreciation. An Excellent question! In the U.S. (as opposed to London’s West End, for example), entrance applause—when an actor walks onstage for the first time—is common for certain high-profile stars. If you’re at a musical, applaud following musical numbers. For musicals and straight plays, blackouts cue applause. If a scene ends, but there is no blackout, follow the lead of the rest of the audience.
- . Lastly listen out for anouncements that may contain