A Guide to Proper Audience Etiquette at the Theatre

Because the actors can see you. Yes, you.

Going to the theatre is magical. It’s glamorous. It’s communal. It’s a centuries‑old ritual of storytelling and artistry. It is not, however, your living room.

To help ensure everyone has a delightful time — including the performers who are literally sweating under stage lights for your entertainment — here is a friendly, funny, and lovingly exasperated guide to proper audience behavior.

Arrive on Time (Early, Even!)

If the show starts at 7:30, that is not your cue to begin looking for your shoes. Late arrivals cause:

• stress

• chaos

• the dreaded “flashlight escort of shame”

Arrive early. Settle in. Pretend you’re royalty. It’s fun.

Phones Off. No, Really. OFF.

Airplane mode is cute. Silent mode is adorable. But the only truly safe option is OFF.

Because nothing says “immersive theatrical experience” like:

• a ringtone

• a vibrating purse

• or the glow of someone checking Instagram during a soliloquy

If Shakespeare wanted mood lighting, he would’ve written it in.

Talking During the Show? Absolutely Not.

Whispering is still talking. Mouthing words is still talking. Pointing at the stage and whisper‑shouting “THAT’S THE GUY FROM THE THING!” is… you guessed it… still talking.

If you must speak, keep it brief, quiet, and ideally telepathic.

Snacks: Choose Wisely

Some theatres allow food. Some don’t. But all theatres agree on one thing:

NO WRAPPERS THAT SOUND LIKE YOU’RE OPENING A BAG OF POTATO CHIPS INSIDE A JET ENGINE.

If your snack requires:

• unwrapping

• crunching

• slurping

• shaking

• or a small construction crew

…save it for intermission.

Reactions Are Welcome — Within Reason

Laugh! Cry! Gasp! Applaud! These are all encouraged.

However:

• Do not shout advice at the actors.

• Do not sing along unless the show explicitly invites it.

• Do not loudly explain the plot to your seatmate like you’re hosting a TED Talk.

React, don’t reenact.

Respect Personal Space

Theatre seats are cozy. Sometimes too cozy.

Please avoid:

• elbow domination

• knee invasions

• coat‑sprawl

• purse‑sprawl

• hair‑sprawl

• any sprawl, really

Your neighbor paid for a seat, not a wrestling match.

Stay Until the Final Bow

Leaving early is the theatrical equivalent of ghosting someone mid‑date.

The curtain call is part of the show — a moment of gratitude between performers and audience. Unless there is an emergency (or a rogue raccoon), stay put.

Applaud Like You Mean It

Actors can see you. They can hear you. They can feel your energy.

Clap generously. Cheer if moved. Stand if you’re truly blown away — not because everyone else is doing it, but because the performance earned it.

Remember: Theatre Is a Team Sport

The actors perform. The crew supports. The audience completes the circle.

Your attention, respect, and good humor help create the magic. When everyone behaves, the show soars. When someone doesn’t… well… the ushers have seen things.

In Conclusion: Be the Audience You’d Want to Sit Next To

Theatre is a shared experience — a beautiful, chaotic, emotional, hilarious, transformative event. Treat it with care, kindness, and a dash of common sense.

And if all else fails, remember this simple rule:

Don’t do anything that would make your grandmother whisper, “Oh honey, no.”