Remember Your Theater Etiquette And See These Shows
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Heading To Broadway Over Break? Remember These 6 Things For Theater Etiquette

Friendly reminder that even at the theater, you are still in public.

75
Heading To Broadway Over Break? Remember These 6 Things For Theater Etiquette
Credit: Joe Wojtkowski

Live theater can be one of the most thrilling and enriching experiences in a person's life. I cannot begin to describe all the inspiration, motivation, and stories that I have derived from the countless theatrical experiences I have had. However, all experiences weren't exactly great ones.

The theater is an inclusive place where all are welcome, but sometimes a show can draw a crowd that doesn't exactly know the Do's and Don'ts of theater etiquette.

1. Dress Accordingly

Giphy

Would you ever pay over $300 to go somewhere and wear a T-shirt or sweatpants? You should probably find something nice to throw on. Bumming it is for comfortably watching TV at home, not for watching professionals perform.

2. NO. CELL. PHONES. 

Need to text your boyfriend or girlfriend back? Wait until intermission. You will get bombarded by ushers pointing small flashlights at you reminding you to get off your phone. Sometimes actors go so far as breaking character and disrupt the scene to tell you to get off your phone. (We're looking at you, Kanye.)

Patti LuPone did so much as to snatch an audience members phone out of their hand while she was texting during her performance. Trust me, you would NOT want to feel a diva's wrath.

3. Pictures are for Playbills, not for the middle of the show

Credit: Joe Wojtkowski

You spent a buck or two and want to photograph the moment you're enjoying with your friends or family, understood. Snap a picture of your Playbill held up over in front of the stage, maybe a selfie with your friends and call it a day. Don't bring your phone out to take pictures of actors mid-scene, or even record a dance number. Their movement is astonishing and their costumes are lovely, but the picture should be engraved into your mind, not your phone.

(To the moms I saw trying to film "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," this one's for you.)

4. Sick on the day of the show? Exchange your tickets

Giphy

Nothing annoys audience members more than listening to your coughing fit while they are trying to enjoy the show. What is even more mind-boggling is when people choose to have coughing fits at probably THE most dramatic point of the show.

Andrew Garfield was mid-monologue in "Angels in America," sobbing through his character who was dying of AIDS in the '80s, maybe this isn't the best time for you to start coughing. Especially when just about the whole audience is in tears.

5. Tired? Grab a coffee before the show.

Seeing a show can be quite the commitment, ranging from a time length of 90 minutes to up to four hours. If you feel like you won't be able to stay awake for the whole thing, maybe grab a coffee or a 5 Hour Energy beforehand, snoring in the middle of the show is distracting, disturbing, and rude to the entire audience.

At a preview performance of "Rodgers and Hammerstein's Carousel," a man at intermission told me he had driven five hours from Boston, Massachusetts and paid $600 to see this show. He was snoring through the entire first act.

6. Be kind to one another.

Giphy

In a world with so much turmoil and hate, we need to remember to treat each other with kindness. The theater is a place that celebrates love and acceptance, a place where you leave your troubles outside and focus on the art that is unfolding in front of you.

If someone is sleeping, nicely ask someone in their party to please wake them up.

If someone is on their phone, politely ask them to get off and it is distracting.

If someone is being loud, kindly tell them to please stop talking.

We're all here for the same purpose, to experience and appreciate artwork and hopefully learn something new, so let's be kind to one another as we go through these experiences together.

There are a ton of wonderful shows out there that would make your winter break one to remember.

Need some girl power? The Lincoln Center revival of "My Fair Lady" is perfect for you to feel empowered by the end of the show. Not only is it a night full of lush vocals and stunning visuals, but the story of "My Fair Lady" is as relevant as ever in the #MeToo era. Eliza Doolittle's story of realizing her worth and overcoming the men who belittled her is one that will never fade.

If you're looking for a night that will have you laughing in the aisles, the musical adaptation of everyone's favorite movie "Mean Girls" will do just the thing. From the unreal vocals of Regina George to the ever so hilarious movie lines, this show would be perfect for your night out.

Or if you want more of a concert vibe, maybe grab tickets to "The CHER Show" or "Summer: The Donna Summer Musical," either way, your night will be thrilling from the moment the curtain rises until the moment it falls.


media1.giphy.com

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70747
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132363
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments