Attending the theater is a wonderful experience that should be enjoyed by the audience as a whole. Being considerate of others’ experiences will ensure that a good time is had by all. These suggestions will help aide those experiences as pleasant and enjoyable!
Also, Playbill is a wonderful resource for first timers attending a Broadway play. This publication has been in existence for over 100 years. It offers 15 suggestions to make your Broadway show experience more pleasurable.
1. Electronic Devices & Other Disturbances
Silence Completely
Turn off all cell phones and smartwatches. Even the vibrate setting or an accidental alarm can disrupt the performers. Additionally, the glow of a phone screen is highly distracting in a dark auditorium. Do not text, check the time, or use a flashlight.
“In the past, the classic annoyance was the theater patron clearing their throat, followed by the painfully slow opening of a hard candy. Nowadays, the electronic annoyances have taken first place. From unsilenced phones to just the buzz of an incoming text, all mobile devices should be completely off and away,” explains Jodi RR Smith of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting.
No Food or Drink
According to Maryanne Parker, Founder and Executive Director of Manor of Manners, “[f]ood and drinks are not appropriate during the performance. The sounds of opening bottles, unwrapping paper, or eating can be distracting and disrespectful to the artists and the people around you. Please reserve food and drinks for the intermission.” If you bring lozenges or candy, unwrap them before the show begins.
2. Potential Obstructions
“Remember that your comfort should never come at the expense of another audience member’s ability to enjoy the performance,” Parker reminds theater goers.
Remove hats
Take off large hats or any other obstruction that might interfere others’ lines of sight.
Keep aisles clear
Tuck all bags securely under your seat. Performers may use the aisles during the performance. Also, it keeps walkways safe.
Strong Scents
Parker suggests avoiding “wearing very strong perfumes, colognes, or hair sprays. Strong scents can be extremely disturbing to others, and some audience members may have allergies or sensitivities that could cause an adverse reaction.”
3. Pre-Show Preparations
Arrive early
Plan to be in your seat 15-20 minutes before curtain. Late seating is disruptive and often forces you to wait for a scene break.
Use the restroom
Take care of personal needs before the house lights dim. However, if you must leave you seat, do so with the least amount of disturbance to your fellow audience members.
4. During the Performance
No photography or recording
It is usually prohibited because it can cause safety issues for performers. Also, note that it is illegal in most professional theaters.
React appropriately
Feel free to laugh, gasp, and applaud when appropriate! Live theatre relies on audience energy. “Applause is an important part of the theater experience, but it should be appropriate to the moment and expressed in an elegant and respectful manner,” Parker suggests.
Avoid Whispering
Whispering can be just as disruptive to those seated near you as a normal speaking voice. “Keep conversations to a minimum and, if you must speak, use a gentle, low tone of voice,” suggests Parker.
“Do not discuss the performance loudly during the show. Conversations can distract both the audience and the performers. Refrain from shouting or calling out during the performance, as this can be highly distracting to the actors and the audience,” Parker further declares.
Stay seated
Avoid getting up during the performance unless it is an emergency. Wait until intermission or the show’s conclusion. “Most events have ebbs and flows, if possible, arrange your speedy departure when the least amount of action is occurring on the stage. You will need to wait until an intermission or change of acts to return to your seat,” Smith explains.
