Archive - MacAllen's Theater GUide

The Good Audience Member's Handbook

Whether you have front row seats on Broadway, or are simply attending your child’s first high school musical, you now have the opportunity to be a good audience member. Like a good citizen, the good audience member follows simple etiquette to allow the safe enjoyment of the show for themselves and those around them.

Read the Program
Those leaflets ushers hand to you as you enter a theater hold a whole host of important information, read it. Many times the director will leave a note about the production inside the program, perhaps explaining that Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet has been set on the moon in the twenty-fourth century. Often times, the program will contain a scene breakdown, which can aid in following the plot.

Pay Attention
Falling asleep during a performance may seem like a great idea, particularly if the show is after a long day at the office. But people will notice, both the audience members and the actors on stage. There is no greater insult to a performer then to fall asleep when they are trying to entertain you.

Stay Where You Are
Don’t get up in the middle of an act. Its best to stay seated because not only will you disrupt other patrons as you push your way to the aisle, but may also disrupt the actors on stage. If you believe you will absolutely need to leave in the middle of a performance, request an end seat near the back of the theater. Never try returning to your seat during the middle of a scene, but instead wait until the scene has ended. In most cases, ushers will be there to hold off patrons attempting to enter the theater.

Quiet on the Set
Unless you are attending a specific audience participation production, such as Rocky Horror, then please do not make comments directed at the cast until after the show has concluded. Trying to have a dialogue with the actors on stage not only breaks the concentration of actors, but is generally rude.

Applause, not Rioting
Applause and standing ovations show appreciation for a performance. Noise makers, whistling, and horns should be reserved for football matches and high school graduation ceremonies.

Hold the Applause Until Appropriate
You may feel the urge to applaud a soloist after a star studded performance. Don’t. Not only do you interrupt the flow of the show, but diminish the other actors on stage. Also, in a symphony, applause between movements is inappropriate.