Theater Etiquette 101: Dos and Dont's When Watching a Live Show

The beauty of live theater is that, well, it is live. One's experience of a play or musical is dependent on what's happening inside the theater; making every run almost always a different experience, even if you're watching the same show twice a week. Live performers feed off the energy of the audience, and audience members are carried away by the laughter and tears of the rest of the crowd. Things happening onstage and offstage are affected by everything else happening elsewhere: a sick cast member is replaced by a swing, a broken prop in the middle of a scene demands an improv, and so on.

But this also means that audience members coming in late and walking to their seats (in front and at the center) can be distracting to those at the back. The loud ring of a mobile phone can result in feedback through the orchestra's speakers. And, yes, a seatmate who's scrolling through Facebook in the middle of a live performance is downright annoying. 

Most of the dos and dont's inside the theater are announced before the show starts and during intermission. Some of them are even posted on the theater company's Facebook and Instagram pages. The most important ones are spelled out in posters placed in strategic areas before you enter the theater. And, the most basic rule—respect—is just a given for decent human beings, at least, that's what we thought. For some reason, other theater-goers have forgotten about theater etiquette, so we round up a crash course.

Bear in mind that theater etiquette is not just about following rules; it's actually about ensuring a pleasant and respectful environment for everyone involved. Audience respect is important, especially since performers put in immense effort to deliver a flawless performance. Your behavior affects those around you, especially those behind or beside you, who may have waited for so long to get a ticket or allotted their hard-earned money for a seat to the show. Consideration for others is a key aspect of theater-going.

ALSO READ

9 Etiquette Rules for Hosting a Dinner Party

10 Etiquette Rules to Follow When Dining

Theater Etiquette 101: Dos and Dont's When Watching a Musical or a Play

Dress appropriately

Unless it's the gala night or the invitation indicates a formal dress attire, dressing neatly shows respect for the venue and the performers. You don't wear tattered clothes to a date or to church, right? Plus, theaters in Metro Manila are air-conditioned, so maybe bringing a blazer or a jacket wouldn't hurt.

Arrive on time

Late arrivals can disrupt the performance and disturb other attendees. We don't want to see bobbing heads in front of us, especially during an opening medley. Aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before the curtain call.

If, for some reason, you're still late, wait for an usher to guide you to your seat. This is ideally during a break or an applause, and not when there's a very dramatic scene happening onstage.

Another thing, make sure you’re back in your seat before the 15- and 20-minute intermission ends to avoid disrupting the resumption of the performance.

Grab a bite before or after the show (not during)

Opening crisp candy wrappers in the middle of a dramatic monologue can be noisy and distracting. Consume snacks during intermissions if necessary.

Other productions and theaters, however, do allow drinking during the show. It's really not rocket science if you listen to or read announcements.

Put your phones on silent mode

Or better yet, turn them off, to avoid any disruptions. This is often announced multiple times before a show, so we really don't understand how people just have the audacity to whip out their phones, scroll through their social media, or play mobile games. You could have just stayed at home, saved on show tickets or Grab fare, and spared everyone.

Resist the temptation to take photos and videos

This is also announced repeatedly, whether live or through posters all over the theaters. Other venues, like Newport Performing Theater, point green laser light at the offender so that an usher can approach them and remind them that taking photos and videos is prohibited. This results in multiple distractions to your fellow theater-goers: first, the light from your phone can be very bright in a dim venue; second, the green laser is moving and catching everyone's attention (except yours); third, the usher running to your seat and then, talking to you, make your seatmates miss a whole dialogue uttered onstage.

No talking

Whispering or talking during the performance can distract the performers and your fellow audience members. Remember how much we hate movie-goers who narrate the film blow-by-blow? It's pretty much the same inside the theater, likely more annoying.

Also, avoid singing along during the song numbers. We get it, you love "Seasons of Love" or know every track on the Parokya ni Edgar jukebox musical. But the people beside you didn't buy a ticket to listen to you sing. Respect the performer, the musical director, the orchestra, and just about everyone by listening to every note carefully.

Applaud appropriately

Clapping at the right moments (e.g. after a great scene or musical number) shows appreciation for the performers' efforts. Laughing at the appropriate jokes is also welcome when a scene is working.

Smiling, nodding, or quietly saying "bravo" at the appropriate times can also express appreciation.

Stay seated and attentive

Avoid getting up unnecessarily and ensure your attention is on the performance, not on other distractions.

If you must leave due to an emergency, do so quickly and quietly, ideally during applause.

Discuss respectfully

Save any critique or discussion for after you’ve left the theater to maintain a respectful atmosphere. If you've seen the show with theater-going friends, post-show debriefings are the best.