Watching a live stage performance is different from watching a film at a movie theatre. There are though a certain set of rules to be followed while watching a film, while watching a play as well, requires more etiquette to ensure a memorable time for yourselves and your fellow audience.
Although we have become casual in terms of our approach and attire, it does not mean that you wear flip-flops or sneakers with your t-shirts and pyjamas to watch a play. Munching on crisps also does not go down well with theatre watchers.
Here are some guidelines one must ensure upon to maintain a proper decorum inside a stage theatre.
Dressing up
Going to a live theatre is as special as celebrating your special occasion. Though you can be dressed casually, it still does not allow you to dress shabbily in a manner one would feel uncomfortable around you. Stay comfortable and look polished. Close-toed shoes for males sounds good, doesn’t it? Limit your accessories to watches and avoid bangles or bracelets that would make noise inside the auditorium.
Be punctual
Show respect to the artists by being on time for the show and to your follow-audience who abide by punctuality and detest waiting for other people. So, be on time as if you are too late, you would either be denied entry or miss out on a huge chunk of the play.
Wait for the intermission to use the restroom or go before the play
It would be the best to go to the restroom before the play starts, otherwise, try to hold on to it till the intermission. Avoid going out of the auditorium between the show as it does not only disturb the other members of the audience, it is also a disrespect to the artists on stage.
Unwrap that candy or cough lozenge before the play begins
If you need to have a candy or lozenge, have it before the show begins. During the performance, one should only hear the sound of the artists and those coming from the stage.
Remain seated
You do not need to stand up while the show is going on as it annoys the others. Remain seated till the intermission or the end of the play. You can watch as much as the others. If you are seated near the aisle, and someone sitting in the centre needs to pass, you can quietly stand and give way.
Cross-talking is prohibited
Your friends do not want to know how much you are enjoying the show. Do not talk or gossip while the show is on as not just you, the other people sitting in the auditorium can get distracted too. If you are watching the show more than once, you do not need to narrate the story to the person sitting next to you.
Sit straight and do not move
Tapping legs, drumming knees, kicking seats in front is strictly a no during a show. Once you are inside the theatre, your only attention should be on the stage and nowhere else. Sit comfortably but sit straight. Your comfort should not disturb the others.
Do not munch or drink anything
Watching a live show is different from watching a movie. It definitely would not be impossible for you to stay without eating for about two hours maximum. There are some plays with intermissions, while some go on non-stop till the end. So, if you have any issues any controlling hunger, you should visit theatres that have intermissions and canteens outside the auditorium where you can quickly pop in a cookie and come back in.
No cell phones
This is the same rule for both movie theatres and live show theatres. This is a basic etiquette of being in a theatre. There are proper announcements made inside the hall before the show begins about turning off your mobile phones or putting them on silent or flight mode. The audience and artists are not interested in knowing your further plans after the show.