Don’t Be THAT Guy: 5 Rules of Performance Etiquette

Recently I attended a musical at my local Orpheum Theater. I had a really great time and the show was phenomenal. However, as I sat and entered the world happening on stage, the magic I was experiencing got interrupted by fellow audience members. This prompted me to think back on all the times I have attended a performance and had fellow audience members that were unaware of etiquette at the following events: Musical, Symphony, Opera and so on. So today we are going to touch on musical performance etiquette.

1) Phones: This is usually announced just before the performance is about to start and should be a no brainer. No one wants your iPhone back light or ringtone disrupting the view or magic of the performance they paid to see. This also goes for children playing on cell phones. (yes, I have attended a performance where this happened, and it lasted all of act 1) If the child is too young to sit and pay attention to what’s happening on stage they probably should not be attending.

2) Entering: Arrive at the performance venue 30-15 min before. Be in your seat before they close the door. *If the door is already closed wait till there is a break in the show when people are clapping. This keeps from distracting or disrupting other audience members or in smaller venues the performers. Most times there will be someone standing guard at the door when attending at the Orpheum and they will only allow you to enter at appropriate times.

3) Exiting: Same as entering if can wait till clapping and use the restroom before the show. The person at the door will likely let you exit a performance, but every venue is different. It’s best in to wait till intermission or till the performance ends to leave your seat.

4) Eating: This one really depends on the venue. Good rule of thumb if the venue sells snacks and drinks, they are ok with audience members snacking during the show and will have signs posted saying otherwise. Each venue is usually clear in what their policy is the when you arrive, and they check your purse. Good rule of thumb be respectful of the facility and don’t bring in any outside food or drink.

5) Talking: This was my pet peeve from the recent show I saw. The couple behind me decided to take it upon themselves to comment on everything that happened during the show. Hearing “Wow”, “How’d they do that?!”, “That’s so cool!” at least once in every scene is a little much. Believe it or not your fellow audience members don’t need to know what you think of the show nor do they want to. Talking loudly during a performance can really take away the experience for those around you. It removes them from what they are connected to on stage and as an audience member you are distracted from the magic of the moment. The best part of attending a musical or and performance is being fully in the moment of what’s happening on stage. Be respectful of those around you and allow them to have that experience without distraction of comments that can wait till intermission.

All in all, be respectful and allow those around you to experience the awe and wonder of the show you all paid to see to the fullest ability.

Let me know what other things you think should be on this list!

Recently I attended a musical at my local Orpheum Theater. I had a really great time and the show was phenomenal. However, as I sat and entered the world happening on stage, the magic I was experiencing got interrupted by fellow audience members. This prompted me to think back on all the times I have attended a performance and had fellow audience members that were unaware of etiquette at the following events: Musical, Symphony, Opera and so on. So today we are going to touch on musical performance etiquette.

1) Phones: This is usually announced just before the performance is about to start and should be a no brainer. No one wants your iPhone back light or ringtone disrupting the view or magic of the performance they paid to see. This also goes for children playing on cell phones. (yes, I have attended a performance where this happened, and it lasted all of act 1) If the child is too young to sit and pay attention to what’s happening on stage they probably should not be attending.

2) Entering: Arrive at the performance venue 30-15 min before. Be in your seat before they close the door. *If the door is already closed wait till there is a break in the show when people are clapping. This keeps from distracting or disrupting other audience members or in smaller venues the performers. Most times there will be someone standing guard at the door when attending at the Orpheum and they will only allow you to enter at appropriate times.

3) Exiting: Same as entering if can wait till clapping and use the restroom before the show. The person at the door will likely let you exit a performance, but every venue is different. It’s best in to wait till intermission or till the performance ends to leave your seat.

4) Eating: This one really depends on the venue. Good rule of thumb if the venue sells snacks and drinks, they are ok with audience members snacking during the show and will have signs posted saying otherwise. Each venue is usually clear in what their policy is the when you arrive, and they check your purse. Good rule of thumb be respectful of the facility and don’t bring in any outside food or drink.

5) Talking: This was my pet peeve from the recent show I saw. The couple behind me decided to take it upon themselves to comment on everything that happened during the show. Hearing “Wow”, “How’d they do that?!”, “That’s so cool!” at least once in every scene is a little much. Believe it or not your fellow audience members don’t need to know what you think of the show nor do they want to. Talking loudly during a performance can really take away the experience for those around you. It removes them from what they are connected to on stage and as an audience member you are distracted from the magic of the moment. The best part of attending a musical or and performance is being fully in the moment of what’s happening on stage. Be respectful of those around you and allow them to have that experience without distraction of comments that can wait till intermission.

All in all, be respectful and allow those around you to experience the awe and wonder of the show you all paid to see to the fullest ability.

Let me know what other things you think should be on this list!