Theater Etiquette: How to Properly Behave Inside Theaters

Watching a musical or any play is an enjoyable experience. But do you know that there are rules to follow when inside the theater? Just like any other public places, we are expected to behave properly and appropriately inside theaters; thus, there is theater etiquette.

Theater etiquette is a set of guidelines about the proper conduct and correct behavior that is expected of theater audience. It should always be taken in mind and practiced while staying inside the theater and watching theatrical plays.

Following the basics of good behavior inside the theater will ensure that you and the people around you will enjoy the performance more.

1. Come on time. Not only will you miss the beginning of the show (which is an important part of the story), but being late will disturb the other viewers. Chances are, when you come in and walk inside, all eyes will be at you. And we don't want that, do we?

2. Turn off all cellular phones while inside the theater. If you are expecting an important call, put it in vibrating or silent mode. When you really need to answer an incoming call, step out of the theater before you take it.

3. Never place your feet across the back of the seat of the person in front of you. Keep both feet on the floor and stay as focused as possible.

4. When the play has already started, avoid talking to the person beside you. Read the available information about the play prior to the start of the show so you won't have to ask about minor details from other people.

5. Especially in the middle of a performance, avoid leaving your seat. Preferably, visit the toilet or washroom prior to the start of the show or wait until the break.

6. Eating and drinking is not allowed inside the theater, so as much as possible, take your dinner or snack prior to the show.

7. If you have a cold or cough, take medication that can temporarily soothe you. Coughing and sneezing can distract the viewers. Plus, they might also catch your disease.

8. Do not litter. Place your garbage inside your bag and just throw them in the proper places after the show or during the intermission.

9. So as not to cause inconvenience to other viewers, minimize your movements. If you must move, do it discreetly.

10. Finally, when other viewers become annoying or are misbehaving, be calm and polite. Directly report the incident to the stage manager instead. Confronting the viewer might cause a commotion.