Theater Guide for the Non-Theater Goer

If you've never experienced a play or musical brought to life onstage you have no idea what you are missing. Going to the theater is more than any movie could ever be. Some of you may be saying you're not the theater type or maybe you're just inexperienced but you can enjoy and appreciate the theater. Theater is comprised of many of the same things movies use like costumes, lighting, and sound but theater is the only place you can see a live actor. Each performance is unique and that's what makes theater so special. Whether you are going to see a comedy, drama, or musical you will be entertained. Before you head out to the theater prepare ahead of time so you get the most out of it. Here are some tips on enjoying all theater has to offer and some tips on behaviors you should avoid.

Most people go to the theater to be entertained and today there are variety of shows to choose from. Of course there are the comdies, dramas, and musicals but theater has so much more to offer. You can buy tickets to adult oriented shows, gay and lesbian plays, childrens plays, outdoor theater, dinner theater, and so many more. When choosing a theater show to buy tickets for you have plenty of options when it actually comes to purchasing the tickets. For larger playhouses, commercial, and Broadway theater you can usually purchase tickets through the Box Office or Ticket Master. You may also have the option of choosing to pay by phone, online, or through an outside ticket agency. At smaller theaters you may only be able to buy your ticket at the door, prior to the performance. Of course, each theater has its own methods for selling tickets. Check their website or call the box office at the theater to find out more information.

After you purchase your tickets you should read up on the play or musical you are about to see. You can read notes, synopsis, or reviews to get a better sense of what you are about to see. Learn about the time period in which the play was written because it can give you insight on why the characters are doing what they do. You can also read the play if it is available in print. Many plays and musical scripts are available at libraries. Often, theaters have a website where you can lookup information about the show, ticket purchasing, and information about the theater. This information can be useful, especially if you need directions to the play house.

When you actually arrive at the theater the first place you will see is the lobby. In smaller play houses this may not be the case and you may be forced to wait in the street or outdoors. In commercial and Broadway theater most play houses have grand lobies decorated in golds and reds, with thick velvet curtains, and painted ceilings. The condition of the lobby can tell you a lot about the type of play or musical you will see. Typically the more decorated the lobby the more lavish the show will be in costume, music, lighting, and special effects. Many small theaters cannot afford all the glitz and glamor but it does not mean the acting is bad. It just means they don't have as much money available. In many theaters there are public restrooms and refreshments available should you need them. Often you may also purchase t shirts, season tickets, or other memorabilia in the lobby area.

If an usher offers you a program or Playbill take it. The program contains information about the production of the play, designers and crew, cast biographies and headshots, acts and scene breakdown, characters list, and some advertising. Other than offering notes on the play the program is a great keepsake to add to your scrapbook or collection of Playbills. In most large theaters the curtain is down before the play starts and the audience is free to talk until the show starts . In small theaters there many not be a curtain at all and the audience is allowed to talk, but quietly amongst themselves until the show starts. There may be a musical intro as the curtain rises to get the attention of the audience as well.

Once the play or musical begins try to keep an open mind. Theater means a lot of different things to lots of different people. What one person enjoys you may hate, just try not to discriminate because you may not like the material. Often thing happen on stage that you may disagree with but you should never interrupt the actors. On most stages the actors can hear the audience so it is best to remain quiet and not talk during the performance. Of course in certain situations clapping and laughing is not only accepted but expected of the audience. You should clap after a solo, a dance, or a song. You should never bring your cell phone into a theater, it's rude and generally speaking most theaters do not allow flash photography either. People who regularly attend theatrical performances know there is an unspoken code of conduct and most people follow it. These rules also include no humming or singing along, not eating snacks loudly or rustling candy wrappers, and a general politeness and respect for the rest of the audience and performers.

Some theatrical productions include audience interaction and for many people this is an uncomfortable thought. Most of us go to the theater to be entertained and we don't actually want to be a part of the entertainment. If you prefer not participate in your theater experience make sure you read up on the play before buying tickets to make sure it's not that kind of play. Luckily, there are not many plays of this kind and more often than not they are performed at small theaters. Even if audience participation is a part of the show you should not "cat-call" the actors, whistle, or yell during the performance.

Most plays and musicals have at least one intermission, some have two. Admission is a 10-15 mintute break in the middle of the show. During this time, you do not have to leave your seat but you may want to stand and stretch. The intermission is a great time to use the restroom, smoke, or get some refreshements. Most theaters follow the tradition of flickering the lobby lights when intermission is about to end. When the lights flicker it means you have a couple of minutes to get back to your seat before the second act starts.

When the play is over there may be a moment of silence before the applause, observe this silence. Do not get up and leave before the final curtain call, it's rude. The actors should never see your backside and you should wait to leave when the show is over. There are usually more than one applause sections at the end of the play. For the inexperienced this may be confusing. There is usually a curtain call for all the actors after the play is over and the audience has already clapped once. The actors will come out one at a time or all together and bow. It is expected that the audience claps for them and a standing ovation may happen at this time. Go with the flow. If the audience stands, you stand. If no one stands and you decide to give a standing ovation you will look foolish. Sometimes if you stick around in the lobby area after the show you may get a chance to meet the actors and get some autographs.

Now that you're familiar with the theater you are ready to go out and enjoy a play or musical. Keep these tips in mind and you will get the most enjoyment out of your experience.