Capitol Manners sponsored an ad in the 2017 program for Diane Herbert’s School of Dance Studio recital and it got me thinking of theater manners. As a mom of one of the dancers, I spent most of my time backstage during the performances. But, I have spent my share of my time as a theater goer. In fact, my husband and I LOVE live theater. We have made a point of bringing our young daughter to live theater. From seeing “Wicked” on the London stage, “Aladdin” on Broadway to “The Nutcracker” by the Ballet Theater of Maryland each year and recently seeing the production of “Little Women” put on by our home town “Twin Beach Players,” we have treasured seeing countless live performances as a family and enjoyed it stress free by knowing what is expected, preparing and behaving accordingly.
In these busy modern times, going to your daughter’s dance recital might be the first and only time you are in a theater with you whole family. It can be stressful if you don’t know what to expect. It can be stressful for other patrons if their fellow audience members don’t know what to expect or how to have a good experience at the show. But worry no more! When you get those prized “Hamilton” tickets all you need to do is follow these easy tips and enjoy!
Top Theater Etiquette Tip
Arrive to the theater on time. (Set your clock ahead to get your family out of the house early.
Visit the restroom before the performance begins. (Make all children go. It will be worth it.)
Turn off your cell phone. Do not speak on the phone during the performance. (The call and text can wait. You know it can.
Do whisper. (Better yet, don’t talk.)
Do applaud during the performance...this tells the performers that you appreciate their work.
Do not take pictures during the performance. It can be very distracting. (Do you really need that selfie?)
Remain in your seat for the entire performance.
Do not eat in the theater. (If the kids need to -give them something. But, there will be a chance for a snack at intermission.)
Do not put your feet up on the seats and do not kick the seat in front of you. (This is as important in the theater as it is in the airplane.)