The date was set by the International Theatre Institute in 1961. It celebrates the beauty and importance of theatre arts and the role theatre plays in culture and economy.
Regardless of the day, watching a play, opera, ballet or a gala can be very fun, exciting and enriching.
Whether you are enjoying local or regional theatre, have a ticket to a musical on Broadway, or a performance staged at what many consider the oldest theatre in the world, Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza, Italy, there are basic behaviors of thoughtful theatregoers
To ensure that both you and your fellow theatregoers have an enjoyable, memorable time at the theatre, here are practices to keep in mind.
Before the Performance
Arrive at the venue early. You should be there about 20 to 30 minutes before the show starts.
Have your tickets ready when arriving at the venue.
Feel free to mingle and converse with other attendees before you enter the theatre.
If you arrive late, wait for the intermission or short break before going inside. Do not argue with ushers if you need to wait. These persons are only doing their job. In many venues, you can view television monitors in the lobby as you wait to enter and be seated.
Turn off your watch alarm and mobile phone before entering the theatre.
If your mobile phone happens to ring during the performance, do not answer the phone or excuse yourself and leave your seat. Shut it off immediately. Only check messages and missed calls during intermission
If your view is blocked by a tall person in front of you, ask the usher to find you another seat or request a booster cushion.
During the Performance
Do not talk during the performance and avoid singing or humming with the music.
Do not drink or eat during the performance. Save your snacks for intermission.
Keep your feet on the floor and not on the balcony railing or seat in front of you.
If you need to unwrap medications and cough suppressants, do so during loud musical numbers, applause or laughter.
Never record the performance.
Applauding: You may shout Brava or Bravo to excellent performers. The conductor is also applauded when he or she enters at the beginning.
After the Performance
When the performance ends do not immediately head for the exit. Wait for the actors to exit the stage entirely before leaving.
You can applaud vigorously or give a standing ovation to very good performances.
You can also praise and commend actors and directors after the entire show is finished behind the stage or in their dressing room. (In many venues, you will need to you request this permission prior to the performance.)
In some locations, you can wait outside the stage door to greet the actors and request autographs.
Bringing Children to a Performance
Confirm any minimum age requirements if you intend to bring children.
Familiarize your children about what to expect and teach them how to behave inside the theatre.
Before the start of the performance, feed them and take them to the bathroom.
During intermission, give them some light snacks and a bathroom break.
