PRINT 
Theatre Etiquette
At the Lewis Family Playhouse, we want everyone to have a positive experience with the magic of theatre.
Many children may have never attended a live theatrical production. An appreciation for the arts can last a life-time and we want to assist in creating a pleasurable experience by sharing with you some things you might like to discuss with your child before you attend their first live theatre performance.
Just like eating dinner at a fancy restaurant, there is proper etiquette (“manners”) that the audience should display while attending any live performance. Etiquette is a social skill that is a life-long lesson for your child. The main point is to be respectful and considerate of the actors and your fellow audience members.
Live theatre is different from attending a movie theatre or watching a television show – actors can be distracted by what they might hear or see in the theatre audience – so staying in your seat and not talking are two of the primary “rules” to follow.
Explain to your child:
- There is no eating, drinking or chewing of gum in a Performing Arts Theatre “House” – audience seating sections of Theatre.
- Everyone has a seat they are supposed to sit in – for older children, show them how to find your Row and Seat Numbers.
- Laughter and applause are always appreciated at the appropriate times.
- When the lights of the House are “Up” (meaning on) – it’s ok to talk.
- The lights will go down slightly “Dimming the Lights” or flicker to signal the House lights will be going “Down” shortly, everyone should find their seat.
- Photographs during the performance are very distractive to the actors and are not allowed.
- The House lights will be turned off and it will be somewhat dark except for the lights on the stage.
- The actors are in costume and it is pretend.
- They should try to be quiet, sit still, and not disturb others around them by talking of fidgeting.
- Keep feet in front of them or on the floor (if they reach) – never put their feet on or kick the seat in front of them.
- Sometimes there is a break in the performance – this is called an “Intermission” – this would be the appropriate time to go to the restroom or get a refreshment.
- At the end of the performance, all the performers will come out onto the stage for a “Curtain Call” where the audience will clap and the performers will bow.
For the Adults:
- Teach your children by example by turning off your cell phones, pagers and other electronic devices.
- Arrive promptly for performances.
- Choose productions to attend with your child by matching shows by their age, interest and attention span.
- If your child becomes restless or frightened, in consideration of the other audience members please take them to the lobby.
If the play is based on a work of children’s literature, prior to the performance day, go to the Library and read the book with your child. Children are more comfortable with things that are familiar, and you can answer any questions they have about the story. Talk with your child after the performance about what they saw and felt at the various stages of the story. Hear how they interpreted the story and characters; and discuss how the characters interacted with each other. Sit back and enjoy the “awe” that overcomes your child as they experience dreams, imagination and adventure on the stage as the magic of theatre unfolds before their eyes.
Theatre Vocabulary:
- House: The audience seating sections of the Theatre.
- Lights Up: Lights in the Audience section of theatre are “On”
- Lights Down: Lights in the Audience section of theatre are “Off”
- Dimming the Lights: Lowering or flicker of lights that indicates to find your seat the show is about to start.
- Intermission: A break in the performance, usually 15 mins long – a “Curtain Call” will indicate when it’s time to be seated.
- Curtain Call: The appearance of performers at the end of a performance to receive applause.
The Lewis Family Playhouse aims to ignite imaginations of all ages – we hope your child enjoys the experience of live theatre and hoe to see you at the Playhouse again soon!