Theatre Etiquette | Department of Theatre and Cinema (2024)

Below are some widely accepted and observed guidelines for attending or working in professional theatre.

Audience Member

• If you cannot use your ticket, turn it in or call the box office and let them know.
• Arrive and find your seat before curtain.
• If you arrive after the show has begun, the House Manager may need to delay seating you immediately.
• Please do not eat anything in the theater. If necessary, unwrap throat lozenges, mints or gum before the performance begins.
• Do not talk with fellow audience members during the play.
• There is no use of cell phones or noisemaking devices during the performance. Please silence them before the performance. This includes texting ……the screen is a big distraction to those audience members who are both around and behind you.
• There is no use of laser pointers during the performance.
• Please remove any hats during the performance.
• Please avoid wearing strong perfumes or cologne.
• Return to your seat promptly before the intermission ends.
• Do not recite, hum or sing along with the actors.
• Please keep hands and all other body parts to yourself.
• Stand up if someone needs to pass in front of your seat and there is not enough room to do so.
• Do not block aisles or doorways.
• Remain seated until the houselights come up. Exit in an orderly fashion.
• Please take your trash and program with you when you leave.
• Please give your program back to the ushers after the show if you choose not to keep it.

Crew Member

• Arrive earlier than your call so you are ready to begin work at the call time.
• Sign in on time and do not ask others to sign in for you.
• Wear appropriate clothing for your call.
• Do not eat or drink backstage.
• Refrain from talking backstage except for show related business.
• Do not talk to actors except for show related business – it may break their concentration.
• Do not chat while on headset and turn off your mic when not talking.
• Do not perform tasks not assigned to you.
• Do not move or touch a prop that you have not been assigned to use.
• Report broken props or scenic elements to the stage manager.
• Acknowledge the stage manager’s calls with a polite “thank you.”
• Keep your workspace tidy. If you do make a mess, clean it up.
• No pranks or practical jokes during rehearsals and/or performances.
• Refrain from using cell phones and computers while on duty backstage, onstage or in the dressing room.

Scene Shop

• Do not borrow tools/materials without asking.
• Put tools away when finished – even if you did not use it first.
• Clean as you work. If you make a mess, clean it up.
• Do not talk to someone using power tools. Wait until they are finished.
• If you break a tool, please report it.
• Horseplay is not appropriate in the shop or onstage.
• If you are unsure what you are doing – ask!
• If you are unsure how to use a tool – ask!
• Warn others of hazards.
• When you have finished a task, ask what you can do next.
• Call out when moving overhead rigging or stage elevators.
• Acknowledge warnings with a polite “thank you.”
• If you drop something overhead yell “HEADS” immediately and loudly.
• Report using the last (or nearly the last) of anything.
• Empty a full trashcan before adding to it. If it is full, take it to the dumpster.
• Foul language is never appropriate.
• Refrain from using cell phones or computers.

Performers

• List all schedule conflicts with rehearsals/performances prior to casting. It is your obligation to adhere to the rehearsal schedule once it is set.
• Generally, it is good to audition for any/all roles in the play.
• Check callboard daily.
• Report to all fittings on time, bathed, wearing deodorant and proper, clean underwear.
• Arrive early, ready to work for every rehearsal or performance. This affords time to be prepared with pencil, note paper, script and changed into rehearsal clothing.
• If you will be late or absent from rehearsal, even in an emergency, contact the stage manager as soon as possible.
• Be attentive in rehearsal. Not only will you be ready when you are needed but you will learn more quickly. Direction, suggestion, information given to another actor may affect/inspire you.
• Write down ANY AND ALL notes, blocking and direction you are given, preferably in pencil so you can accommodate any changes easily.
• Observe the off-book deadline by knowing your lines as well as you can. It is customary once a scene is blocked to have it memorized by the next time it is rehearsed.
• Call for line in rehearsal by staying in character with a minimum of hesitation and loss of focus.
• Refrain from disputing a director’s note or engaging in lengthy explanations when given direction.
• Never direct or prompt a fellow actor.
• Respect the stage manager, designers and all crew. Give them your full attention and acknowledge their calls and instructions with a polite, “thank you”, so they know you hear and understand.
• Do your homework – research, blocking and line memorization ----outside of rehearsal.
• Stay close to the rehearsal space and do not leave without being dismissed by the stage manager.
• In rehearsal, when stopped for direction/discussion/adjustments agree on a point in the text to resume and make sure all involved parties are ready to start. Do not start again until you receive the stage managers “go.”
• Do not handle/use/sit upon any furniture, props, or costume pieces unless you are required to do so in the play and even then only when necessary.
• Refrain from using cell phones or computers during rehearsals and performances.
• Refrain from making suggestions or problem-solving unless you are included in the discussion.
• Show respect for the space by always cleaning up after yourself. Eat and drink only in designated areas.
• Sign in upon arrival for performance. Sign in only for yourself.
• To the best of your ability, play every performance respecting your audience regardless of its size. Play as directed with no alterations for your own gain or because of the advice of critics, family or friends.
• Be quiet backstage when the audience is in the theatre.
• No vocal warm-ups in common areas –green room, dressing room—after half hour call.
• Check ALL props you use in the show prior to EVERY performance. Make sure all are in working order and follow any safety protocol involving firearms, pyrotechnics or weapons.
• Report promptly to stage management’s “places” call.
• After use, return properties to the prop table.
• Smoking, drinking and eating in costume are forbidden.
• Never use alcohol or drugs prior to a performance.
• Remain backstage while in makeup and costume (unless otherwise directed to do so).
• Hang up or put away your costume as instructed after use.
• Keep offstage until the audience is completely cleared from the house.
• Instruct visitors to meet you in the lobby following the performance. Only personnel directly involved in the show are allowed in the backstage/dressing areas.
• Keep your personal dressing/makeup station neat and orderly using only the space allotted to you.
• Never borrow another actor’s supplies such as makeup, cleaning items, without permission.
• Remove all personal items from theatre promptly after closing performance.
• Return any rented script material (sides, music, etc.) properly erased of your markings and in good order to the stage manager on closing night.