Attending performances.

Being a Thoughtful Audience Member

No matter if you are attending a big Broadway show, an outdoor music concert, or a school performance, a successful performance depends somewhat on how the audience behaves. Being thoughtful of other audience members and the performers enables them to focus and enjoy the performance. But it gets disrupted when somebody's bag keeps hitting you, a cell phone rings behind you, or a shrieking child is left in the audience. Good manners and consideration are essential to making any performance enjoyable for everyone.

Before the Show Starts

Plan Ahead:

Know when the show starts and arrive early—aim for at least five minutes before. Give yourself time to park, meet up with friends, grab snacks, and find your seat.

If You’re Late:

Some theaters will seat you after the performance has started, but you may need to wait until a break in the action. Move quietly and carefully and let the ushers seat you.

Handling Tickets

Purchasing Tickets:

Be prepared to pay and know your seating preference. If prepaid, seek a separate pick-up line. If something is wrong, speak with a manager but let others proceed in line.

Line Etiquette:

Don't let a group of friends cut in line. Wait together as a group, or let one person buy all of the tickets.

Bringing Guests:

If you are hosting, give out tickets ahead of time or leave them at will-call. Choose a specific meeting spot if you are coming in separately.

Finding and Taking Your Seat

With Ushers:

Let ushers seat you unless you know exactly where you are going. They also assist with special seating needs.

Entering a Row:

Say "excuse me" and "thank you," face the stage (not the people), move quickly, and keep bags up. If someone is passing you, try turning your knees or stand if it's not hard to do so without blocking others.

Leaving Mid-Show:

Try sitting near an aisle if you might need to leave. Leave quietly and try staying in the back until intermission if you return.

Seating Types

Box Seating Rules:

First-come, first-served unless reserved. Share the box fairly.

Open Seating Rules:

Don't sit in aisle seats on empty rows. Saving seats OK, but yield if your group is very late.

Assigned Seat Rules:

If someone is sitting in your seat, politely show your ticket and ask them to move. If there's a problem, summon an usher.

At Intermission and After the Show

Intermission:

Stretch, use the restroom, and return to your seat before it ends to avoid disturbing others.

Exiting:

 Exit quietly. Do not block aisles or talk. Wait until outside to use the phone. Wait until the absolute last moment to be courteous.

 

General Audience Etiquette

No Talking:

Do not talk unless absolutely necessary—and whisper. If the person surrounding you talks, politely ask them to be quiet or get an usher.

Posture:

Sit up straight and stay in your space. Don’t lean or touch the seat in front of you.

Turn Off Devices:

Silence your phone and don’t text or use bright screens during the show.

No Food Noises:

Avoid rattling wrappers or slurping. Don’t eat in performances where food isn’t allowed.

Control Coughing:

Use tissues, sit near an exit if you’re sick, and leave quietly if needed.

Avoid Annoying Habits:

No foot tapping, humming, or loud gum chewing.

No Smoking:

Only in designated areas—away from others.

No Photos or Videos:

Flash and screen lights are distracting and sometimes illegal.

Respect Other Cultures

If a national anthem is played (like "God Save the King" in the UK), stand respectfully, even if it’s not your country. Don’t sing along unless you’re invited to.

Dress Code

Dress for the occasion—formal for operas and theater openings, casual for outdoor concerts. Business dress if in doubt. Avoid strong perfumes, noisy jewelry, and bring only necessities.

Applause and Reactions

Applaud when appropriate:

At the start when artists take the stage.

After songs or big moments in musicals or opera.

At the end of a complete piece in classical music.

Save standing ovations for very good performances.

Don't boo or yell at performers. If you detested the performance, say so quietly—like by not clapping—or wait until you're outside the theater to discuss it. 

Children at Performances

Introduce children to age-appropriate performances where they can discover audience manners. When they're older and well-behaved, take them to more formal performances. 

Outdoor Shows

Outdoor performances are informal, but still:

Don't be loud or disruptive.

Control pets and kids.

Sit where you will not block others' view.

Be considerate of food and drinks.

Smoke away from the crowd.

Clean up after yourself when you go.

Performance-Specific Tips 

Theater, Opera, and Ballet:

Applaud when the conductor comes out and after major songs or acts.

Don't go backstage unless you are invited.

Wait at the stage door for autographs.

Classical Music:

Applaud when the conductor and soloists come onstage.

Don't applaud between movements of a piece—wait until the entire piece is finished.

Stay seated and quiet until the conductor turns to receive applause.

Coffeehouses, Clubs, Arenas, and Outdoor Music Festivals

Whether you're hearing a mellow performance at a coffeehouse or shrieking with thousands at a music festival, the same two rules apply:

Don't ruin the experience for everyone else.

Be respectful to the performers.

In smaller venues like cafes or churches, your voice will project more than you think. It's best to just not talk during these more low-key performances, since it's easy to distract others and the performers. In louder venues like clubs or festivals, a bit of talking is okay—especially if you're shouting just to be heard—but do take the temperature of the room. If the music is soft, be soft as well.

If you are late for a seated or close-up performance, wait until there is a natural break in the music before you are seated. Likewise, if you need to leave early, do it between numbers to avoid drawing attention to yourself and sending the wrong message to the performers.

At Any Concert: Common Decency

During slow songs, do not use them as your opportunity to get a drink or initiate a conversation. The artists are still on stage, and they should have your attention.

If a "No Flash Photography" sign is present, obey it. Flash can be distracting to performers and disrupt the concert.

Closer to the stage? Move there only if there's space. Don't push through a crowd, bump people around, or block someone's view to secure a better spot.

Movie Theater Etiquette

Movie theaters are less formal than live theater, but politeness still matters:

Speak softly. Whispering or opening candy is okay—just be discreet.

Turn off, or mute, your cell phone. Don't text; the light from the screen is distracting.

If someone will not be quiet, try a friendly "shhh." If that fails, find an usher or manager to help.

Dancing, Drinking, and Smoking

If you're overcome with the urge to dance due to the music, go for it—but be aware of your space. If you're bumping into others, tone it down.

Drinking is fine where it's allowed, but don't go overboard. Don't be that obnoxious drunk guy who's ruining the atmosphere. Moderation makes the evening fun for everyone.

If you're a smoker, follow local laws and be thoughtful of others. Even outdoors, move away from a crowd of people when you smoke.

Parades, Street Fairs, and Street Performances

At public gatherings like parades or street fairs:

Don't obstruct others' vision or step in front of those who got there early.

Say "excuse me" when navigating through groups.

Don't save space for a big group unless they will be arriving shortly.

Keep children close and in line.

Street fairs are usually free and open to the public, yet they depend on everyone practicing good manners. Obey signs, don't block pathways, and ensure children remain with you.

When you're watching a street or subway performer, be considerate of others who need to pass through. If you enjoyed the performance, toss a tip if you'd like, and then keep moving so others can enjoy as well—especially if it's a tight or congested space such as a sidewalk or subway station.