Theater Etiquette: It's not about you

I just got back from NYC, where my sister and I went to a Broadway show. It was an amazing experience—the show was incredible, the theater was beautiful, and we even got to enjoy a glass of champagne in an actual glass. No plastic sippy cups here.

It felt like a place that deserved a little extra care and respect.

Unfortunately, not everyone seemed to feel the same way. A group of six women in front of us decided that right in the middle of the show was the perfect time to take a bathroom break—together. They disrupted everyone in our row, made us miss parts of the show, and then did it all over again when they came back.

Then, as we left, I couldn’t believe the mess people had left behind. Programs, cans, and trash were scattered everywhere. It was frustrating because going to the theater should feel special, and part of that is making sure we all do our part to keep it that way.

So let’s talk about some basic theater etiquette—because going to a show isn’t just about you. It’s about showing respect for:

• The cast, who have spent years training and months rehearsing to deliver a performance without distractions.

• The audience, who paid to enjoy the show without disruptions.

• The ushers, bartenders, and theater staff, who work hard to make the experience smooth and enjoyable for everyone.

  
  

10 Simple Rules of Theater Etiquette

1. Plan bathroom breaks wisely. The only time to get up is during intermission. Yes, the lines will be long, but that’s part of the deal. Leaving in the middle of a scene is disruptive to everyone around you.
   

2. If you know you’ll need to get up, get an aisle seat. If you must leave during the show, don’t make an entire row stand up for you. Plan ahead and choose a seat where you can exit with minimal disruption.
   

3. Arrive on time. Shows start when they start, and if you’re late, you may not be seated right away. Walking in after the lights go down is a surefire way to annoy an entire row of people.
   

4. Stay off your phone. No texting, scrolling, or recording. The glow from your screen is distracting, and recording a show is not only rude but also against the rules.
   

5. Be mindful of talking. Even whispering carries in a theater, and people around you will hear it. Save the commentary for intermission or after the show.
   

6. Don’t sing along (unless invited to). Yes, you know every word to Wicked, but so does everyone else, and they paid to hear the professionals sing it, not you.
   

7. Keep food and drinks under control. If the theater allows snacks, be discreet. No one wants to hear crinkling wrappers or smell a full takeout meal during Act II.
   

8. Respect personal space. If you’re seated in the middle of the row, be considerate when arriving and leaving—no shoving past people at the last second. And once you're seated, be mindful of leaning too far into someone else’s space, taking over armrests, or constantly fidgeting.
   

9. Clean up after yourself. Take your trash with you. If you wouldn’t leave an empty soda can on the floor at someone’s house, don’t do it in a theater.
   

10. Dress appropriately. Broadway and professional theater aren’t black-tie events, but they’re not the place for pajamas and baseball caps either. A little effort goes a long way.
    

At the end of the day, live theater is a shared experience, and a little courtesy makes it better for everyone. Treat it with the same respect you’d want if you were the one performing on stage.