Theatre Etiquette

Which of the following responses are NOT welcomed from the audience during a performance?

• Laughter during funny parts of the play

• Gasps when you're surprised during the play

• Crying during sad parts of the play

• Heckling/yelling out/making noises to amuse your friends sitting near you

As a member of the audience, how can you best show your respect for the actors on stage?

• Giving them your full attention; and making no sound unless appropriate

• By falling asleep if you're bored

• By bringing other things to do/toys with you during the play performance

• Talking to friends and making noises during the play performance

If you are an audience member during a performance and MUST leave, how should you do so?

• Quietly and inconspicuously; no one should hear you leaving or moving around

• Saying "Excuse me" to everyone

• Ask an usher or adult staff if you can leave

• Just get up and go

What is the goal of audience etiquette during a play performance?

• To disrupt the performance

• To distract the actors

• To watch, listen, learn and enjoy the performance

• To sleep

The etiquette of an audience can affect the performance of an actor or actress in the play.

TRUE or FALSE ?

• True

• False

What is an appropriate audience reaction during a play performance?

• Laughing extremely loudly or making noises for attention whenever you feel like it

• Shouting

• Laughing at an appropriate time when something is actually funny during the play

• Whistling

What is the proper etiquette for sitting in a theater?

• Slouched down so you can barely see the stage.

• Sitting up straight, legs on the floor, but not on the seat in front of you.

• Feet on the seat in front of you.

• Criss cross applesauce on the chair.

When the lights dim you should:

• Sit up and look straight ahead.

• Stop talking.

• Stop whispering, that is considered talking too.

• All the above

The point of audience etiquette is to do nothing that will _________ the performers or ___________ others in the audience.

• excite; energize

• insult; challenge

• distract; disturb

• discourage; disappoint

When can I talk during a play performance?

• typically never, when the play is going on; only in an emergency

• when I need to ask for chewing gum

• when I feel like it

• when someone makes me mad