Today, there's a wealth of entertainment offered in widely differing settings, but the following fundamentals of good audience etiquette are adaptable to virtually any situation:

Theater Audience Etiquette

We are big fans of theater performances, with one of our own, Daniel Post Senning, having worked in the performing arts for years. This is a space where we want to be at our best so that performers can remain focused on their craft and audience members can enjoy the performance without distraction. Let’s look at some of the best tips for good theater etiquette.

Avoid talking

If the performers request audience participation, that’s one thing; otherwise, avoid speaking during the performance. If something must be said, whisper it as quietly as you can, and do so quickly.

Avoid shushing

Excessively shushing a talkative neighbor can be just as disturbing as the talking you’re trying to quiet. Instead, if you want someone to quiet down, either seek out an usher, or raise your finger to your lips and make this quiet please gesture, rather than any actual noise.

Noises off

Turn off cell phones, audible watches, and any other sound-making gadgets before any performance. There are no exceptions.

Lights out

Don’t forget that the screen on your mobile device can be a distraction, so avoid looking at it during the performance. Some theaters place QR codes on seatbacks for more information; they should be accessed only when the house lights are on, not during the performance when it’s dark. You should also avoid using your phone’s flashlight to look for dropped items or navigate to your seat when the house lights are off. An usher can assist you to your seat with their flashlight; they are more likely to use it effectively and not disturb others.

Snap, crackle, pop

Avoid rattling of candy boxes or ice in cups, shaking popcorn containers, munching noisily, smacking or cracking gum, and slurping drinks. All of these noises are highly distracting to those around you, and might even be heard by performers if you’re seated close to the stage.

Control coughing

Muffle coughs and sneezes with a handkerchief or tissue, or use your elbow. Cough drops and mints may be helpful, but head to the lobby or restroom if you can’t stop the attack.

Avoid other sounds

Rattling the pages of programs, tapping feet or drumming fingers, humming or singing along, rummaging in purses—these are just a few of the things that can annoy those around you.

Don’t block others’ view

Auditorium seating is often arranged so that the person in the seat behind can see between the two seats in front of them, so slumping sideways or lounging on a partner’s shoulder blocks the view. Hats are another potential view-blocker. If your hat is part of your outfit, you can keep it on as long as it doesn’t block anyone’s view.

Smoke only in designated areas.

Not as common an issue today, but it’s worth noting that you should leave and find a place outside and away from the doorway if you must smoke.

No photos, videos, or use of flash

All of these can distract performers or make other audience members uncomfortable or inconvenienced.

Dispose of trash, including chewed gum, in waste containers.

Never leave trash at your seat; always take it to a receptacle for disposal. Tell an attendant if anything was spilled as a courtesy to the next person who will have your seat. Gum should always be wrapped up and disposed of properly; it is never okay to stick it to the bottom of the seat or armrest.

Outdoor Performance Etiquette

From plays and children’s programming to concerts and week-long festivals, there are many events where we enjoy performances outdoors. Let’s look at how to best behave in these spaces given the circumstances.

Know the expectations going in

Use the venue’s website to get information about what’s permitted and what isn’t at this particular venue and performance. Some outdoor audiences are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs, and even their own food, while others may be discouraged from doing so and must rely on what the venue offers.

If you are allowed to bring in items like blankets and chairs, be mindful of where you set up. Concerts for adults usually have standing-room-only seating up close to the stage, while a performance for children might encourage all audience members to set up “camp” as close to the stage as possible. Be mindful of the scenario and don’t try to set up in spaces where the audience will clearly be standing in a large group. You also want to be mindful of setting up near walkways, whether these are obvious or if they are the natural ones that form by the crowd. Use your common sense when it comes to what you bring with you. Seating and accessories that can block others’ view or cause congestion should be placed as far from the center of the crowd as possible.

It’s okay to sing along and dance, but pay attention

Outdoor venues for concerts can more easily accommodate people wanting to sing along, and sometimes the performers even encourage it. But you want to pay attention to the vibe of the event. An opera being performed with open-lawn seating is not the venue for this, whereas a rock, pop, or other modern music concert will likely encourage it. This is true of dancing, too. Your best bet is to take a moment and look around. If the music is getting you to move your body, but no one else is, you might want to step off to the side of the crowd away from the edges of it, to start movin’ and groovin’.

Keep charge of children and pets (if pets are allowed).

It’s important to keep an eye on kiddos. Know where they are at all times. Be aware of how their behavior may be impacting others’ ability to enjoy the performance. If your child can’t see and you want to put them on your shoulders, move to the edges of the crowd where you won’t be blocking people’s views. This is also true if your child can’t help but sing, talk, or dance, and the crowd around you isn’t doing the same.

If pets are allowed, they likely have to be kept on a leash, and you’ll need to have baggies at the ready to pick up after anything they leave behind. If your dog starts to bark, it’s best to move away from where you are, and if the dog can’t stop barking, it’s probably time to take them home, if a quick walk doesn’t help alleviate the energy. It’s also important not to allow your dog to explore others’ picnic sites (or baskets!). Remember, you are responsible for your pet at all times when you’re in public.

Be careful with food and drinks

Take care of any spills, and of course, throw away wrappers and finished food in the appropriate bins. Good etiquette does include litter bugs! It’s okay to offer what you’ve brought or purchased to nearby attendees (even though you don’t have to), but never assume the picnic next to yours will share.

Smoke and vape away from the crowd

If smoking is allowed on the premesis move away from the crowd and find a place where you’re downwind from the group to smoke or vape. You want to make sure that your plumes won’t be bothersome to others, and that a lit cigarette, cigar (or joint if they are permitted) won’t catch someone’s body or clothing. Those who vape might think their vapor isn’t an issue, but many who don’t use a vape notice the aroma and the plume. It’s best to follow the same advice as smokers.

Clean up after yourself

While we’ve already said that you should clean up your food and leftover wrappers, either taking them with you or disposing of them in the appropriate bin, it’s equally important not to leave anything else behind, whether that’s pamphlets or programs, wrist bands, or any of your belongings. Be sure your area is completely clear before you head out.

We can't help but give a shout-out to one of our favorite, longtime-running outdoor events here in Vermont, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra’s outdoor concert series. Check them out today for a wonderful experience! (Not Sponsored Content, we just really love them!)