Wiki Page, Oklahoma High School- Drama/Theatre Course (OK Art Tech): 2.7 Introduction to Audience Etiquette

Wiki Page
2025-03-06T08:26:16-06:00

Audience Etiquette

Introduction

Throughout this course, we have learned how to present and perform the arts. Now we will focus on being good audience members when we attend performances. Audience etiquette refers to audience members' acceptable and appropriate behavior at a performance.

While some live performances, such as rock concerts, WWE wrestling, and sporting events, expect crowds to be loud, rowdy, and excited, there are different expectations when you see a live artistic performance.

Watch the video below to learn about what not to do as an audience member.

Video: A short guide to concert etiquette...learn how to attend concerts like a pro!

Lai, Jason. (2015, Oct 10). A short guide to concert etiquette... learn how to attend concerts like a pro! [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/etKMvzjASFk?si=go3wm8mV1UxbYW0D

Click on the button at the bottom of the video to access the closed captions.

These tips are not just for the concert hall. Please use them anytime you are a part of an audience. The performers and the production team have worked hard to bring you the performance you are watching, so it's important to be respectful.

Review

Let's review a few acceptable behaviors for being an audience member:

Arrive early. It depends on the type of performance for how early you should arrive.

A good standard rule is to arrive fifteen minutes before the "curtain," which means the start time. If the play starts at 7 p.m., you should come no later than 6:45, unless it is a performance like a concert or sporting event, where you might have to wait in a long line. In that case, arrive even earlier.

Turn phones off completely. Even on vibrate, your phone can bother those around you.

Save your talking until the end. People can get distracted if you are whispering.

Be as quiet as possible. Think about the sounds you are making and try not to make extra noise with food/candy wrappers.

No pictures or video unless otherwise allowed.

Stay in your seat during the performance unless it is necessary to move. Think about the views you might be blocking.

Watch the performance and don't fall asleep.

Be aware of the impact your actions are having on others and do your best to be respectful.