Here are a few tips to help you fully enjoy your performance!

General tips

• Dress for the theater as you would for a nice dinner out. No hats please!

• Arrive to the theater on time and use the restroom before the performance
begins. Find your seats at least 15 minutes before the performance. Take time to read about the performance in the program to help you understand what you’re about to see.

• Turn off your cell phone. Any sound or light is very distracting to fellow audience members and the performers. Do not take pictures or videos of the performance.

• Pay attention to announcements made prior to the show. Please do not talk (even in a whisper!), sing or hum during the performance.

• Remain in your seat and keep your feet on the floor—not on the seat or balcony in front of you.

• Do not eat or drink in the theater; and please unwrap any cough drops before the show starts, or very quietly if during the show.

• Appropriate laughter and applause are the best ways to express your feelings about the performance—after songs and at the end. Stand and applaud if you thought the show was really great! No whistling or shouting though.

• Take your cue from the experienced audience members around you and applaud when they do!

Specific tips

• Orchestra Performances: Applaud when the conductor enters the orchestra pit. No applause between movements of a symphony.

• Opera: Applause after an aria (a long solo) is appropriate.

• Dance: You may applaud after a particularly spectacular leap or move.

• Musical Theater: Applause after a musical number is appropriate.

Most importantly—enjoy the show!