Theatre Etiquette

Above all, it is important to remember that the actors on stage can see and hear
you at the same time you can see and hear them. Be respectful of the actors
and your fellow audience members by being attentive and observing the general
guidelines below.

Dress Code

We have no official “dress code” for attending plays at the Shakespeare
Theatre Company. Our patrons usually dress in business casual attire for most
performances and in formal business attire for Opening Nights. We’d rather
have a patron come in jeans than not come at all out of concern for how they
are dressed.

Before you go inside the theatre:

• Turn off your cell phone and any other electronic devices (iPods,
  Blackberries, etc.), or better yet, leave them in coat check. The light and
  noise from cell phones and other electronic devices is a big distraction,
  so please, no text messaging. Cameras and other recording devices are not
  permitted in the theatre.
• Leave all food and drinks in the coat check, or dispose
  of them before entering the theatre. NO food or drinks are allowed inside
  the theatre. Dispose of all gum.
• Visit the restroom before the performance begins. Unless
  there is an emergency, plan to stay seated during the performance.

During the performance:

• React to what’s happening on stage.  Please
  feel free to have honest reactions to what is happening onstage. You can
  laugh, applaud and enjoy the performance. However, please don’t talk
  during the performance; it is extremely distracting to other audience members
  and the actors. Save discussions for intermission and after the performance.
• Wait until Intermission to search through your purse or
  bag—you may be making more noise than you think.
• Do not leave early. Parking can be difficult, but leaving
  during the performance is disruptive to the audience and actors.