Etiquette Tips: Movie and Theater Etiquette

Whether you’re enjoying the latest action flick or a musical review, the theater is not the place to have a conversation, even if it is about the show. Whispering to others around you is a distraction and an annoyance. When you lean over to speak with another person, you’re blocking someone’s view. Try and save your comments until intermission or show’s end. It’s also important to keep in mind that it’s just as rude to turn around and give someone a dirty look, or tell someone to hush, as it is to carry on a conversation while a show is in progress.

Cell phones, pagers and personal computing devices have no place in the theater and should remain off until the end of the performance. If you need to leave these items on in case of emergency, be considerate to others and set them on vibrate mode. Not only do other theater goers not want to hear annoying rings and beeps, but it’s rude and insulting to the performers. If calls must be taken, go into the lobby.

Something else to consider is children. Even if it’s a performance for kids, your children are also going to have to show consideration to the other patrons. While it’s nice that your children are enjoying the theater, you’ll have to remember that conversations in hushed tones, running up and down aisles, shushing and even babies crying can be a nuisance to the people around you. Have a talk with your children before the performance about good theater manners.

Perhaps you saw the movie before, but those around you haven’t. Do you think they really want pertinent bits of information pointed out to them throughout the whole film? No one wants to know what’s going on ahead of time, especially if key plot points are spoiled. It’s best to contain your excitement and keep these details to yourself.

If you’re spending an afternoon or evening at the theater, do be mindful of those around you. Don’t put your feet on the back of someone else’s chair; don’t sigh and roll your eyes if someone needs the seat on which you’ve laid your coat, and for goodness sakes, don’t carry on a conversation while the performance is in progress. With today’s prices, people see a performance to get away from it all, not to deal with inconsiderate people. Once you start thinking of others, you’ll probably enjoy the performance more yourself.