VIEW CAPTION

Naomi Jacobson, Robert Stanton, John Ahlin, and John Catron in The Real Inspector Hound, directed by Michael Kahn. Photo by Scott Suchman.

Theatre Etiquette

Actors on stage can see and hear you just as you can see and hear them. Be respectful to the actors and your fellow audience members by being attentive and observing the guidelines below.

AGE RECOMMENDATION

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 regular performances and in formal business attire for Opening Nights.

We’d rather have a patron come in jeans and a sweatshirt than not come at all out of concern for how they are dressed.

The theatres are kept cool; if you often feel chilly, consider bringing a scarf or light jacket.

BEFORE ENTERING THE THEATRE

Turn off your cell phone and any other electronic devices. Cameras and other recording devices are not permitted in the theatre.
Leave all food in the coat check, or dispose of it before entering the theatre. Dispose of all gum. NO food is allowed inside the theatre, but beverages with a lid and straw are permitted.
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 the action onstage. You can laugh, applaud and enjoy the performance. However, we ask that you refrain from talking with other audience during the performance; it is extremely distracting to other patrons 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.