Theatre/Concert Etiquette

There is nothing to compare to the live theatre experience, both for the performer and for the audience. Ideally, performers present a well-prepared, inspired, and excellent experience for the audience. The Performing Arts Department of Capital High School strives to maintain high standards of performance. Our groups are constantly aware of the importance of the positive attitude and appearance of any performing organization even before a move is made. This approach makes the audience immediately aware that our artists place great importance on their art from the beginning of their entrance until the last sound of the applause is heard. One important aspect of this discipline is the attitude of the performers toward one another. All Performing Arts members realize that they are part of the team, a team that is only as strong as its weakest member. Thus they are encouraged to support one another for the good of the team. An important member of this performance situation is the audience. It is crucial that they demonstrate the same support and the encouragement as the rest of the team members. The following are some practical suggestions, which may serve to strengthen this support.

AUDIENCE MEMBERS

Audience members should recognize that performers are trying their best to present an enjoyable musical experience for everyone. To do this, performers must focus on many details. Little things that may seem trivial to audience members can interrupt the performer's intense concentration. The following suggestions can help audience members show respect to performers, the other audience members and help performers do their best.

SEATING

Go immediately to your seat; do not leave your seat until there is a break in the program. You must secure permission to leave the theatre and return. Constant movement by the audience not only breaks the concentration of performers, but also breaks the concentration of the listeners.

TALKING

Talking should not be tolerated. It is not only distracting to the performer, but to every person in the audience. It is just plain rude to talk (even whispering can be heard) during a performance.

OTHER NOISES

Avoid rustling your program, tapping your foot, bouncing your legs, etc. Watches set to beep on the hour should also be turned off. These high-pitched beeps are distracting to everyone.

COUGHING

It is hard to avoid a spontaneous cough. Be prepared with some type of cough drops or candies. Avoid cellophane wrappers. Many come with a soft wax-paper wrapping that will be much less noisy.

TAKING PICTURES

Please refrain from taking any photographs during a performance. The click of a camera and especially the lash are very distracting. Pictures should be taken after the performance.

FOOD OR DRINKS

Please do not bring food or drink into the Performing Arts Center. It creates all kinds of problems.

WHEN TO APPLAUD

Performers always appreciate applause, but there are appropriate moments to applaud. In a multi-movement work, applaud after all movements are completed. This allows the continuity of the piece to flow from one movement to the next.

FACULTY SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE

Invitations are frequently given for teachers to have their classes participate in certain special programs. We want you to attend these functions, but please make sure that you attend the event with your classes. We ask that you bring your class to the theatre on time and sit with them as a group. You ultimately are held accountable for your classes/students' actions.