Theatre etiquette and traditions
Who do you call when you're late to rehearsal? Can you film the show? Here's what we've learned in the audience and backstage, plus the superstitions people take seriously.
Being a Good Audience Member
What do you do about a phone lighting up in the audience? We compare notes on watching theatre and concerts, including when to arrive and when to clap.
Listen to episode 26
Answers from the show
Why do actors say break a leg instead of good luck?
Theatre tradition says mischievous spirits do the opposite of what you say, so wishing good luck could invite bad luck. Saying break a leg is the safe swap.
Episode 18: Theatre Superstitions
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If you say good luck then they're going to curse you the opposite and give you bad luck.
Why is Macbeth called the Scottish play?
People avoid saying Macbeth inside a theatre because of its reputation for bad luck. In the episode, we talk about stories of accidents in early productions and theatres losing money on an expensive show.
Episode 18: Theatre Superstitions
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The play in general when it started was just plagued with accidents and illness really just misfortune.
Should I turn off my phone during a show?
Turn your phone fully off, not just silent, so you and everyone around you can enjoy the show. Most productions are recorded anyway, and nobody wants to watch through your screen or see it light up.
Episode 26: Being a Good Audience Member
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Nobody wants to watch the performance through your phone nobody wants to hear your ringtone or light up that's very distracting.
Can I film my child's show?
Many productions only hold rights for certain uses, so no photos or video is often a legal rule. Breaking those terms can be very costly and can threaten a small nonprofit theatre.
Episode 26: Being a Good Audience Member
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Don't use your phones right no pictures no videos they don't have the rights for that they purchased rights enough to do their own version of it which they are allowed to share to parents.
When should the audience clap at a musical?
Applaud when a well-known performer first enters, when a musical number ends, and at the end of a scene when the lights black out.
Episode 26: Being a Good Audience Member
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When a musical number is over applaud at the end of a scene when there's a blackout that's when you applaud.
When is a standing ovation appropriate?
A standing ovation is for when you appreciate the work, and it belongs at the end of the show during the bows, not in the middle.
Episode 26: Being a Good Audience Member
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If you like something and you appreciate it and you want to appreciate the actors stand up and clap for them.
What should I wear to a Broadway show?
Dress codes are relaxed now, and the Broadway ticket info said to be comfortable, within reason. Skip sweatpants and ripped shirts, but shorts and a nice top are fine.
Episode 26: Being a Good Audience Member
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What you should wear for the broadway show and they were like just be comfortable right and I think you know it's within reason.
What should I do if my child is going to be late to rehearsal?
If you'll be late or miss rehearsal, tell the stage manager rather than texting the director. The crew can arrange cover when they know ahead of time.
Episode 27: Raising Well-Mannered Actors
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If you're just going to miss it all together absolutely let them know because they'll be worried they can make arrangements like arrangements can be made.
What should my child bring to rehearsal?
Be off book by the deadline, but keep bringing your script and a pencil. Blocking changes, and you'll need to write and erase notes.
Episode 27: Raising Well-Mannered Actors
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Bring your book because your blocking might change and you might need to write that down in your book absolutely have your book have something to write with a pencil because you're gonna have to erase those marks.
Can my child use their phone at rehearsal?
Phones off and put away once rehearsal starts. Parents can reach the stage manager. In the wings, find a quiet way to stay focused on the show so you don't miss a cue.
Episode 27: Raising Well-Mannered Actors
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Your phone should be off and put away yep because if your parent needs to get you they have the stage manager manager's number why can't I say that word today they'll contact you.
Is it okay to take pictures in the dressing room?
No photos in the dressing rooms, and nobody's picture goes online without their permission. You're there to put on the show.
Episode 27: Raising Well-Mannered Actors
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Pictures should never be taken no exactly no no no pics no pics and no nobody's picture outside the dressing room without their permission.
What if my child does not like their costume?
The costume design comes from the design team and director. If something doesn't fit, tell the costumer quietly so they can help.
Episode 27: Raising Well-Mannered Actors
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Talk to your costumer like this doesn't fit me right I know my pants are falling down right you know bring it I get it a little something things absolutely just bring it up to them.
Can I cut or dye my hair after I am cast?
Ask the director before cutting or dyeing your hair after you're cast. Keep the approved style once the show starts.
Episode 27: Raising Well-Mannered Actors
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Don't cut your hair that's important don't cut your hair don't dye your hair right right because it's part of your character and especially once the show has started don't alter your hairstyle.
If you have one person in the audience or you have 300 people in the audience, everyone deserves the same show.
Episode 27: Raising Well-Mannered Actors
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If you have one person in the audience or you have 300 people in the audience everyone deserves the same show yes everyone deserves the same energy.
The first audience should see the same show as the last audience.
Episode 27: Raising Well-Mannered Actors
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You've been doing it for however many weeks right but the first audience should see the same show as the last audience absolutely don't make changes.
Your purpose at the theater is for the show.
Episode 27: Raising Well-Mannered Actors
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Your purpose at the theater is for the show and I think if you keep that in mind then you know the rest hopefully will follow.
Nobody wants to watch the performance through your phone.
Episode 26: Being a Good Audience Member
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Just sit back and enjoy exactly nobody wants to watch the performance through your phone nobody wants to hear your ringtone or light up.
We all paid for this performance and it didn’t include your cell phone.
Episode 26: Being a Good Audience Member
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Not everything is about you or what's convenient to you like have a little courtesy for those around you we all paid for this performance and it didn't include your cell phone.
Ghost lights
One is that it wards off the spirits by keeping the light on.
Episode 18: Theatre Superstitions
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One is that it wards off the spirits by keeping the light on okay the other is that it gives them a light to where they can perform in when nobody's in the theater.
More on theatre etiquette and traditions
Related reading
Theatre Superstitions Explained
A backstage whistle sent us looking into theatre superstitions. Here are the traditions we read about while preparing episode 18.
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