There’s nothing quite like seeing a Broadway show in New York if you’re looking for the best U.S. cities to watch a theater production. There are some wonderful movies and television programs that are works of art in their own right, but there’s something truly incredible about watching actors and actresses perform a live on stage. It takes immense talent and months of preparation to put on a show on Broadway, and even if you aren’t a fan of musicals, you’ll surely be impressed with the productions. If you’re seeing a Broadway show for the first time there are a few etiquette rules you should be aware of before you go.
For some theater lovers, seeing a show on Broadway is akin to a religious experience — which is why it’s important to have excellent theater etiquette when you attend a performance. You wouldn’t want to be the person who ruins the show for someone else. Be polite and respectful of your fellow audience members, and of the cast and crew who spent months preparing in order to give you the best experience possible.
Hundreds of people are involved in each production. The performers have perfected dialogue, dance moves, and songs. The sets are works of arts that are changed seamlessly between acts by professional stage hands, and a live orchestra of talented musicians plays each and every note in unison. When you watch a show, you’re witnessing all of the hard work, talent, and passion all at once. The best shows will take you through the entire range of human emotions and put you on the edge of your seat. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you may even leave the theater with a new perspective.
Don’t be late and try not to obstruct the view at a Broadway show
It’s a good idea to show up to the Broadway theater a bit early so you have time to enjoy the ambiance and locate your seat. Before the show you can people watch, purchase snacks and drinks, and use the bathroom so that you don’t have to get up during the performance. You’ll also have plenty of time to get settled and comfortable in your seat before the show begins. Whatever you do, don’t arrive late. The shows start promptly on schedule, and you’ll disrupt others if you’re searching for seat in the dark.
You don’t need to try to force yourself into an uncomfortable position to appease the people behind you if you’re tall, but according to some Reddit commenters, it can be helpful to people behind you if you don’t move around too much throughout the performance. In a Reddit thread about etiquette for theater attendees u/BlackbirdKnowsAll wrote “it is fine as long as you aren’t moving every ten seconds. As much as you can, just hold a similar position so I don’t have to shift back and forth to get the view. I’ve had a few tall people who suck because they will move around, turn to chat with someone, grab something from their bag, shift side to side, etc. You don’t have to sit there like a rock, but just try to be more still!”
Another Reddit user who is a self-proclaimed “short theatre-goer” encouraged their fellow attendees to avoid wearing hats so as not to further block the views. Whether you’re tall or not, try to avoid fidgeting as much as possible, as it can be distracting. Try to wait until intermission to get up to use the bathroom.
Don’t disrupt the show but do dress up!
