Broadway Show Etiquette

As is the case with all theater, Broadway has a commonly accepted dos and don’ts while attending a show, all of them aimed at respecting the space and theater experience of everyone around you.  This etiquette is very important as everyone around you has paid as much, if not more, than you for tickets, and allows for everyone to have a good theater viewing experience.  

While this may seem like a long list, these are all common sense – which ironically is not all that common – recommendations that I have unfortunately encountered over the years. 

Be on time 

It is distracting – and not to mention disrespectful – to the cast with all the movement in the audience, and you may well require a whole row of people need to get up so you can get to your seat, interrupting the performance for them and everyone behind your row. 

Dress code 

While it is unlikely that you will be turned away from a Broadway show for the way that you are dressed, keep in mind that everyone is seated in very close proximity to each other so it is just nicer if everyone around you is comfortable with the way you are dressed.  While it may be okay to wear activewear, don’t go straight from the gym if you need a shower. And please keep your shoes on! 

Settle in  

Do everything that requires any movement or noise before the show starts. Remove your coat. Get your tissue. Turn your phone off (more on this below). Unwrap candy or cough drops before the show, the sound that the wrappers make can sound deafening during the performance! 

You should also plan to use the restroom before the show, during an intermission or after the show only. It is a huge distraction if you do this during a performance. 

Cell Phones are a no no 

Cell phones should always be switched off, and are a big no no during any Broadway show. This would include –  

• Any sound from the phone at all, including ringing, alarms, beeps, clicks, or just about anything 
• Answering calls during the show (yes, I have seen this happen!) 
• Texting or emailing during a performance 
• Doing anything that requires your phone screen to be lit, including checking the time 
• Putting your phones on vibrate, as the sound is still audible 
• Turning phones back off if they have been turned on at the intermission  

Silence truly is golden 

Talking during a performance is distracting to the cast and everyone around you. 

If anyone around you is making noise or being disruptive, try sending a dirty look their way. You will be amazed at how effective these can be! If they are not responding to your looks requesting them to stop, let the ushers deal with the situation. Shushing them or asking them to stop adds to the disruption for everyone.   

Moving around  

Fidgeting or resting your head on the shoulder of the person next to you can impact the viewing experience of the person behind you, and should be avoided.  By extension, don’t fall asleep for the same reason as well. 

Let the show live on in your memories  

Taking photos or recording the performance are not allowed. 

Plan ahead for any food 

You’re not allowed to carry food into a theater, but you should be careful to eat anything you do buy inside the theater before the show or during the intermission only. The sound of chewing can be very loud in a quiet theater, and distracting to everyone around you.  I have often witnessed people buying potato chips or pretzels during an intermission, and the sound of these being eaten once the show starts is loud!  The same goes for ice clinking in the glass of a drink that you bought in the theater as well. 

Watching musicals  

Singing along at a musical is never okay. You may know all the words to a song, but the people around you have paid to hear the actors – and not you – sing. 

Always wait till after the song is over to clap.  

After the show 

Last but not least, wait till the curtain call is over to leave. It is respectful to all the performers that you are acknowledging their performances by applauding after the show. Standing ovations are entirely up to you, and should be a reflection of a show that moves or wows you. 

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