Theater Etiquette

Whether you're planning your first visit to the Guthrie or you've been a season ticket holder for years, it's a good idea to brush up on your theater etiquette every now and then. Here's a list of helpful tips to make your next theater experience a positive one for you, the actors and your fellow audience members.


Before the performance:

Check your tickets in advance: There are three stages at the Guthrie, so it's important to be sure you're in the right theater on the right day. Printed on each ticket is the name of play, the theater in which it's playing and the date and time of the performance, along with your row and seat number. Ushers will ask to see your tickets, maybe even more than once. Please be patient, as they're just trying to make sure everyone gets to the right theater.

Dress comfortably: There is no dress code at the Guthrie. Please dress comfortably, whether that means jeans or formal wear. Everyone is welcome!

Arrive early: Because you are attending a live performance, we ask that you be in your seat before the play begins. You will not be able to enter the theater once the performance begins, except at a point pre-determined by the director. This could mean that you'll be watching the first 30 minutes of the play on a monitor in the lobby. Remember, you might need extra time to park so plan to arrive about 30 minutes before the performance. 

Take care of personal needs: Try to use the restroom before the show begins. Leaving the theater during the performance is disturbing to both the actors and the other members of the audience.

Phones: Turn them off. Seriously.  


During the performance:

Be respectful: Please remember that if you can hear the actors, they can hear you. Don't talk, rummage through your bag, unwrap candies or eat during the performance.

We know YOU would never do this, but we would appreciate it if no one sent text messages or e-mails, played games or otherwise used Blackberries, iPhones or any other portable messaging device.

And what we said about turning off your phone: we really mean it. Please.


After the performance:

Remain in the theater for the curtain call: At the end of the performance there is usually a curtain call. This is when the actors come on stage to accept your appreciation. They've worked very hard and this is your chance to thank them. Rushing out before the curtain call is rude to the performers and disturbs the rest of the audience. Wait to leave until the curtain call is over and exit with the rest of the audience.