Theatre Etiquette

Whether you’re a seasoned theatre Patron or it’s your first time in the audience, here  are some helpful tips and information for your visit:

AGE RECOMMENDATION 

At CCT, we create a breadth of programming that meant to inspire and entertain all ages - but not necessarily all at the same time. Every child is different, and what may be appropriate for one child may not be for another. CCT respects each parent’s knowledge of their child and what is suitable content for them. An age recommendation is provided for each production, and a content advisory and additional resources will be available for shows that require them. 

DRESS CODE 

Wear what makes you comfortable. Except in the case of some non-traditional productions (outdoor or more active experiences), there is no strict dress code. Some patrons will dress for the theatre in formal attire, some in business casual, and some in jeans and a t-shirt.  

ARRIVE ON TIME  

Please arrive punctually to avoid disruption once the performance begins. The  lines to get in can be long, so plan accordingly!  

LATE SEATING  

Late seating is always at the discretion of House Management. If you arrive late,  please listen to your House Management team and they will get you into the theatre  at the appropriate time.  

SILENCE YOUR DEVICES  

Kindly turn off or silence all electronic devices to maintain a distraction-free  environment. We like to treat theatre as a time to step out of the world around us  and into a new one; the use of cell phones and other devices during the show can  hinder that experience for you and other patrons around you. Photo and video are  typically prohibited during performances for the safety of the performers and to  follow copyright law. 

LIMIT CONVERSATIONS  

Keep conversations to a minimum during the performance to respect the  concentration of both actors and fellow audience members. We hope you leave  the theatre with plenty to talk about, but please respect the experience of the  performers, crew, and other audience members by not talking during the show. Feel  free to discuss or share your enjoyment at intermission or after the performance has  ended! 

EATING AND DRINKING DURING THE PERFORMANCE  

Food and drink is typically permitted inside the theatre. While enjoying snacks  and drinks is permitted throughout the show, please refrain from eating noisy or  otherwise distracting foods during the performance. If enjoying a snack, it is best to  unwrap your candies or other treats before the performance begins as to limit any  noises.  

SMOKING AND VAPING  

Smoking or vaping of any kind is never permitted inside the theatre, and in some  cases, prohibited in any area on the premises. Please use posted signs to determine  IF, or where outside it is appropriate to smoke or vape.  

DURING THE SHOW  

It is appropriate to applaud for performers at the end of a scene, song, or act. They  appreciate knowing that you are enjoying the show! In general, please feel free to  have honest reactions. You can laugh, applaud and enjoy the performance.  However, refrain from talking with other audience or to the actors during the  performance or distracting from the flow of the performance.  

EXIT QUIETLY  

If you need to leave before the performance ends, do so quietly and discreetly to  minimize disturbance to others. If you need to leave your seat for any reason, please  do not stand or otherwise occupy the aisles or entrances to and from the theatre. This  keeps you safe, as well as the performers, should they use the aisles or alternative  entrances during the performance. 

THE HOUSE VS. THE STAGE  

The place in a theatre space where the audience is seated or otherwise permitted to  be is referred as the “house” or “front of house.” With these areas (seating,  concessions, restrooms, box office, etc.) in mind, please refrain from entering any off  limits sections of the theatre. Please no not, for any reason, stand, sit, or otherwise  enter the stage or backstage area. This is a safety hazard and liability, and is never  permitted unless expressly invited as part of the show or by a member of the Stage  Management team.  

BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS  

Above all, be considerate and respectful of your fellow audience members, as we all  share the magic of live theatre together!