Depending on where you are, theatres might be opening again. (And if not, hopefully soon.) And with that comes theatre etiquette. I’m going to say it here again- I am a fan of etiquette. Etiquette is not a stuffy set of rules that never changes, but a living thing that exists to make most people feel comfortable. (If people decided to have a screaming match in the middle of a ballet, we would all be uncomfortable…) So today I’m going to break down Covid theatre etiquette and how we can navigate this new theatre world of ours.
I am thrilled that we are slowly able to start going to the theatre. Seeing live performances is one of my favourite things, and I’m grateful that we can start to take our seats in the audience again. I think I speak for many people when I say going to the theatre is a special experience. So, in what is still a time of difficult for everyone, there are a few things that we can do to help everyone.
Book Your Tickets Ahead
This is less etiquette and more common sense, but if at all possible, book your tickets ahead. I know that a lot of people (myself included) would sometimes wait to see what last minute tickets are available, but given that there are currently less shows running, there are less of these tickets. And from what I’ve heard from several different cities/countries, you very well might have to stop and provide your contact information at the theatre for contact information, so it may not save you time. (Many shows are running digital lotteries now- you are notified the morning of your show if you were selected, and you’ve already given them your information!)
Wear a Mask
If the theatre, organisation, or company requires that you wear a mask, wear a mask. The theatre is not the place to mount a protest about masks. If you don’t want to wear a mask, I would recommend finding theatres that don’t require them or trying to find the production online. Theatre employees are not paid an exorbitant amount, and they typically aren’t the ones making policy decisions. Wear a mask if required or stay home, it is as simple as that.
Provide Proof of a Vaccine
Much like wearing a mask, if providing proof of your vaccines is required (or negative tests within so many hours), it is required. Provide it using the system they have, or at the theatre if they prefer. Most theatres are quite clear about how they want to receive it; follow those instructions. Again, this isn’t the place to make your statement.
Pay Attention to Yelling/Screaming
This is a general piece of theatre etiquette, but now more than ever, pay attention to yelling and screaming. Depending on whether or not you are at the ballet, the opera, a musical, the theatre, or something else, yelling may or not be appropriate ever. However, if cheering and yelling is normally appropriate, perhaps limit it or shift to clapping. (More yelling means more spreading germs, plain and simple.) We are still in the midst of a pandemic even with vaccines and lockdowns, and this is an easy change to make at the moment.
Allow Space When Possible
Seating is set, and some theatres will allow buffer seats between groups while others won’t- there isn’t anything to be done about that. But when you are in the lobby or purchasing beverages, be mindful of space. Everyone has different comfort levels, and things like leaving space when possible can help with more people feeling comfortable. There are no rights and wrongs with comfort levels now, but we can all do our part to make it better for everyone!
Interesting Theatre Etiquette History
-While we don’t talk during the theatre now, Ancient Greeks would often carry on conversations and shout during performances.
-In the twenty-first century, we wait for an intermission to go to the washroom, or if we must go, we wait for an usher to seat us upon our return. In Elizabethan theatres, people would pass a bucket around…
-Obviously clapping is a common sign of appreciation in the theatre, but it hasn’t always been- throughout the centuries, people have used snapping and waving linens to show performers how they felt about the performance!
If you need more theatre and dance in your life, Marquee TV might be for you…
Are you heading back to the theatre soon? What Covid theatre etiquette do you think is important?
Cheers,
The Historian
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