Unspoken Etiquette Rules You Should Never Break When Seeing A Broadway Show

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. 

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.

Before each performance, the theater will encourage everyone to silence their cellphones, but the unspoken etiquette rule is that you should turn your cellphone all the way off. One Reddit user described an experience in which there was inclement weather during a performance and all of the audience members who didn't completely power off their cell phone suddenly received a loud and disruptive weather alert that ruined the scene. 

Some theaters allow snacks and drinks inside, but make sure you enjoy them quietly. Open wrappers before the performance begins, chew quietly, and do not shake the ice in your cup. If you're a big fan of musical theater you may know the words to every song but that doesn't mean you should sing along unless the people on stage specifically asking for audience participation. Your fellow theater attendees paid to listen to the professionals, not you.

Broadway shows are a fun way to spend a night out on the town, and many theatre-goers enjoy an excuse to get dressed up. You'll see all kinds of style choices in the audience, and there's no strict dress code, but you should probably avoid wearing super casual clothing like t-shirts, ripped up jeans, and athleisure. Aim for anything from business casual attire to full on formal wear. According to The Etiquette School of New York, "casual attire is perfectly acceptable now, but casual attire does not mean sloppy attire. Be comfortable, but polished." If you're attending an opening night performance, you'll see plenty of looks that are worthy of the Red Carpet. For some outfit inspiration check out our clever clothing trip to look like a local while visiting Broadway.