Download Theatre Etiquette

Theatre Etiquette
A general listing of “do’s” and “don’t” for the stage performer
1. Interactions with the crew:
Like all organizations, there is a hierarchy of responsibilities in the theatre and once we
get to the technical run thoughts, the stage manager(s) is the backstage boss. If some
technical aspect of the performance goes wrong, tell the stage manager, not a member of
the stage crew. Crewmembers have their own jobs to concentrate on, as do you. Tell the
stage manager only after the play is over, unless there is an emergency.
DON’T talk to the stage crew when they are working.
DO treat all stage crew with courtesy, respect and patience. (We can’t do the show
without them).
DO be friendly with the crew—they are people too.
2. When you arrive:
DO sign in on the sheet next to the dressing rooms. Once you have arrived and signed in,
DON’T leave the theatre without notifying the director or an assistant director.
DO check notes from the stage manager, assistant director, or director.
DO arrive on time and ready to go. There is no such thing as fashionable lateness in the
theatre.
DO put your name on all belongings. Things tend to get lost in all the chaos.
DO leave valuables at home or in your locker. If you don’t wear jewelry in the play,
leave that at home too.
DON’T come or go from the theatre in costume, or allow yourself to be seen in costume
by audience members.
DO share make-up mirrors in the make-up area and dressing rooms, particularly in largecast plays.
Do put away any make-up you take out. The make-up crew is not here to clean up after
you.
DO keep all costumes away from the make-up area. Don’t put our costume ojn until you
have finished your make-up.
Don’t spray hair spray or perfume in the make-up area. The space is too confined.
DO bring socks or slippers if your role requires bare feet.
DO bring something to do, especially to run-throughs and techs. Just like the army, the
motto at times is “hurry up and wait,” so bring some homework or a book. Just be sure to
let someone know where you are if you are studying.
DON’T open the house doors during lighting rehearsals or run-throughs. Opening the
door lets in outside light and ruins the lighting effect, plus the door squeaks when it
opens. Wail until the scene is over before entering the house.
3. Off/Backstage behavior:
DO be ready to go when you are cued.
DON’T wait in the wings unless you are cued to do so.
DON’T stand in front of lights.
DO go all the way off stage when making an exit. The rule is, if you can see the
audience, they can see you.
DO be quiet and careful backstage.
4. Personal hygiene
DO wear antiperspirant. Costumes with a week or sweat in them are no fun to be around.
We can’t wash most of them until after the run of the show.
DO hang up costumes after each use, or have an appointed dresser do this for you.
DON’T eat, smoke, or drink in costume.
DON’T leave personal belongings in the wings, at the edge of the stage, or in the house.
DON’T eat or drink in the house.
DON’T put your feet up on the theatre chairs.
DO leave the theatre, dressing rooms, and green room as clean, if not cleaner, than how
you found them.
5. General
DO bring your good humor!
DO your best!