Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
269
Tips
A Brief Primer on Theater Etiquette for Kids
A night at the theat er used t o mean dr essing f ormally and sitting stiffly .
Although casual dress and equally casual manners ha ve replaced much of the
formality of a night at the theat er, some rules of etiquett e still pr evail. Before
heading t o a sho w with y our k ids, y ou might want t o talk thr ough the f ol-
lowing basic guidelines:
• Don't use cameras or video cameras in the theat er. Taping is prohibited by
law.
• Don't talk during a per formance; it's distracting for other patrons who have
paid a pretty penny for their seats (most t ouring Broadway shows cost well
over $50 a ticket these da ys).
• Turn off beepers and c ellphones. Most theaters will r emind patrons of this
rule before the curtain rises, as it seems inevitable that someone will forget,
and that one ring will ruin ev eryone's enjoyment (and possibly the ac tors'
concentration!).
• Rustling candy wrappers can be as much of a nuisanc e as a ring ing cell-
phone. I f y ou or y our k ids must eat candy , un wrap it bef ore the sho w
starts.
• Dress comfortably, but within bounds. You can anticipate seeing theatergo-
ers dressed up for a blockbuster musical and dressed down for a storefront
repertory, so dress accordingly. While Chicago is a r elaxed Midwestern city,
sweatshirts and jeans are too casual for the theater. For men, a nice sweater
or c ollared shir t with slacks or jeans will w ork almost ev erywhere, and
similar attire for women (sweaters, dress pants, or a sk irt) is alwa ys appro-
priate.
• Make sur e k ids ar e f ed bef ore the sho w—squirming k ids with g rowling
stomachs do not make f or a pleasant theat er-watching experienc e f or
anyone, the k ids especially.
• No need t o tip the ushers . Acknowledging their help with a thank y ou or
a pleasant nod or smile is all that 's r equired. Ho wever, if y ou manage t o
battle your way to the bar during int ermission, the beleaguered bartender
will appreciate your tip.
• Take special care to be on time . Chicago theaters tend to be punctual, and
tardy patr ons usually must wait t o be seat ed until the c onclusion of the
scene or musical number in pr ogress. Arriving lat e f or the opera can be
especially troublesome. With acts lasting f or over an hour, you'll be sitting
outside watching the performance on a television—not a good use of y our
entertainment dollar.
10
Wizard of Oz,
written by Frank L. Baum while he lived in Chicago).
At the Apollo Theater,
2540 N. Linc oln. O ffice: 2936 N. S outhport.
&
773/935-6100.
w ww.emeraldcitytheatre.com.
Tickets $12 for children 2-12, $15 for ages 13 and up. Subway/El: Red or Brown Line to Fullerton.
