Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A Brief Primer on Theater Etiquette for Kids
Tips
A night at the theater used to mean dressing formally and sitting
stiffly. Although casual dress and equally casual manners have replaced
much of the formality of a night at the theater, some rules of etiquette
still prevail. Before heading to a show with your kids, you might want
to talk through the following basic guidelines:
• Don't use cameras or video cameras in the theater. Taping is pro-
hibited by law.
• Don't talk during a performance; it's distracting for other patrons
who have paid a pretty penny for their seat (most shows cost well
over $50 a ticket these days).
• Turn off beepers and cellphones. Most theaters will remind
patrons of this rule before the curtain rises, as it seems inevitable
that someone will forget, and that one ring will ruin everyone's
enjoyment (and possibly, the actors' concentration!).
• Rustling candy wrappers can be as much of a nuisance as a ring-
ing cellphone. If you or your kids must eat candy, unwrap it
before the show starts.
• Dress comfortably, but within bounds. You can anticipate seeing
theatergoers dressed up for a blockbuster musical and dressed
down for a storefront repertory, so dress accordingly. While Chicago
is a relaxed Midwestern city, sweatshirts and jeans are too casual for
the theater. For men, a nice sweater or collared shirt with slacks or
jeans will work almost everywhere, and similar attire for women
(sweaters, dress pants or a skirt) is always appropriate.
• Make sure kids are fed before the show—squirming kids with
growling stomachs do not make for a pleasant theater-watching
experience for anyone, the kids especially.
• No need to tip the ushers. Acknowledging their help with a thank
you or a pleasant nod or smile is all that's required. However, if
you manage to battle your way to the bar during intermission,
the beleaguered bartender will appreciate your tip.
• Take special care to be on time. Chicago theaters tend to be punc-
tual, and tardy patrons usually must wait to be seated until the
conclusion of the scene or musical number in progress. Arriving late
for the opera can be especially troublesome. With acts lasting for
over an hour, you'll be sitting outside watching the performance
on a television—not a good use of your entertainment dollar.
founded in 1996, and recent shows have included
The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Cin-
derella, The Wizard of Oz,
and
Where the Wild Things Are.
Each season, Emerald
City produces four shows, some of which are original works written for the com-
pany. Many Chicago kids had their first theater experience with Emerald City
(named in honor of
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,
written by Frank L. Baum
while he lived in Chicago).
At the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln. Office: 2936 N. Southport.
