Arrive Early
It is suggested that you arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the show. This allows you to find your seat, read the program, and get settled before the overture begins. Please arrive early to have the best Little Theatre experience possible.
Late Arrivals
Those that arrive after the curtain goes up will be seated at the discretion of theatre management so as to not cause an interruption to other patrons as well as the actors on stage. Usually this is during a scene break or the applause break at the end of a song. Just alert the usher that you have arrived late and ask to be seated. The usher will usually peek into the house, and escort you to your seat when the time is right. There is a safety issue here, too. Plunging into a darkened theatre could lead to a trip or fall. If your seat is down near the stage, you also may wish to stand at the back of the theatre until intermission.
Prepare For The Performance
When the show is about to begin, the lights will dim, signaling it is time for the audience to put aside concerns and conversations, settle in to their seats, and prepare for the performance.
Don’t Talk During The Show
A quick whisper to your neighbor, or an audible reaction to something interesting that happens on stage is fine but keep conversations to the intermission and after the show.
Silence Your Devices
When electronics ring and vibrate it is very distracting for both the actors and audience members. The bright light emitted from the use of these devices is also a disturbance. We appreciate and encourage you sharing your Little Theatre experience via social media, but we ask that you select appropriate times to do so. Pre-show, intermission, and after the curtain closes are wonderful opportunities do update and post your status. Please refrain from using your electronic devices during a performance.
Limit Your Restroom Breaks
We request that you use the facilities before the show, during intermission, and after the performance. Should you mis-plan and find yourself unable to wait for a proper break, we ask that you exit the theatre during a scene change, applause, or black-out.
Photography And Videos Inside The Theatre Are Prohibited
Photos or videos of any kind are not to be taken of the stage or of the performance due to copyright regulations. You are welcome to take photos in our lobby and prior to curtain time, intermission and at the conclusion of the show in the theatre. If attempts are made to photograph or video during the performance, a kind usher or House Manager will require you to delete the pictures to ensure we are all compliant with copyright regulations.
The Volume Is Set
The sound system for each show is professionally set by our amazing production team. Unfortunately, many variables exist that may occasionally hinder sound quality. Please let an usher know if you are having trouble hearing, as assisted listening devices can be provided. We want everyone to be able to hear but we can’t help you if you don’t let us know.
Stay Until The Final Bow
Leaving while the show is in progress or before the actors have finished their curtain call is distractive to your fellow theatre goers and discourteous to the actors. Please stay and cheer through the standing ovation (happens every time for our spectacular Little Theatre performances), then you may exit with the rest of the audience.
Dress For The Occasion
We have no official “dress code” for attending shows at The Little Theatre On The Square. Our patrons usually dress in business casual attire for most performances. We’d rather have a patron come in jeans than not come at all out of concern for how they are dressed.
Don’t Be Afraid To React
Laugh, applaud, and enjoy the show! Actors love to feel that the audience is engaged in the story. Feel free to have honest reactions to what is happening on stage. Theatre-going is a fun experience, and we produce shows that will make you laugh, cry, and feel emotions you’d forgotten you had. Allow yourself to get lost inside the story and music – it’s the best part of the theatre experience!
Don’t Sing Along
It’s tempting sometimes, we know. But if you want to sing on Broadway, then you’re gonna have to audition like those people up onstage did. Your fellow Little Theatre patrons paid to hear the professionals flex their vocal muscles, not you. (There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as when the performers onstage actually prompt the audience to join in.)
Unwrap Cough Drops And Candies In Advance
If you anticipate any coughing fits during the show, be sure to unwrap your lozenges before the performance starts and have them at the ready. That crinkling sound is like nails on a chalkboard during a quiet play. And, no, unwrapping it S-L-O-W-L-Y does not help the situation … it’s much, much worse.
Respect The Space And Comfort Of Those Around You
Please sit in the seat you are assigned so you do not cause confusion for other audience members. Also please practice good Broadway etiquette by taking care to not lean into your neighbor, hog armrests, intrude on already limited leg room or let your coat or other belongings hang so far off the back of your seat that it ends up in someone else’s lap.
Let Us Know About Special Access Needs In Advance
Please contact the box office to make arrangements for wheelchair seating options or if assistance is needed for those with limited mobility. Assisted listening devices also are available at our box office.
Children And Live Theatre
- Attending a live theatre performance can be a magical and memorable experience for even young children. Done well, you will be planting the seeds of appreciation in a young patron for a love of live theatre. Done poorly, you can create an awful experience for your child and the people seated around you.
- First, take time to select the proper show for your child to see. It would be unfair to ask your child to behave their best if you have selected a show that would bore them or that they do not understand. Infants should always be left at home when attending mainstage shows, as there’s no distraction quite like a crying baby.
- Also mention to your child that the theatre will be dark at times and sudden bursts of sounds may happen. If your child becomes restless, frightened, or very loud, please take them to the lobby. Please remember that our lobby is not sound proof and loud noise will travel into the theatre. If seats are available, you may always ask an usher to reseat you towards the back of the theatre/balcony.