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What to Expect at Different Types of Performances

The following will give you an idea of what is expected of an audience member at different types of performances. Not all of these will apply to your event, but they are a good place to start.

Plays and Musical Theatre

Before the curtain rises, here's what you need to know...

• Wish Them Well. Did you hear anyone say, “Break a leg!” to an actor? Though it doesn’t sound nice, it is. To an actor, “break a leg” means “good  luck.”
• Peer into the Pit. If the show has live music, it probably has a pit—that hole below the stage where the musicians sit. Before the show starts, go take a peek at it.
• Musicals: Know the Score. Many people read plays before seeing them performed. To prepare for a musical, though, it’s more common to listen to the show’s soundtrack. The songs will give you a sense of the plot and mood of the performance. Plus, you’ll be able to sing along during the show (in your head, never out loud)!

Once the lights dim and the show is underway, remember to...

• Listen Right Away. At the start of a musical, the lights will dim, and you might hear live music before you see anything happening on stage. What you’re hearing is the overture, which includes little bits of all the songs you’ll hear in the show. Be sure to listen quietly—the overture is part of the show. 
• Don’t talk back. If characters in a play talk directly to the audience, they’re “breaking the fourth wall.” 
• If You’re Happy and You Know It. Theater audiences generally clap at the end of acts. An exception: In musicals, you can clap at the end of any song or dance number—or occasionally in the middle of one if a performer does something really complicated. A “showstopper” is when a performer sings or does something so well that it literally stops the show with audience applause.
• Time Out. Sometimes during a musical performance there is an “11 o’clock moment.” No, that doesn’t mean everyone has to leave. It’s when something really big happens—like a song or an event or special spectacle. Usually the audience recognizes this moment with loud applause.

Dance and Ballet Performances

Before the performance:

• What’s the story? Dance performances don’t usually have dialogue. If you’re seeing a full-length dance show, you might want to find out in advance whether it has a storyline. For example, some ballets are based on famous fairytales, as with Sleeping Beauty and Peter Pan. Plan on researching the story, choreographer, composer, even the dance company and dancers. The more you know, the more you will enjoy the show.
• Listen up! A great way to prepare for a dance performance is to listen to the music either online or on a CD. You’ll appreciate the performance much more if you can become familiar with the music.

During the performance:

• Clap for Spins. In dance performances with live music, clap when the conductor first appears. In any performance, you can also clap after dances and after impressive dance moves, like fast pirourettes (spins). 

Concerts and Music Recitals

Before any music fills your ears...

• Check Your Movements. Read your program to find out whether the concert’s music will have multiple movements (parts). (Concertos usually have three, and sonatas have three or four.)

Ready to start tapping your toes to the beat? Here's what to keep in mind once the show  begins...

• Place Settings. Most orchestras are arranged in a fan-shape. The strings are always in the front, sitting in successive rows, with first and second violins on the left. Then sit the violas, cellos, with double basses (usually) on the right. Deeper in the back are the woodwinds (flutes, clarinets, oboes, English horns, bassoons, and contra-bassoons) and the brasses (French horns, trumpets, trombones, and tuba). The percussion instruments (timpani, side and bass drums, and cymbals) are located in the rear.
• Tune Up. After the orchestra is seated, the first violinist, or “concertmaster,” bows to applause, and takes his/her seat. This person then asks the principal oboist to sound an “A” to which the entire orchestra tunes. Once tuned, the conductor and/or soloist walks onstage and the audience applauds.
• Think Before You Clap. In orchestra performances, you should clap when the conductor appears onstage and at the end of each musical number, not after each movement. But be careful. Sometimes it sounds like a piece is over, but it’s really just the silence between movements. Hint: Check out the conductor; he or she will lower their hands at the end of a piece. Or, follow along in your program to see how the music is listed. Better yet, wait and follow the crowd when to clap.

  Let’s practice. Say you’re listening to a piano soloist performing Beethoven’s Piano Sonata Number 14, the “Moonlight Sonata.” 

You’ll hear:

The slow first movement
(Silence.  Don’t clap.)
The faster second movement
(Silence.  Don’t clap.)
The incredibly fast third movement
(Clap here!)

Another clapping clue: When it’s time to applaud, the conductor might step down from the podium and bow. He or she may direct soloists to the front of the stage so that they can receive special recognition and applause as well. 

Orchestra members might tap their stands instead of clapping.

• Stand in Support. If you love a performance, you can rise when you clap, and give the orchestra a standing ovation. And don’t be surprised if the audience yells out “Bravo” or “Brava” for a job “well done.”
• There’s More? Sometimes, if the audience shows enough enthusiasm at the end of the concert, the orchestra will perform an encore. This means they will perform a musical number that’s not on the program—but it has to be one that they’ve rehearsed, so don’t yell out any requests!

But wait! That's not all!

Jazz concerts are sometimes different from symphonic and orchestral, and are usually more casual. The big difference you should keep in what to do during the show.  

• Clap-Happy. You’ll probably find that jazz audiences clap or even call out their support for the musicians quite often. Feel free to clap at the end of instrumental solos, songs, sets, and performances. (“Sets” are groups of musical numbers; the band may take a momentary break between individual pieces and longer breaks between sets.) While the audience at a jazz concert is far less formal than at a classical music performance, you still need to be respectful of the musicians and other audience members.

What to Expect at Different Performance Venues

Now that you have an idea what to expect for the type of performance you are attending, here's what to expect at each kind of performance space. As before, these are general rules, and may not all apply to the space you're in.

Going to a Theater?

• Dress up. No need for a tuxedo, but do try to look nice.
• Bring warmth. Even if it’s toasty outside, bring a sweater or jacket. Theaters are usually cold. It’ll be hard to concentrate on the performance if you’re shivering.
• Bring your tickets. For obvious reasons.
• Bring money. If you want to buy a souvenir.
• Go. To see the lobby. To use the bathroom. To see the view from another part of the theater. Do it now, before the show starts.
• Turn off your cell phone. And anything else electronic that could cause a ruckus.
• Find the “EXIT” signs. Look for the illuminated signs over the doors. You always want to know where the nearest emergency exit is in a theater in case of a natural disaster, a medical situation, or a fire. 
• Read your program. This tells you what show you’re about to see, who created it, and who’s performing in it. You might like to read a synopsis (summary) of the show before it begins; other people prefer to be surprised by the action onstage.
• Don’t munch. At most theaters, no food, gum, or beverages are allowed inside the theater itself. If you think you might need a breath mint or cough drop during a play, unwrap it quietly or, better yet, before the performance. 
• Thank ushers. These are the people who give you programs, show you to your seat, and answer questions. Sometimes they use flashlights to shine the way if you arrive late or need to leave to use the bathroom. Let them help you back to your seat so that you don’t trip.
• No pictures, please. Don’t take photos unless you have been told that it’s okay to do so.
• Rest in peace. Shhhh. It’s fine to laugh or cry, but save any chit-chat for later. The actors need silence so that they can focus on their roles, and the rest of the audience needs silence to concentrate on the show.
• Respect the chairs. Don’t put your feet on them, kick them, or make them feel bad about themselves.
• Clap on; clap off. But only at the right times: You should clap after a play, song, scene, or act, or right before intermission. If you love a show, stand up while applauding (but only at the very end of the show). That’s called a “standing ovation.”
• Intermission: There’s a break about halfway through most theater productions. Some shows have two intermissions. This is a great time to use the bathroom (though the women’s room often has a long line), get a drink of water, blow your nose, stretch your legs, or eavesdrop as people sitting nearby make clever comments about the play.
• Power outage? If it’s before the show or the end of intermission, you might see the lights go on and off several times or hear the sound of chimes. These signals mean audience members should sit down—it’s almost time for the show to start (or restart).

Going to a Concert Hall?

• Dress up. No need for a tuxedo, but do try to look nice.
• Bring warmth. Even if it’s toasty outside, bring a sweater or jacket. Concert halls are usually cold. It’ll be hard to concentrate on the performance if you’re shivering.
• Bring your tickets. For obvious reasons.
• Bring money. If you want to buy a souvenir.
• Go. To see the lobby. To use the bathroom. To see the view from another part of the concert hall. Do it now, before the show starts.
• Turn off your cell phone. And anything else electronic that could cause a ruckus.
• Find the “EXIT” signs. Look for the illuminated signs over the doors. You always want to know where the nearest emergency exit is in a concert hall in case of a natural disaster, a medical situation, or a fire.
• Read your program.  This tells you what music you’re about to hear, who composed it, and who’s playing and conducting it. You can also find out whether the concert’s music will have multiple movements, or part. (Concertos usually have three, and sonatas have three or four.)
• Don’t munch.  At most concert halls, no food, gum, or beverages are allowed inside the hall itself. If you think you might need a breath mint or cough drop during the show, unwrap it quietly or, better yet, before the performance.
• Thank ushers.  These are the people who give you programs, show you to your seat, and answer your questions. Sometimes they use flashlights to shine the way if you arrive late or need to leave to use the bathroom. Let them help you back to your seat so that you don’t trip.
• No pictures, please. Don’t take photos unless you have been told that it’s okay to do so.
• Rest in peace. Shhhh. Save any chit-chat for later. The musicians need silence so that they can focus on their performance, and the rest of the audience needs silence to concentrate, too.
• Respect the chairs.  Don’t put your feet on them, kick them, or make them feel bad about themselves.
• Intermission: There’s a break about halfway through most concert hall performances. Some shows have two intermissions. This is a great time to use the bathroom (though the women’s room often has a long line), get a drink of water, blow your nose, stretch your legs, or eavesdrop as people sitting nearby make clever comments about the music.
• Power outage? If it’s before the show or the end of intermission, you might see the lights go on and off several times or hear the sound of chimes. These signals mean audience members should sit down—it’s almost time for the show to start (or restart).
• Place settings. Most orchestras arrange the performers’ seats in the shape of a fan, with the conductor at its narrowest point. The strings sit nearby, in the front rows, with first and second violins on the audience’s left and the violas, cellos, with double basses (usually) on the right. Farther back are the woodwinds (flutes, clarinets, oboes, English horns, bassoons, and contra-bassoons) and the brasses (French horns, trumpets, trombones, and tuba). From the balcony, you would have a good view of the percussion instruments (timpani, side and bass drums, and cymbals), which end up in the rear.
• Tune up. After an orchestra is seated, the first violinist, or “concertmaster,” bows to the audience and takes his or her seat. This person then asks the principal oboist to sound an “A,” to which the entire orchestra tunes. Once tuned, the conductor and/or soloist walks onstage, and the audience applauds.
• Think before you clap. In orchestra performances, you should clap when the first violinist appears onstage, when the conductor appears onstage, and at the end of each musical number—and not after each movement. Be careful. Sometimes it sounds like a piece is over, but it’s really just the silence between movements. Hint: Check your program. Or look at the conductor, who will only lower his or her hands fully at the end of a piece. When in doubt, wait and follow the crowd for when to clap.

  Let’s practice. Say you’re listening to a piano soloist performing Beethoven’s Piano Sonata Number 14, the “Moonlight Sonata.” 

  What you'll hear:	What you should do:
  A slow 1st movement	Don’t clap.
  A faster 2nd movement	Don’t clap.
  A very fast 3rd movement	Clap here!

  Another clapping clue: When it’s time to applaud, the conductor might step down from the podium and bow. He or she may direct soloists to the front of the stage so that they can receive special recognition and applause as well. Orchestra members might tap their stands instead of clapping.

• Stand in support. If you love a performance, you can rise when you clap, and give the orchestra a standing ovation. Don’t be surprised if the audience yells out “Bravo!” or “Brava!” for a job well done.
• There’s more? Sometimes, if the audience shows enough enthusiasm at the end of the concert, the orchestra will perform an encore. This means they will perform a musical number that’s not on the program—but it has to be one that they’ve rehearsed, so don’t yell out any requests!

Going to a Club?

• Dress up. No need for a tuxedo, but do try to look nice.  
• Bring warmth. Even if it’s toasty outside, bring a sweater or jacket. Clubs may be cold. It’ll be hard to concentrate on the performance if you’re shivering.
• Bring your tickets. For obvious reasons.
• Bring money. For food, drinks, or souvenirs.
• Turn off your cell phone. And anything else electronic that could cause a ruckus. 
• Say thanks. If the club has hosts and waiters, be sure to thank them for showing you to your table, handing you a program, and bringing you food or drink.
• Sit smart. If you’re at a comedy show, there’s a chance the comedian will speak to or even tease audience members. The farther back you sit, the safer you are!
• Find the “EXIT” signs. Look for the illuminated signs over the doors. You always want to know where the nearest emergency exit is in a club in case of a natural disaster, a medical situation, or a fire.
• Read your program. This tells you what you’re about to see. Who’s performing? Are you seeing a comedian? A jazz band? A vocalist?
• Go. To the bathroom. And to take a look at the stage. Clubs are more casual than theaters. They usually have a low stage and one-level seating, which means you can get up close much more easily than at a theater.
• No pictures, please.  Don’t take photos unless you have been told that it’s okay to do so.
• Respect the space.  In these kinds of small settings, space is at a premium. Tables and chairs are placed very close to one another. Be a good (and respectful) neighbor.
• Who’s on first? There may be an opening act—that is, someone who performs before the main act. In comedy shows, the main act is the “headliner,” and the opening act is the “feature.” In any club show, there might also be an “emcee” who comes on at the very beginning to “warm up” (entertain) the crowd and to introduce the other performers.
• Clap on; clap off. But only at the right times: If you’re seeing a music performance, you can clap at the end of songs. At comedy shows, you can clap when you think a joke is particularly funny or clever. If you love a show, stand up while applauding (but only at the very end of the show). That’s called a “standing ovation.”
• Give jazz a hand. You’ll probably find that jazz audiences clap quite often: at the end of instrumental solos, songs, sets, and performances. (“Sets” are groups of musical numbers; the band may take a momentary break between individual pieces and longer breaks between sets.) The audience at a jazz concert is far less formal than at a classical music performance, so you may hear people calling out their support for the musicians. You do still need to be respectful, though, so save rowdy hollers, hoots, and hoorahs for outside and only cheer when you’re sure it’s appropriate.
• Talk back. At an improvisational (improv) comedy show, actors might perform skits and play games on stage, often with the audience’s help. If the actors ask for a suggestion, try to give them a good one. For example, if they tell audience members to shout out a non-geographic location, think of one that will inspire them to create a unique scene.

Good suggestion:        An igloo

Bad suggestion:          Kentucky (That’s geographic!)

Bad suggestion:          A room (That’s vague!)

Bad suggestion:          Go home! (That’s rude!)

• No heckling allowed. It’s not okay to shout or make comments at the performer. That’s just plain rude and annoying to the rest of the audience. Heckle the stage and you’ll be shown the door.

Going to a Festival (or Outdoor Event)?

• Dress to move. If you’ll be traveling between events or exhibits, wear comfortable walking shoes. Considering that festivals are designed to hold anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand people, you may even have quite a trek from the parking area or bus station to the festival site.
• Prepare for the elements. If you’ll be indoors, bring a sweater or jacket in case of chilly air conditioning. For outdoor events, check the weather—think about an umbrella, (if allowed), poncho or raincoat, baseball cap, sunblock, sunglasses, bug spray, and/or water bottle. Check the weather report. Like a baseball game, the event may be postponed or even cancelled.
• Ground yourself. Wear pants or a long skirt if you’ll be sitting on the ground. It can also be fun to bring lawn chairs or a blanket and picnic basket. Some outdoor seating is first-come, first-served, so think about arriving early for prime seats. If you’ll be sitting far away from the stage, you might want binoculars!
• Bring your tickets. For obvious reasons. And if you’re going to multiple days’ worth of festival events, make sure you have the right tickets for the right day’s events. 
• Bring money. For food, drinks, souvenirs, and maybe even parking. These items can be pretty pricey, so plan accordingly.
• Turn off your cell phone. During the performance, that is. 
• Plan. What will you do if you get separated from your group? Agree on a meeting place and make sure everyone knows what it is.
• No pictures, please. Don’t take photos of performances unless you have been told that it’s okay to do so.
• Talk quietly, walk calmly. Near performance spaces, at least. Festivals can have performance spaces open to the public, meaning that you might open a door or turn a corner and find yourself walking close to an ongoing show. Be careful not to draw attention to yourself or distract the actors or audience members.
• You’re not the show. Some audience members at concerts think they’re part of the show and sing right along. Don’t be one of them unless the musicians have asked the audience to sing aloud.
• Read the signs. Festivals might have signs that direct you toward different events, restrooms, or refreshments. Also look for programs or guides, which might be available at a festival information booth.
• In case of emergency… Bee sting? Heat exhaustion? Cotton candy overdose? At festivals (especially outdoor festivals), there’s generally a first aid booth. Ask a festival worker if you need medical assistance.
• Clean up. Be sure to throw away or recycle your trash. If you’ve just had a picnic, look for and collect food wrappers that might have blown away.
• Stand down. At some concerts, if you stand, the person behind you will need to stand to see over you. Which means the person behind that person has to stand. And then, well, you get the picture. It’s simply contagious. So try not to be the first domino to fall (or, in this case, to stand).
• Rules of the road. Just because a performance is outdoors, doesn’t mean there are no rules. Be polite. Respect the performers. Respect your fellow audience members.

Going to a Gallery?

• Dress up. You can leave the evening gown at home, but do try to look nice.
• Bring warmth. Even if it’s toasty outside, bring a sweater or jacket. Galleries can be cold. It’ll be hard to concentrate on the exhibit if you’re shivering.
• Bring your tickets. For obvious reasons. (If you’re going to a free exhibit or museum, your probably don’t need tickets.)
• Bring money. For prints, postcards, or other art souvenirs.
• Turn off your cell phone. And anything else electronic that could cause a ruckus. 
• Plan. What will you do if you get separated from your group? Agree on a meeting place and make sure everyone knows what it is.
• Do your homework. You may want to research the museum and exhibit before the trip. Read up on the artist(s) and work(s) you’ll be viewing. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to enjoy your experience.
• Map it. Grab a map at the entrance. Plan out which exhibits you’d like to visit. 
• No pictures, please. Don’t take photos unless you have been told that it’s okay to do so. Check it out online when you get home. 
• Talk quietly, walk calmly. In other words, don’t yell or run. Be especially quiet near visitors taking guided tours or listening to audio tours on headsets. 
• Read the signs. Big signs often provide background information about the exhibit you’re seeing. Small ID cards are displayed next to individual pieces of art; they include artists’ names, nationalities, and birth and death years; artwork titles; the year the piece was created; and the materials used to create the artwork. For example: 

Teachy McTeacherson
American, 1982-
Happy Students Buying Teacher Appreciation Gifts during a Gallery Trip, 2010
Mechanical pencil on canvas

There’s no need to read every placard, but take a look at the notes for the works that catch your eye.

• Steer clear. If a visitor is looking at artwork, try not to cut in front of that person and block his or her view. Galleries and museums can get awfully crowded, especially in front of famous works of art. Be patient. It will be worth the wait.  
• Say hello. To museum docents, who provide information about exhibits to visitors. Also say hello to guards, who often stand in or near a room to make sure that nothing happens to the artwork. Did you know that any one piece of artwork can be worth millions of dollars? The guards aren’t just here for show—they have the serious job of protecting valuable art from any mishaps. 
• Don’t munch. In most galleries, no food, gum, or beverages are allowed outside of the cafeteria (if there is one). If you’re thirsty, you can often find water fountains near the bathrooms.
• No touching. That means pictures or anything else on display. That also includes sculptures, which are not jungle gyms, even if they’re outside.
• Relax. If you see a bench, you can sit. Give up your spot more quickly if other gallery guests look tired and need a seat. Exception: Do not sit on the bench if it is roped off or behind a sign that says, “Ancient Bench.”
• Catch a screening. Often, museums feature a video about a special artist or subject on exhibit. Take a time-out. Have a seat and catch the video. You’ll learn a lot of interesting information. (Yes, even without popcorn.)