Know Before You Go

There can be a lot of "rules" that people feel like they have to follow when they go to see a play. Some of those rules can be important (after all, we all want to have a good time at a show, and want to take care of everyone else's experience) but if a rule makes you feel unwelcome or unwanted, that makes it a pretty bad rule. Luckily, theaters (especially the smaller ones) are getting a lot better at creating spaces for people to show up however feels best for them. Remember, the artists want you there! 

If it sounds appealing, lots of theaters do "sensory-friendly" nights where they tone down some of the technical elements and offer fidget toys for audience members. Or they'll have certain nights of the week where they provide closed captioning, if you'd like to read along. If you have concerns or questions about a specific thing that might happen in they play you've picked, lots of theaters offer guides that warn you about sensitive topics, bright lights/loud noises, and even give you a video of what the theater looks like so you know what to expect before walking in. 

The details of exactly what to do once you walk into the theater might feel important, but the best thing you can do is have a good time! You can hang out in the lobby until the show is just about to start, or go and sit in your seat as soon as you arrive. Some theaters have snacks and drinks, and all of them will at least have a water fountain. Once the show begins, talking to people around you is discouraged, but laughing and reacting to the show is a wonderful thing to do! Lots of people feel like they have to be totally quiet during a play, but actors love to know when they are being funny! Plays that are longer than an hour and a half usually have an intermission - a break in the play. It lasts about ten minutes, and gives everyone a chance to use the bathroom, stretch their legs, or get a snack. The second half of the play is usually a little shorter, and once the play ends, everyone claps. The actors come out and bow, and that's it! You leave with the rest of the audience members, and then (one of the under-rated, but really fun parts) you get to talk about what happened in the show with your friends on the way home!  

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We hope this helps going to a play seem a little less intimidating - remember that it should be fun, and everyone wants you there! Time that we get to spend with other people is very special, and theaters are delighted to be that place - at least for a night!