Etiquette

A house manager speech is a short spiel presented prior to a theatrical performance, where the audience is welcomed and given some last minute information about the show and/or some basic theatre etiquette reminders, such as the duration of the show, where the restrooms are, and most importantly, to turn off your cell phones. It is fairly typical for the speech to be given by the director — as in, you! — or a member of the front of house team (the house manager or an usher). What information should be shared in the house manager’s speech? Here are the most common speaking points: • A brief welcome and thank you for attending the production. • “Welcome, and thank you for attending Central Secondary School’s production of Football Romeo by Lindsay Price.” • The length of the play and whether there is an intermission. • “The show is 2 hours long with one 15-minute intermission” or “The show runs 75 minutes and is performed without an intermission.” • Whether or not food or drinks may be consumed during the performance (and oftentimes reminders to unwrap candies or cough drops now). • Whether or not photography or video recording is permitted during the performance. If it is allowed, it is best practice to turn camera flashes off to avoid startling or blinding the students onstage. • A reminder to turn off cell phones and any other electronic devices. • Any safety reminders or directions, such as how to leave the theatre, or if there will be special effects (such as a strobe/flashing light or loud, startling sounds) that may affect the audience’s experience. • “If you need to leave the theatre, please use the exits in the rear of the auditorium. An usher will escort you back to your seat at an appropriate time in the performance.” “This production features gunshot sounds and strobe lights which may affect some audience members.” • Any content/trigger warnings — violence/stage combat, strong language, sensitive subject matter, etc. Adjust as necessary for your school’s community and intended audience. Please note that the duration of the show, safety reminders, and content/trigger warnings should also be communicated many times before the patrons arrive at the show, and in many different ways, such as on the show and ticketing websites, in social media posts, on signage outside the theatre, and reiterated by ushers as they take tickets, hand out programs, and/or direct audience members to their seats. Audience members should be aware of the show they’re going into before they arrive at the performance, so they can make an educated decision on whether they wish to attend. The best house manager speeches are brief, concise, and attention getting; the information is conveyed in a way that makes audience members follow the instructions, and then the show starts promptly. Sometimes though, the director gets a little emotional and starts waxing poetic about the process and hard work that has gone into the show, the speech gets longer and more drawn out, and the audience is left waiting impatiently for the performance to start. So to avoid holding your audiences hostage, read on for some helpful tips to improve your house manager speeches. First, do you need a house manager speech at all? Some plays or musicals, such as The SpongeBob Musical, have pre-show patter written into the show. If you’re giving an additional house manager speech on top of that, you’re just wasting time. Can the information be conveyed in another way? For example, could you post signage outside of the theatre, write a blurb in the show program, or have ushers verbally share the information with patrons as they’re taking tickets or directing people to their seats? If you still feel you need a speech, please keep it succinct. The plot of the show, the inspiration behind why you chose it, anecdotes about the rehearsal process, and special thanks can be shared in a director’s note in the program, on your school’s website or social media pages, or posted on signs around the theatre. We have to keep our egos in check and remember that when it comes down to it, the audience is there to see the students perform, not to hear us talk. Share only the most important information that absolutely needs to be conveyed. When possible, have students present the speech. You could have a student house manager or usher present the speech as part of their front of house duties. Or, you could have a member of the acting ensemble present the house manager speech. It’s great if you can pick a student with a smaller role or who has fewer lines in the show, as it gives them more to do. You could also split up the speech and have two or more students present it as a pair or trio, such as a small group of graduating seniors. Decide whether the speech will be presented live or pre-recorded. If the speech is presented live, you’ll need to add a lighting cue for the presenter and may require an additional microphone; if the speech will be pre-recorded, you’ll need to arrange time to record the speech and add it to your sound cue list. Finally, decide whether the speech will be standard/traditional or themed/in-character. There’s nothing wrong with a clear, straightforward speech with simple instructions. It’s easy to understand and does the job. But it can also be a lot of fun to have the speech presented in-character or in the theme or style of the show. Think Shreds and Patches in Shakespearean verse (or even iambic pentameter), or Rebootilization introduced by the SynCryn technicians. Themed house manager speeches grab audience members’ attention and get them into the theatrical mindset right away. Plus, they’re fun! No matter how you choose to present your house manager speech, just remember to keep it short, informative, and attention-grabbing — and then get on with the show!

A successful theatre experience requires respect for and from everyone involved in the production — from the performers to the backstage crew to the audience. No matter the role, everyone has the same goal: to be transported to a shared entertainment experience. But how do you ensure everyone approaches this objective with the same set of guidelines and expectations? We went straight to the source to get the inside scoop from those who’ve been there: drama teachers. We asked: What are your top theatre etiquette rules for your students / audience? Applause, applause, applauseIf you find something humorous, laugh or clap as appropriate. Performers feed off the audience’s energy. (Molly W.) Always give enthusiastic applause. I tell students we are applauding the contribution of the performers, not necessarily the end product. (Tanya B.) A bow is a performer’s way of thanking the audience, and applause is the audience’s way of thanking the performers and crew, so say “Thank you”! (Jenny O.) Applaud the underdog. When things go wrong. When something didn’t work. The difference between theatre and film is it’s human and real and you’re part of it. (Chris R.) Allow yourself and others to have authentic emotional responses: laugh, applaud, cry — let the performance touch your heart. (Kathryn D.) Silence, pleaseDo not talk during the performance. It’s rude to your neighbours and distracting for the performers. (Molly W.) Do not smack, chew, or pop gum during a show. If you have any type of candy in wrapping that will make noise, open it before the show begins. (Molly W.) Energy into the performance, no side conversations. (Kathryn D.) No technologyDo not film any portions of the show or use flash photography during a performance. (Molly W.) Turn off and put your phones away. You can go an hour or two without having to check notifications. (Shannon J.) Respect the showDon’t waste people’s time. Learn your lines, don’t show up to a performance late. (Jasmine I.) If it’s not yours, don’t touch it. (Alise A.) Early is on time. On time is late. (Suzette D.) Don’t let your behavior get in the way of someone else enjoying the show. (Laura D.) Every moment will only happen once. So listen. Capture it. (Chris R.) After you work really hard, have fun — it’s called a “play” for a reason. (H.D.) Don’t get up until intermission or the end of the show. (Caryn B.) Everyone countsSay thank you to every single person who contributes (tech, volunteers, parents). (Jasmine I.) Be kind to those on stage — mistakes happen! (Alise A.) Respect your backstage crew/techs. Nothing happens without them! (Sue K.) Be generous. Theatre lives by the audience. Young performers learn in full view of them. Those who support it make performance possible. The audience is part of the company. (Chris R.) Want more information on theatre etiquette?We’ve got you covered! • Classroom Audience Etiquette • Theatre Etiquette 101

I’m a stickler for theatre etiquette, and that includes being great audience members. No matter what performance you are watching, whether it be a classroom presentation, a school show, or a professional performance during a school trip, being a great audience member is so important for students. It shows respect for the hard work that the performers, crew members, and artistic staff have done, and allows everyone to enjoy the show to the fullest. But drama students should aspire to be the best audience members in the theatre – not only because they learn a lot from experiencing different approaches to theatre by being in the audience, but because they know how frustrating it is to be on the receiving end of less-than-polite audience members. Students should know the basics of being a good audience member – things like turning off cell phones, not unwrapping crinkly candy wrappers during the show, being quiet during the performance, and so on. Let’s delve a little deeper into six tips that go beyond the basics to help students be the best audience members in the theatre. 1. Allow yourself enough time to get to the theatre and into the auditorium.There are a lot of things students should do before going into the auditorium and sitting down, such as using the restroom, getting and finishing their snack or beverage (don’t take those snacks into the theatre!), reading the program, and getting into the right mindset for the show they’re about to see. If students are rushing in at the last minute, they won’t be in the “let’s enjoy a show” mindset – they will be stressed out and distracted. 2. Sit back in your seat, and sit up straight.Audience seats are usually set up in a way that each row is slightly diagonal to the row in front of and behind it. This is so audience members have windows of space to see between the heads of the people in front of them. Leaning forward in the seats to get a closer look, or leaning to the side to whisper to friends will block the view for the people behind. So please sit up straight and sit back in your chair. 3. No matter how sneaky you think you’re being, other audience members AND the actors onstage can see you.As a performer myself, I have witnessed audience members doing everything from talking to their neighbour in the audience and texting (the glow from the phone on their face was a dead giveaway), to poking their friends or even falling asleep during the performance. (How depressing is that, to feel like your show is putting your audience to sleep?!) While audience members think that they’re safely hidden in the darkness of the house, the actors and crew members can see everything that goes on during the show. Leave the “performance” to the people actually on the stage. 4. Scene changes are not a break for chatting.While they remain quiet during actual scenes, many audience members think that transitions and musical interludes are a good time to start chatting with their friends. Despite the fact that the actors may not be onstage, musicians and technicians are still doing their jobs, and it’s extremely disrespectful to those people to chat through their work – you may not be able to see them, but, trust me, they’re there and they are working extremely hard. Bonus Point : Stick around until after the bows, listen to the final notes of the song being performed, and applaud the musicians afterwards. Most audience members just get up and leave once the actors leave the stage. 5. Shushing others makes just as much noise as the actual noise being made.Lead by example – be a quiet audience member, and hope that others will follow suit. Otherwise, you’re just contributing to the noise. 6. During the pre-show speech, when the house manager makes the announcement to turn off your cell phone: Please actually check and make sure your cell phone is turned off.Turning off cell phones is the most basic courtesy on the part audience members – it’s drilled and drilled, yet students still forget sometimes. Please double-check to ensure your phone is completely turned off. Some students just throw their phones into their bags without checking, and then they have to dig through the bag to find the phone if it does go off. Even putting your phone on the vibrate setting really isn’t sufficient – it still makes an audible noise when it vibrates. I’m sure every theatre person dreams of the day when we no longer have to give the cell phone warning before the show. But until that day comes – turn your phone off and fully enjoy the show!

When teaching students who are brand-new to theatre, it’s important to discuss and apply the expectations of the drama classroom, and the theatrical world. We chatted with Kerry Hishon on the Drama Teacher Podcast, as she shared her expertise on how to implement and instill theatre etiquette with your students. Here are 5 key tips for introducing and following Theatre Etiquette in the classroom and in rehearsal. 1. Define theatre etiquette• Theatre etiquette is how you behave in the drama classroom or in a rehearsal in order to get along and be a good person in the theatrical world. It’s important to define a code of behaviour in the classroom or in rehearsal. Your students are pushing themselves outside of their comfort zone. They’re exploring characters who are different from them. They’re exploring unfamiliar stories. They’re trying to move their bodies in different ways. Students need a safe place where they can express these things, where they can try new things and not be afraid of making a mistake. Theatre etiquette involves coming up with ways to create a safe place. Help students succeed, feel comfortable to express themselves, and try new things. 2. Involve your students in defining the expectations.• It’s important for students to contribute to creating rules, because that way they can take ownership of the drama classroom. Students need to know that this is their classroom. If they’ve come up with their procedures or ways of doing things, they can really take ownership. Obviously, if they need need a little bit of direction, you can help shape expectations into what will work for the experience and the particular group of kids. But make sure students are involved from the beginning. 3. The basis of theatre etiquette = respect.• If students are respectful of themselves, of each other, of the crew members, of the teacher and the director, they’re able to grow and develop as actors, as performers, and as people. When students have that respect for their classroom and for themselves, they can allow themselves to open up, express themselves more and learn more. They can use that respect in every other situation they encounter in life – whether it’s other classes, a first job, dealing with family. 4. Theatre etiquette ensures an equal footing for onstage and offstage company members.• Remind your students that the applause is for everyone. The actors onstage at the end get the big bow. They get the applause. With backstage crew and stage managers, when their job is done well you don’t notice anything going wrong or anything unexpected. If the show is smooth and beautiful, they’ve done their job, but they don’t get to go out and take a bow. They’re backstage hidden in the black clothing. Actors need to be reminded that the crew, the stage management team, the designers and everyone backstage needs to be treated with respect. 5. Theatre etiquette extends to the audience.• Etiquette rules like being quiet backstage, or hanging up your costume properly – the small things add up to create the final amazing production. Remind students that, no matter what role you’re doing on the show, whether it’s an onstage or backstage role, you’re all contributing to the same ultimate goal: to create a magical world for your audience. You’re going to take them out of their everyday lives, transport them, and tell them this amazing story. At their heart of it, everybody in a production really does want to do their best. Everybody wants a safe place. Everybody wants adulation from the audience. Following theatre etiquette rules means that the audience gets the respect they deserve. To learn more about Kerry Hishon’s experience with Theatre Etiquette, check out her course at the Drama Teacher Academy or listen to the podcast at Theatrefolk.com/episode166.

There are many ways to give participation marks in the drama classroom. How do students engage in classroom discussion? How do they participate in warmups and exercises? How do students work in small groups? Because the drama class often involves student presentations, be it in improvised scenes or lengthy memorized pieces, you can also include audience etiquette to a participation mark: “How do students participate as an audience member?” The audience is an essential part of the performance process, so it’s important to discuss and apply audience etiquette. Start with a DiscussionAsk students: How should an audience behave at a play? Rock concert? Tennis match? Football game? Lecture? Movie? Audience behaviour changes depending on the situation. For example, an audience is expected to cheer at a football game, but it’s completely against etiquette rules for a tennis match. You could even talk about how audience behaviour has changed over time. Audience behaviour for a Shakespeare play in the Elizabethan era had more in common with a WWE match audience than today’s typical 21st century audience. What is Audience Etiquette?Etiquette is a way of behaving in a situation. Tennis match = quiet audience. At the beginning of the year, have a discussion with your classes about how everyone should behave when watching presentations. You could even start the discussion with a little performance of your own – invite two students to the front of the class to improvise a scene. As they perform, model “good audience behaviour” and “bad audience behaviour.” As you discuss audience etiquette, write down student suggestions. You could even write their suggestions on chart paper and hang it up permanently. Some important points to highlight: • Paying attention • Staying silent • Phones turned off and put away • Leaning forward • Eyes on the stage • Sitting still • Appropriate response at the end of a scene • Following instructions, if needed (eg: in an improv scenario, responding to an ask for a location or a scene title) Let students know that every time there is a “performance” they could also receive a participation mark as an audience member.