How to Enjoy the Theatre

A close friend has just invited you to attend a local live performance of a hit play and you are terrified because you haven't attended a play since your elementary school version of "The Nutcracker." Relax and follow these easy tips for enjoying what's sure to become one of your most memorable experiences!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Proper attire (semi-formal to formal, depending on type of play)
• Program, which includes actor profiles, production summary/plot and introduction to upcoming shows
• Open mind and desire for a new experience

1. If you find out about the show well enough in advance, do a little research to familiarize yourself with the play and the local venue so that you'll have an idea of what to expect on performance night.

2. Show up looking absolutely stunning. Appearance does matter, especially when you're attending the theater. You never know who's going to be there--modeling/casting agents, famous actors and directors--so show up looking like a million bucks. This isn't something you do every day, so go all out and make a show-stopping entrance.

3. Make sure to eat before you leave home, because you normally will not be allowed to do so while viewing the performance. After all, who wants to hear you smacking on food or your stomach growling while trying to hear the show?

4. Arrive at the theater between 30 minutes to an hour before curtain call in order to give yourself plenty of time to walk around and view the various attractions, such as the souvenir booth and refreshment stand, if provided. Use this time to go to the bathroom, if necessary.

5. Take your seat a few minutes before the show starts and make a mental note of your surroundings. Take time to notice the little details such as the seating arrangement, lighting, stage props and various other eye-catching details, all of which help set the mood and tone for the evening.

6. Once the performance begins, listen intently and view the production with an open mind. Note how it makes you feel--you may experience several different emotions. Don't over-analyze or let your preconceived views ruin it for you. Allow yourself to be pleasantly surprised and swept away for the next few hours. Enjoy looking at the beautiful costumes and stage decorations.

7. Once the show ends, make sure to pick up your trash and don't leave any of your personal belongings. Exit the theater quietly (or at least without making a lot of noise) and thank your date by giving them a huge kiss for a lovely evening.

Tips & Warnings

• Once you receive the invitation, don't over-prepare. Too much information about the show will ruin the element of surprise and probably make the show boring if you go overboard with trying to figure out all the little details. Again, allow yourself to be surprised.
• After the performance, check out the reviews in the local paper the next day. Note how the critics comment on everything from the location to the setup to customer service, in addition to the actors' performances and show plot. Take these things into account each time you attend a live performance and become somewhat of a critic yourself. Impress your friends and loved ones with your new knowledge and expertise.
• You may be so excited you'll want to share your experience with friends and family. Be warned, though--don't give them too many details because you may ruin it for them. Give them a chance to form their own opinions and make their own memories.