Going to a Redlands Theatre Festival show is a special experience. One that you will remember for a long time. Everyone in the audience has been looking forward to seeing the performance just as much as you have, so it's very important to remember the rules of theatre etiquette. That way, everyone can have a good time.

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Going to the theatre might seem a lot like going to the movies, but there is one big difference: the actors are performing for you, live onstage. They can see and hear what goes on in the audience just as you can see and hear them. So, the way everyone behaves at a show is a little different from when they are at the movies or at home watching TV.

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Some things to remember:

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• Stay with your family or group at all times. Wait for the ushers to help you find your seat -- they'll want to see your ticket to make sure everyone is in their right place.

 

• Don't talk, chew gum or eat during the performance. Everyone likes popcorn during the movies, but in the theater we like to save the snacks for intermission. 

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• At the end of the show, please don't leave your seat until the cast has taken their curtain call. Not everyone stays to watch movie credits roll, but applauding for the actors in a play is a way you can show them how much you enjoyed their  performance. Applause is a sound actors love to hear! 

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• Be polite and attentive. Many people come to see a show at the Redlands Theatre Festival for a special occasion like a birthday; you can help to keep their evening special. 

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All these guidelines are based on one simple standard: Creating the best experience for everyone, keeping in mind that actors are live and can see and hear you -- as can your fellow audience members. 

                                        

How should I dress to see Redlands Theatre Festival shows?

Years ago, people got dressed to the "nines" to see a show. Nowadays in California, our culture is usually a bit more relaxed, and so are the standards for theatre attire. Because ours is an outdoor theatre, we recommend wearing layers that can be removed if the evening is warm and added if the evening gets chilly. Simple, neat, clean clothes (including jeans and a nice t-shirt) are perfectly acceptable. We do not recommend wearing anything that you couldn't wear to jury duty (or wouldn't wear in front of your grandmother).  Shoes and shirts are definitely required. Of course, you can get as dressed up as you like. Going to the theatre still counts as an elegant night on the town, and if you like to dress up, your evening in Redlands is the perfect opportunity to put on the Ritz, (especially if you're going to see Young Frankenstein!). 

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What should I do with my Electronics?

Shut them all off. Period.  Photography and video of any kind are not allowed during the show. Turn off cell phones during a performance; if you need to check your phone, please wait until intermission. Remember, the light from screens is very distracting to actors and audience members.  Similarly, make sure that any watch alarm or on-the-hour beeps are turned off. Don’t listen to music or play electronic games during a performance. If you're trying to follow a sports game at the same time as the show, don't listen with an earpiece; wait until intermission. Never use your laptop, tablet, etc., during a performance. 

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Can I take photos during the Show?

No. It's forbidden by law. Audio and video recording are also forbidden. If you're caught, you may be asked to delete your recording and/or asked to leave. Flash photos are actually dangerous to the actors, who may be temporarily dazzled by the flash and step off the stage. Actors will sometimes stop the show if they are photographed. 

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Can I smoke during the show?

No. It's forbidden by law. If you light up, you'll be asked to put it out. If you refuse, you'll be asked to leave. 

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What should I do if my children get antsy during the show? I mean, they're kids, after all.

As a reminder, you must be at least 5 years old to attend our shows. And everyone must have their own ticket.

 

Kids mature at different rates. Here's a good rule of thumb: If a child can't be still and quiet during a one-hour video at home, they won't make it through a Redlands Theatre Festival show. 

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Here are some tips for older kids. Explain "The Rules" in advance: Go to the bathroom before the curtain. No talking during the show. No kicking the seat in front of you. Laughing is OK, in reaction to jokes. Wait until the end of songs, then clap and cheer as loud as you want. 

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Parents should bring something quiet to eat -- lollipops are perfect -- for children who get restless. 

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In order to avoid disturbing the other patrons, noisy or boisterous children should be taken out of the theatre area for a "time out."

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If a crying child does not respond to 15 seconds or so of soothing, take the child out of the theatre area.

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Can I talk during the overture and entr'acte?

Preferably not. They're part of the show, too. 

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What can I do if someone is being loud or annoying -- without becoming loud or annoying myself?

Start by turning, facing them directly and glaring. This is completely silent and generally alerts 99 percent of offenders that they're being offensive. The next step is a sharp "Shh!" or a sotto voce, "Please be quiet." Do not escalate any further than this yourself. The next step is to alert an usher or the "house manager" and let them deal with the offender. 

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What should I do if I arrive late?

Don't push your way into the theatre or demand to be seated immediately. Most theatres follow the policy of, "At the discretion of the House Manager, latecomers will be seated in the back and/or on the far sides at an appropriate interval. Patrons may then take their assigned seat at intermission." The ushers and the house manager usually work out when the next moment that people entering the seating area will cause the least disruption. 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 have you stand in the back and then escort you to a seat when the time is right. There is a safety issue here, too. Ushers can help you avoid a trip and fall. If your seat is down near the stage, or in the middle where you would have to cross in front of many people, you may be seated to the side or in the back until intermission. Warning: Some shows, especially comedies, may incorporate latecomers into the performance. Note: Please check the curtain times on your tickets! All shows start at 8:30 PM.

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Appropriate applause?

Applause is always optional, and up to the audience -- the reward for a job well done. Often when the lights go out at the end of a scene, or at the end of a musical number, the audience will applaud.  In indoor theatres, audiences often applaud at the rise of the curtain for a set that is particularly astonishing or pleasing to the eye.  Because we are an outdoor venue and do not have a curtain, our set is in full view of the audience.  Still, on occasion, when the lights come up for the first time, the audience has been moved to applaud!

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Should I applaud when the star makes her/his entrance?

If the star is of sufficient magnitude, such a welcome is polite -- but by no means required. As stated above, applause is always at the discretion of the audience.