Going to a live theater is an experience that you’ll never forget. Watching as the actors sing and speak their way through the storyline is inspiring, and you can turn watching a play into a full event when you visit a dinner theater. Observing these five essential dinner theater tips helps you get the most from your experience.
1- Arrive Early
With traditional movie theaters, it’s often fine to breeze in right as the opening credits begin. But, you’ll want to give yourself a little more time at a live theater. Try to get to the theater around 45 minutes early to give yourself time to find your seats. Arriving early also gives you a cushion of time that you can use for visiting the restroom, and you can always tour the gift shop if you have additional time before the show starts.
2- Silence Your Phone
This bit of etiquette can’t be said enough. Most dinner theaters request no videos or photography during the program to preserve the mystery for future visitors. The sound of a phone ringing can quickly pull everyone out of the mood of a play, and the glare from the screen is disruptive to the audience in low lighting. Keep in mind that you can always use your phone during intermission, which can help you feel more comfortable if you want to do things such as check in with the babysitter or handle an unexpected call. Be respectful of your fellow theater patrons and silence your phone.
3- Use Proper Table Manners
While some theaters prohibit snacking during the show, dinner theaters encourage you to dine as part of the experience. Enjoying fried chicken while you watch a play set in Tennessee heightens your experience, but you’ll want to avoid causing a distraction for others as you eat. At the theater, try to use the same type of etiquette that you would for any group meal. Try to chew with your mouth closed to minimize smacking, and do your best to avoid making major messes.
4- Minimize Disruptions
Phones aren’t the only disruptive issue in theaters. Once the show starts, it’s important to minimize how often you get up and down. Although it’s perfectly fine to make an emergency trip to the restroom, it’s better if you can wait for intermission. If you cannot, then try to wait for a break in the play. Using the transition between acts to quietly leave the seating area is better than going during a pivotal moment.
5- Choose Family Friendly Shows for Kids
Most theaters don’t have an age requirement, but you can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone by choosing age-appropriate shows. If this is your kid’s first time going to a theater, then consider choosing a show that is designed with kids in mind. Most kid-friendly shows are shorter, which helps kids avoid getting antsy due to shorter attention spans. These shows are also a great time to practice general theater etiquette since you’ll be surrounded by other families working on the same goal.
As a final note, you’ll want to remember to come to the show with an open mind that is ready to be dazzled. Once you see live animals and actors come together to create an entertaining show, you’ll want to check the theater’s schedule to find the next show to put on your family’s itinerary.