THEATRE ETIQUETTE

Etiquette for Attending Live Theatre Performances

• The historic Cody Theatre does NOT have a large lobby and the historic box office has limited capabilities. There are a lot of people that need to filter into the theatre and tickets that need to be scanned before each performance. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter and strongly encourage people to purchase tickets online in advance and have etickets on smart phones OR printed out ready to be scanned at the front Theatre doors.

• Theatre curtains to your seats will open around 30 minutes before performances, after the director gives the go ahead; as with live performances there are mic checks, lights, staging that needs to be prepped before audience members are allowed in to have a seat.

  • If you come earlier than 30 minutes before performance start time, please understand you will more than likely be waiting outside.

• Even though all seats are assigned/reserved please ensure that you arrive at The Cody Theatre at least 15 minutes prior to start time and if planning on purchasing concessions; plan accordingly and arrive sooner.

  • There is no dress code when attending our live performances but it is customary to “dress up” when attending live theatre. Smart Casual and Business Casual is the norm for Cody, Wyoming.

  • Silence phones & other electronics and refrain from using them during performances.

  • Refrain from noise distractions; chewing gum loudly, unwrapping candies, coughing, etc.

  • Remove any hats so that you do not hinder the view of those behind you.

  • If you have to excuse yourself during the production, please do so when there is a break in the scenes or performance so not to disrupt those around you or the production. There will be a 15 minute intermission.

• As with all performances and shows, live video and/or photography is NOT allowed. All productions are copyrighted.

  • Use of cell phones and camera's is not only extremely distracting but is also disrespectful to those around you and to those performing/producing/directing the show.

• While some productions like our summer season of “Wild West Spectacular the Musical” are family friendly others are not due to subject matter. Those productions that are family friendly, we welcome any child who can remain seated in a quiet manner through a two-hour performance, we recommend that children be at least 3-years-old to attend our family friendly productions.

  • Please remind children to not talk once the performance begins and to not touch or kick the seat in front of them.

    Kindly step outside, if your child is creating a disturbance during the performance. Parents may consider selecting an aisle seat in case a quick exit is necessary. Also, please note that there are no refunds, credits or exchanges if you must leave the performance because your child was unhappy or disruptive.

• It is customary to clap when a scene has ended; lights go dark.

• Live Theatre performance etiquette is different than orchestra or piano concerts. During Theatre performances; feel free to clap, laugh out loud, and respond to any welcomed audience participation.

  • If you greatly enjoyed the performance, standing ovations at the end of a performance (during the curtain call) is very special and is a sign of your appreciation to the performers, production, & directors.

• After the show; performers might greet audience members as they leave. Feel free to take pictures and enjoy thanking them for their performance.

  Thank you for considering the safety of our performers and the enjoyment of others! We look forward to seeing you at the performance!