10 Theater Etiquette Tips For Kids And Families

Ever been stuck on a flight next to a crying baby? This is also a fear of many theatregoers.

- Dustin K. Britt

More than a few dozen times in my career as an actor, technician and performing arts critic I’ve asked myself, “If the kid is screaming, why won’t her parents take her out?”

In my years as a special education teacher, I’ve wished more parents would explicitly teach their child theater etiquette before spending $250 on tickets. Etiquette is a learned behavior. If kids need to learn it, parents have to teach it.

Not every kid is the same. Age, life experience, developmental stages, disability and temperament must all be considered before deciding what kind of performance is appropriate for your family to attend. Here are 10 tips to consider before buying those tickets.

1. Know your kid. Does he wander while watching TV or he is glued to his tablet during a movie? Does she take lots of bathroom breaks or seem anxious in large crowds? Does your child even want to go to the show? If you can’t afford a sitter for a child who isn’t ready to sit through a theatrical performance, you can’t afford to see the show.