We live in an age of technology. Constant distractions plague us, and it’s hard to ignore the ding of a text. However, there are moments where it is crucial to put the phone down and be present. And a great opportunity to do that is by going to the theater.

Prospect’s fall play production, A Monster Calls, is steadily approaching, with shows on November 1st and 2nd at 7pm, with a 2pm matinee on that Saturday. As a performer, I often notice phone lights or crinkly wrappers throughout the show, which creates distractions and can upset both cast and crew. In light of this, it’s important to go back to the basics and recall the importance of theater etiquette. 

First and foremost, silence your phone and put it away! I know better than anyone how tempting it can be to check Instagram, which is why I’ve banned myself from using my phone during rehearsal. You should consider doing the same during the show. Screen down-time is important for anyone, and in order to fully absorb the performance, you need to be present! You’ll have a much better experience this way, I promise.

Secondly, the only time you should be leaving the theater is during intermission or in the case of an emergency. Please, we beg you, don’t get up and roam the aisles during the act! You might think you’re being discreet but, trust me, we can see you, and so can others. It takes away from the performance, which we have spent so many hours pouring our hearts into (and potentially breaking child labor laws). 

Okay, let’s address concessions. We encourage you to buy them, of course, but be mindful when devouring a KitKat in the theater. Maybe consider opening the wrapper outside of the actual space before Act Two starts? That way we don’t all hear the crinkle of the paper. And pick up after yourself, too; there are literally trash cans everywhere. We don’t have the funds for “clean-up crew,” so please don’t wipe your chocolatey hands on our seats; we already have the smallest theater in the district, no need to make it the dirtiest, too. 

Now here comes the number one rule: shut up! I don’t mean to be rude or anything, but people did not come to the play to hear your commentary on the set. Our mics are loud for a reason, so I shouldn’t be hearing you “whispering” to your friend about something-or-other. I’m not silencing your reaction to the show, in fact this is quite the opposite. I want to hear you laugh, cry, gasp: that’s what makes this so worth it. But I shouldn’t hear anything beyond that. No offense though, we can talk after house lights come back on?

I hope this didn’t scare you off, but rather encourage you to tap back in a bit. Take a screen break, come buy some candy, and go see the show! Do you have anything better to do this Saturday? I certainly don’t. Hopefully I’ll see you there, and we can kiki about A Monster Calls…after the show is finished, of course.

For more information about d214 shows and tickets visit: https://tickets.d214.org/