Theatre Etiquette

Photo of rock concert from the audience

For The Best Theatre Experience

  1. Reserved tickets. Reserved tickets that are not claimed 5-10 minutes prior to the start of the performance will be made available to anyone waiting to purchase a ticket that has been added to a waitlist. The wait list is created at the theater on the day/evening of the performance and is worked through in the order that they were added to the list. PLEASE ARRIVE AT LEAST THIRTY MINUTES PRIOR TO THE PERFORMANCE START TIME.

  2. Arrive early. If you are late, you may need to wait until an appropriate break in the performance to be seated. It is best to arrive about 30 minutes early so that you have time to purchase concessions items, 50/50 raffle tickets, find a seat, and read the program before the show starts.

  3. 50/50 Raffle. Our 50/50 Raffle sales take place before the show starts and during intermission. The drawing takes place just prior to the second act starting (for a multiple act production) or prior to curtain time for a one-act production. Proceeds from the 50/50 Raffle are deposited into our Building Fund to complete the construction of the theatre.

  4. Best dress. Live theatre is a special experience! While we do not have a dress code at the theater, we hope you will take a little extra time putting your attire together. We recommend anything business casual to business attire. You never know who you may meet at the theatre and will want to look your best! (Trivia Note: Prior to the 1960s, many of our patrons would wear tuxedos and gowns or cocktail attire to our productions.)

  5. Get situated. Take care of personal needs (drinks of water or restroom) because you should not leave your seat until the intermission or until the performance ends.

  6. Shhh. Please silence or turn off all electronic devices, including cell phones, beepers, and watch alarms. We encourage you to share your experience at the Players Theatre via social media, but please refrain from doing so or texting during performances; the glow from your device is distracting.

  7. No pics. Most shows do not allow photography or video of any kind. Flash photography inside the theatre is never allowed as it is a distraction to those around you and a danger to the performers.

  8. Again, shhh. The overture is part of the performance. Please cease talking at this point.

  9. Allow a clear view. Dear Lovebirds, when you lean your heads together, you may block the view of the people behind you. Also, please consider the people that will be seated behind you when choosing whether or not to wear a hat or what hairstyle you choose.

  10. Once more, shhh. Please refrain from talking, humming, or singing along with the show, except when encouraged to do so by the artists on stage. Please wait for an appropriate moment to dig something out of your pocket or bag.

  11. We like how you smell, but… Go easy with the perfume and cologne; many people are highly allergic.

  12. Ask for help. If you need assistance during the show, please go to your nearest volunteer usher. If additional assistance is needed, the usher will get the appropriate person to help you.

  13. Parking. Although we do not have our own parking lot, there is plenty of parking on the streets surrounding the theatre. In addition, we have made arrangements for you to park in neighboring parking lots at Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute (when they do not have an event) and St. Vladimir’s Church. Both are nearby and usually available to our patrons. You may also park at Tiny's Restaurant (right next door) if you dine there prior to the show.

  14. Food and drink. Outside food and beverage are not allowed in the theatre. Special exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis. Please call the office at 315-724-7624 for details.

  15. Dining discounts. Our neighbors at Tiny's Restaurant and Tramontane Cafe offer discounts on food and beverages to our patrons. Simply show your program or ticket stub to your waitress to take advantage of their generosity.

  16. Seating. For the current season, all of our seating is general seating (no reserved seats). Seat selections can be made once you arrive at the theatre and the doors to the performance space have been opened. Our theatre is handicapped accessible. Should you have any special seating requests, please let us know when making your reservations or let the house manager know when you arrive at the theatre. We will make every effort to make you comfortable inside the theatre. In general, we will allow our handicapped patrons into the theatre first, accompanied by one of their guests to assist them.

Just be courteous and everyone will enjoy the show!