At the Ark at Eight
Theatre Etiquette and Facts
Before Attending the Show:
Some of your students may have never seen a play before. Ask the students if they have ever been to a play, then discuss with them how to behave as an audience member. Ask how seeing a play might be different than seeing a movie. How many different jobs can students name that people have in the theatre? Some positions in the theatre might include the playwright, composer, actor, director, choreographer, stage manager, costume designer, set designer, lighting designer, house manager, and especially the audience.
Remind students that food, drink, and electronic devices are not permitted in the theatre. At the Ark at Eight is performed without an intermission and students will not be allowed to enter or exit the theatre once the show begins because the stage in the Mitchell Theater is close to the audience and the actors use all exits from the theater. Students should be encouraged to use the restrooms before the start of the show.
When You Get to the Theatre:
The bus should drop students off in front of the Chazen Museum on University Avenue. The E-Team will meet you at the Van Galder bus stop, walk you across the crosswalk, and direct you to the theatre. You will enter through the glass doors into the Mitchell Theatre Lobby. Guides will also walk students into the Mitchell Theatre to see the show. It is necessary for students to be seated by 9:20am as the show starts promptly at 9:30am. The performance will be completed by 10:30am. There will be no intermission; students should use the restroom before the show (with a chance to use them again after the show and before the talk-back). A talk-back, backstage tour, and post-show workshop will be held for schools immediately after the performance. Busses can pick up the students in front of the Chazen Museum at 11:30am. There will be no intermission; students should use the restroom before the show.
Theatre Terms
Director: The person responsible for guiding the performance of the play, coaching the actors, and providing the final artistic choices.
Stage Manager: The person who manages the production, specifically by handling organizational details, directing backstage logistics, and by calling the cues for the show.
Designer: The person who creates the visual and technical aspects of a production, such as costumes, sets, sound, lighting and props.
Stage Crew: The people who work backstage and help set up props, change the sets and assist the actors.
Talkback: A post-show response session between the actors and the audience, discussing aspects of the production.
Audience: You! The audience is what makes theatre possible.