Attending a live performance is a magical experience, and even the youngest child can develop an appreciation for the performing arts. You can contribute to an enjoyable experience for your child by explaining proper theater etiquette beforehand. Being respectful and considerate of the audience and actors is the main idea behind “rules” of conduct. Unlike television or a movie show, actors in a live production can be distracted by what they hear and see in the auditorium.

Explain to your child:

	The lights will be turned off and it will be dark except for the lights on the stage.
	The actors are in costume and that it is pretend.
	They should try to be quiet, sit still, and not disturb others around them by talking or fidgeting.
	They should not leave the auditorium except during inter-mission.
	They should keep their feet on the floor, not on the seats around them.
	They should not kick the chair in front of them or stand in the aisles
	They cannot eat, drink, or chew gum during the performance.
	They should use the restroom before the performance or during the Intermission.
	They can applaud when appropriate.
	They cannot take pictures of the actors during the performance.

Parents: You can help by turning off cell phones, pagers, watch alarms and other electronic devices. Please arrive promptly. Festival seating is general seating, first come, first served. Please bring your child to age-appropriate productions by matching shows to their age, interest and attention span. It is unfair to your child to bring them to a show that bores them or that they do not understand. Most shows are recommended for children six and up.

If the play is based on a story, read the book or watch the video prior to the performance day. Children are more comfortable with things that are familiar, and you can answer any questions at home. If your child becomes restless, frightened or very loud, take them to the lobby. Infants are always a no-no in a theater, as there’s no distraction quite like a crying baby.

Heavier Than Air is a small intimate theater located on the campus of Green River Community College in Auburn. It is the oldest community theater in the area and provides quality family entertainment at reasonable prices with a mix of professional and community actors. We do three full productions during the year and a camp for children ages six through sixteen during the summer. We want our Heavier Than Air family and friends to enjoy the experience of live theater.
Thank you for visiting our web site: www.heavierthanair.com