Brief 24 Theatre Etiquette and Acting Guidelines
These points from Kerry Hishon are common sense and common courtesy. They should not need to written out. But I have been in too many productions where people just don't seem to consider all these little things.
1. There are no small parts, only small actors.
2. Listen to the director.
3. Don’t direct others.
4. Always be on time.
5. Always bring your script and pencil to every rehearsal.
6. Don’t chew gum.
7. Practice, practice, practice!
8. Memorize your lines as soon as possible.
9. Memorize your cue lines.
10. Memorize the scene order.
11. Maintain a positive attitude at all times.
12. Research your character.
13. If you don’t know the meaning of a word or phrase, look it up.
14. Enunciate every word.
15. If you or someone else forgets, improvise.
16. When you are not speaking, you are silent and listening.
17. If you can see the audience, they can see you.
18. Absolutely no talking or whispering backstage.
19. Before you perform, warm up.
20. Never say anything about another person unless it’s positive.
21. Clean up after yourself.
22. You perform unless you’re dead.
Also see Kerry's other postings on
- Theatre Etiquette concerning rehearsals
- Theatre Etiquette concerning costumes
- Theatre Etiquette concerning props
Each one of those postings is worth reading. They are clear and well-written. It might even be a good idea to post them in the rehearsal space.