ways face the front of the theater. This method seems to cause the least inconvenience to those already seated.
Q. Is it all right to talk until the curtain rises or should one stop when the orchestra begins the overture?
A. It is both inconsiderate and bad form to talk after the orchestra begins the overture. Even though you do not care for the music yourself, there may be others around you who do enjoy it. This is particularly true in motion picture theaters which specialize in orchestral renditions.
Q. Is it all right to powder one’s nose when in the theater or in a cafe?
A. While this is very generally done, particularly by the younger set, it is not in good taste. It is especially bad form for a person with bobbed hair to take out a comb after removing her hat and arrange her hair.
Q. What should one say if annoyed by people talking or humming during a theatrical performance?
A. One of the most annoying things that can happen is to sit near someone at the theater who talks during the performance or sings or hums while a professional singer is rendering a song. It is perfectly permissible to turn and ask the person to stop, and if this is not effective an usher may be called.
Q. When should a woman remove her hat at the theater?
A. It is permissible to wear one’s hat until just before the curtain rises, but it may be removed sooner. At motion picture theaters where the performance is continuous many thoughtful women remove their hats even before reaching their seats.
Q. Are opera glasses considered stylish?
A. It is not a question of style, but of usefulness. Opera glasses are to help the spectator get a clearer view of the performers. It is not good form to use them between acts to stare at persons in the audience.
Q. Is evening dress necessary at the theater?
A. For men evening dress is always proper at the theater, and is required at box parties or formal parties. Also at the opera. For women full evening dress is correct at a box party, semi-evening dress at a formal theater party. Dinners, suppers, dances, or other events before or after the performance may determine the costume. Formal dress is not out of place at the theater, but modern custom does not require it for informal attendance.
Q. Should flowers be presented to an actor or actress one admires, and if so should they be sent to the stage?
A. Actors and actresses are no different from other people except as their work is for the entertainment of the public. Admiration for their work does not entitle one to their personal acquaintance. If flowers are sent to them by a stranger as a tribute to their work, they may be presented by an usher during the applause at the close of an act, but the gift does not call for any personal acknowledgment. Ordinarily such gifts are made only by personal friends of the performer.
Q. Is it customary to tip ushers?
A. Not in this country. It is a European custom.
Q. Should hats and coats be checked at the theater?
A. Suit your own convenience. Coats will be less likely to be wrinkled if checked, and in wet weather it is often a great convenience. Unless a check room is very well managed there is sometimes delay in recovering wraps after the performance. Tipping check room employees is not necessary, but a small tip is often given.
