The Lively Arts Concert Etiquette

Hearing and seeing artists in live performance distinguishes The Lively Arts from most other courses. However, the Concert Hall, Bowker Auditorium and Bezanson Recital Hall are not classrooms, and attending concerts and lectures requires that we do some things differently than we would in a regular lecture hall. Please do not be surprised if you already know everything on this page! Consider this a review.

Please observe these guidelines:

1. Please do not behave in a way that will be disturbing or offensive to either members of the audience or the performers on stage. This includes being sure to shut off all cell phones!

2. The Box Office and ushering staffs are there to help everyone. Please be as courteous as possible in dealing with them.

3. Plan ahead. Arrive early! Please do not enter or exit during the performance.

4. Cameras, tape recorders, food, beverages and chewing gum are prohibited in the hall.

5. Taking notes during the performance can be distracting to other audience members. If you must take notes, please do so quietly and discreetly, and only during applause or intermission. Do not use large notebooks.

6. Please refrain from talking to friends, reading the program, or playing with cell phones during the performance.

7. The artists have worked hard for you. Please be respectful of them by attending the entire concert and applauding their work at the end. Please wait to leave until the performers have taken their bows and left the stage.

8. Many of our guest artists have remarked about the importance of our active participation as members of the audience. Despite the distance between you and the performers on stage, the artists are surprisingly aware of your body language during their performance as well as your response afterwards. Remember this when attending events.

9. To obtain your tickets, follow the instructions in the syllabus. The Box Office staff cannot make exceptions. You must bring your pass with you to the Box Office and to the concerts. You must obtain your tickets prior to the evening of the performance. Again, please plan ahead. The concerts often sell out.