Catch the Spin

Movie theatre etiquette

1. Please plan to arrive at the theatre 45-60 minutes before the movie start time. Movie times should be checked at least 3 times before the show time (once the night before and twice the day of).
2. Follow the 3G rule when you arrive: get there early, get your ticket and get in line for seating. Once you are in line you must stay in line. Line holding is not acceptable.
3. Once the seating starts walk swiftly to the designated theatre (should be printed on your ticket but if not you can ask the ticket taker). It is best to already have an idea of where you would like to sit. Walk directly to the seat you want and sit down. Do NOT stand and chat with friends or strangers during this process. All talking should conclude one you take your position in the waiting line (see point 2).
4. When you sit down go ahead and turn off your cell phone, pager and any other noisy device (you should also silence your watch alarm).
5. Remove your hat or any other bulky head gear you may have worn.
6. Sit quietly and wait for the movie previews to begin. Don’t try to answer any of the movie trivia questions aloud. Even though the movie has not started it is best to just sit quietly.
7. No saving seats. Do not place jackets or other items across seats to save them for anyone. Seating is strictly first come and first served. Your friends and loved ones should have made a better attempt to get to the movie on time as you did.
8. Unwrap/unsleeve all candy before the movie previews start. Paper crinkling is rude and should be avoided in all instances. If you have to unwrap candy during the previews or during the actual movie do it during an action sequence and do it swiftly.
9. If you decide to eat popcorn during the movie please do it quietly. It is almost impossible to retrieve it quietly from the bag, so it is best to dump it out in your lap. Your shirt can be used as an excellent popcorn holder and is quieter than the paper bag it comes in. During a quiet scene hold off on eating the popcorn. If for some reason you feel you can’t wait for an action scene suck on the popcorn for 5-7 seconds before eating it. This will soften it and make your eating less offensive to those around you.
10. Sit still and refrain from putting your feet up on the chair in front of you. No one wants your feet near his or her hair.
11. Do not talk to the screen during the movie. No attempt should be made to communicate with the movie or its characters for any reason. If someone around you is breaking this rule it is best to immediately call them out without them knowing it is you. For example, if you are a trained ventriloquist you can look directly at the person and tell them to shut up. They will not know it is you talking. Please note: if you took your dummy to the theatre with you do not display it before, during or after the movie. If people know you are a trained ventriloquist and they see your dummy you will be less effective telling people to shut up. If you are not a trained ventriloquist you should crouch your mouth to the side (voice reflection technique) and tell the offender to shut up. This takes some practice but once you master it the offender will not know it is you telling them to shut up.
12. When the movie is over you should pick up your trash and walk swiftly to the exit. Don’t be slow! The next movie will start soon and the theatre needs to be cleaned.

If you follow these simple steps you can help make the movie going experience great for everyone!