If you're new to the arts, you might be intimidated by the all the pomp and circumstance. So we want to dispel all the myths and help you be more comfortable the first time you attend an arts event. We have put together a number of tips that you can use - we can't guarantee they'll make you hip, but at least you won't be yelling "Bravo!" at the wrong time. As always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact us or the box office of the organization you'll be attending.

Theatre

• What to Wear - Always go with what's comfortable whether it's jeans or a suit. "Fun casual" is usually what people wear to plays in Cincinnati - unless it's opening night, which is usually more dressy. Broadway shows are more formal, while community theatre audiences usually wear whatever's comfortable.
• Applause - Performers LOVE feedback - show your appreciation! Live theatre allows you to be involved with the performance. Feel free to laugh and clap - just remember to be courteous to your neighbors.
• Arrival Time - Double check your tickets. Give yourself time for parking and getting to your seat. Theatres have policies against allowing you to sit if you're late and you might miss the show!
• Courtesy - Acoustics are meant to carry the actors' voices throughout the theatre! However, they also carry other sounds. Be mindful of fellow patrons. Candy wrappers can be annoying but so is coughing so use Halls - the wrappers make very little noise. Turn off cell phones and pagers.
• Respect - Actors can see you from the stage. Show your appreciation for their performance - clap! Try not to leave until the actors have left the stage.

Dance

• What to Wear - Dance performances usually attract a more formally attired crowd than theatre performances. Again, go with what's comfortable. See Theatre for a more detailed description.
• Applause - Applaud fantastic feats. You'll notice that others in the audience may start clapping when dancers arrive or leave the stage or during a time when a dancer is performing a difficult routine. Following the leader is a good rule of thumb. If others are clapping, then chances are there's a pretty good reason.
• Arrival Time - See Theatre.
• Courtesy - See Theatre
• Respect - See Theatre

Symphony

• What to Wear - Attire depends on timing. You're not going to wear the same thing to a free concert in the park as you would to a concert on Saturday night at Music Hall. When in doubt, call the Box Office.
• Applause - Classical music is a mystery to many. In your program for the evening, you might see a symphony by one composer contains several movements - each listed underneath the title. It is customary to wait until the entire symphony is completed before you applaud. However, if a soloist does an exceptional job, people will clap. Again, follow the leader.
• Arrival Time - See Theatre
• Courtesy - See Theatre
• Respect - See Theatre

Opera/Vocal Arts

• What to Wear - Opera is the one art form where people dress up. Opening night is more formal, but customarily semiformal attire is fine. Some wear tuxes and evening gowns, but a suit or a dress is enough.
• Applause - - Singers perform arias in the middle of scenes, some of which will be recognizable to you. Again, show your appreciation if it's done well. Customarily, applauding at the end of each scene is appreciated.
• Arrival Time - See Theatre. However with opera, the accumulation of all art forms, patrons can be passionate about performances. Try to be in your seat 30 minutes before curtain so as not to disturb other patrons. Again, you might miss seeing the first act if you are late!
• Courtesy - See Theatre
• Respect - See Theatre

Visual Arts/Museums

• What is a Docent? - A docent is a tour guide in a museum. Docents go through rigorous training to learn about the collections and special exhibits at museums. They're available for private tours, scheduled public tours, group tours, lectures and more. They are very respected in the museum community and are there to enhance your visual art experience.
• What to Wear - Anything goes - within reason! Layering is good because temperatures can be cooler and wear comfortable shoes. Book bags, packages and coats will be checked at the door.
• Talking - Art is to be enjoyed. This means pondering, discussing, analyzing, deliberating, i.e., talking! But be courteous to fellow visitors. You don't have to like everything you see but see everything you like!
• Arrival Time - Museums have set hours every day. Allow yourself enough time to see what you want to see. Guided tours are also at set times each day. Call ahead.