Rochester Broadway Theatre Rules

The Rochester Theatre has guidelines put in place to ensure the safety of both the customer and the staff. These are also available for any questions related to attending a show or event. Please read below prior to the day to avoid any disappointment or disruption.

As mentioned, abiding by theater etiquette is incredibly important when attending the theater at the West Herr Performing Arts Center. There are also various rules and regulations to keep in mind when in attendance. 

These rules are put in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all guests, staff and performers. Be sure to familiarise yourself with these policies before you attend the theater so you know what to expect. 

The management at the theater has the right to eject anyone – at their discretion – who does not comply with the etiquette guidelines and theater policies. 

Arriving late and early exits

Please arrive on time when attending a performance so as not to cause a delay in the seating process. 

Most shows at the theater have a “hold” wherein patrons cannot be brought into the theater, so you might not get the chance to enter if you are late. Other guests are also disrupted when fellow patrons arrive late. 

Some situations cannot be avoided, such as traffic or public transport disruptions. That is why it is suggested that you give yourself plenty of time to get to the venue.  

If you need to leave early, you can do so at any time. However, please be mindful of when you get up from your seat to leave. 

The best times to leave during a performance are scene changes or when the audience is applauding. It works well to leave during one of these moments, so that both the performers and guests are as disturbed and distracted as little as possible.  

Attire 

There is no particular dress code for performances at the theater. However, for the sake of the performers and your fellow patrons, do not wear hats that could potentially block guests or distract performers. The same rule applies to large hairstyles. 

Cell phones

As is the regular practice at all theaters, guests are required to turn off cell phones or set them to silent mode before a performance begins. This also applies to any other electronic devices, such as tablets. If you are turning your phone to silent mode, please ensure that it is not set to vibrate. 

During a performance, if your phone is turned on and set to silent, do not use it for any other purpose. This includes making calls, using the internet, texting, going on social media, or playing games. 

The venue understands that sometimes emergencies do happen. If you do have to take or make an urgent call, leave your seat at an appropriate break during the performance. 

You can use your phone before a show begins and after it ends, but please do so appropriately. This is to ensure that the sound and glow of your phone do not distract other guests or performers. You are also welcome to use your phone during the intermission, but be mindful when doing so.

Children

The general guidelines at the theater deem the appropriate age for children to be six and over, unless a show is noted to be inappropriate for kids. 

For shows specifically for children, you might be able to bring younger kids with you. Please check the details of the performance to clarify the rules surrounding appropriate ages for kids attending a show. 

When bringing a child with you to the venue, be considerate of fellow guests if your child is unable to be quiet or sit still. 

There are booster seats available for children free of charge. If you are in need of one, please ask an usher before the performance begins. 

Coat check

A coat check service is available at the venue during the winter months. This is located in the lobby on the second floor. To use the coat check, the theater asks that you give a $1 donation, which will go towards the RBTL’s Arts Education Programs.

Fragrances

Many people have severe allergies to colognes and perfumes with strong scents. Because of this, the theater asks that any fragrances applied before a performance be used as sparingly as possible. This will prevent any breathing problems that could occur among guests with sensitivities and allergies. 

Lost and found

The West Herr Box Office can be contacted if you are concerned that you might have lost an item during your time at the venue.

You can email them at [email protected] or call 585-222-5000 during business hours. The staff at the theater will do their best to locate your lost item. 

To help staff look for your item, have the event date and seat location of the event you attended at the ready when you make contact. 

Personal belongings

To ensure that your time at the venue goes as smoothly as possible, bring minimal personal belongings with you. Any belongings you do bring will need to fit within the confines of your seating area. 

Photos and videos

Videos and photographs are not prohibited during the majority of performances at the theater. Unless you are informed otherwise, do not take photographs or record the performance. 

Members of the media are an exception to this rule (but only sometimes). However, specific guidelines will be provided in this situation. 

Railings, aisles, and stairways

It is imperative that all aisles and stairways are kept completely free of any items. This includes concessions and personal items. Blocking these areas is incredibly dangerous, as it is considered a fire hazard. 

Placing items on balcony railings is also prohibited, as this could lead to the electronic equipment in the theater being damaged. It could also cause the item on the railing to fall, leading to more issues for fellow guests, staff, or performers. 

Trash and recycling

Do not leave trash or recycling behind after a performance. Make sure you take all trash or items to be recycled to the various recycling and trash receptacles located in the lobby when the performance is over. 

Security

When entering the venue, all guests need to pass through a metal detector. Personal items will also be subject to an inspection, though hats and coats can remain on. 

You will need to remove any items from your pockets and place them in a tray. Phones and keys will also need to go in the tray. They will be returned to you after inspection. 

Please note that weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited in the theater. Food and beverages from outside are also not permitted. 

If you have concerns or queries about the security process, you are welcome to contact the Box Office before you attend. Send an email to [email protected] or give them a call at 585-222-5000.