Most people love the theater in one way or another, even though it may be a “guilty pleasure” for some. But there are those you can’t even drag to a live performance, and maybe it’s because it can take a little work to truly appreciate. Here are some ways to help get your friends over performance anxiety.

Do Your Homework
Learn about the play and playwright before getting to the show. This helps you better understand the context of what will take place on the stage, as well as what was going on in society at the time the play was written. At the very least, flip through the playbill once you’re at your seat.

Silence Your Noise Devices
Please, please be considerate to the other people in the audience. The less you chat, play with your program, or unwrap your candies, the better experience the people around you will have. Unlike film, theater is a live, communal experience that you share with the people around you and the actors on stage. The only noise an actor and fellow theatergoers should hear is you enjoying the show in the form of laughter and applause.

Suspend Belief
Okay, very few of us break out in song to progress our life’s story, dance in the street or have gang fights with ballet moves. But if you go to a musical, you will have to accept that this will happen. A lot. For those of you that do actually break out in song, way to enjoy life.

The Bard’s a Bear…Sometimes
Shakespeare had a way with words that made more sense in the 17th century. But those words and stories have relevance today. Again, do some homework about the plot of the show. If you listen, sometimes just hearing the words and what context they’re said in will help you understand what’s going on; especially if the actors have done their homework.

Have Fun
Laugh, cry, scream (if it’s scary, of course) and just have a good time. The actors can feel your energy. That energy translates into more energy for them, and ultimately a better show and experience for everyone.

Get Communal
Have a little wrap party with your friends after the show. Discussing what happened helps connect all the dots. Hearing other peoples’ opinions and interpretations of the show, mixed with your own, will help everyone understand better.