Being a Great Audience Member: Small Habits That Make a Screening Better

Arrive early and settle in. Give yourself time to find seats, use the washroom and get comfortable. Walking in after the lights go down disturbs everyone, especially young viewers who are already a little nervous.

Silence the screen in your pocket. Turn phones off or to airplane mode, not just to silent. A glowing screen in a dark room pulls attention away from the film, and many filmmakers ask that recording not take place.

Whisper only if you must. Young children sometimes need to ask a question mid-film. Teach them a signal, such as a gentle tap on the arm, so you can respond with a quick whisper or a promise to talk later.

React honestly and kindly. Laughing at the funny moments and gasping at the surprises is part of the fun. Just keep an ear out for others, and avoid shouting over a quiet scene or making fun of something a person might find meaningful.

Stay for the credits. Everyone who worked on the film is listed there, and many young makers are watching their own names appear. Staying a minute or two is a quiet way to say thank you.

Clap for the makers. If filmmakers are present, applause is their reward. If they are not, applaud anyway. The energy in the room is part of the experience.

Ask good questions. In a talk-back, a thoughtful question about a choice or a favourite moment is welcomed. Keep it short, and give others a turn. Leave the space tidy. Take your cups and wrappers with you. A clean room is a small gift to the volunteers and to the next audience.