Hello there, theater lovers! 👋 I’m here to share some tips and tricks with you on how to make the most out of your theater festival experience. Whether you’re a veteran festival-goer or a newbie, these tips will help you navigate the festival like a pro. From choosing which shows to see to making sure you have enough time for food and drinks, I’ve got you covered!

So, grab your program, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in!

Pre-Festival Prep:

Before the festival even begins, there are a few things you can do to set yourself up for success.

1. Do Your Research 🕵️‍♀️

Take some time to research the festival and the shows being offered. Look up reviews, read synopses, and ask friends who have attended before for their recommendations. This will help you narrow down which shows you want to see, and prevent you from aimlessly wandering around the festival in a state of overwhelm.

Person researching on laptop

2. Plan Your Schedule 📆

Once you have an idea of which shows you want to see, plan out your schedule accordingly. Consider things like venue location, show length, and any overlapping performance times. Be sure to leave enough time in between shows for bathroom breaks, food, and drinks.

Person with planner scheduling shows for the festival

3. Dress Comfortably 👕

You’ll be doing a lot of walking and sitting during the festival, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Also, consider bringing a light jacket or sweater as theaters can often be chilly.

Person wearing comfortable clothes and shoes at a festival

During the Festival:

Now for the main event, the festival itself! Here are some tips for making the most out of your festival-going experience.

1. Arrive Early ⏰

Get to the festival early to grab a coffee, check out the merch table, and get a feel for the atmosphere. Arriving early will also give you time to find your venue and get settled before the show starts.

Person arriving early to a festival with coffee in hand

2. Be Open-Minded 💭

Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone and see a show that may not be your usual cup of tea. Theater festivals are a great opportunity to explore different types of theater and broaden your horizons.

Person with open arms and an open mind, ready to explore at the festival

3. Take Breaks 🧘‍♀️

Festival-going can be tiring, both physically and mentally. Take breaks when you can to rest, recharge, and enjoy the festival atmosphere. Find a quiet spot to sit, grab a snack, or explore the vendor booths.

Person enjoying a break at the festival, sitting and enjoying the atmosphere with a drink

Post-Festival:

Once the festival is over, it’s time to reflect on your experience and start planning for next year.

1. Reflect on Your Experience 🤔

Take some time to think about your favorite shows, moments, and memories from the festival. Write them down or share them with friends to solidify those memories.

Person reflecting on their festival experience with a smile on their face

2. Follow-Up on Shows You Enjoyed 📧

If you saw a show that you loved, follow up with the theater company or the artists involved. Let them know how much you enjoyed their work and consider becoming a patron or supporter.

Person sending a follow-up email to a theater company about a show they enjoyed

3. Plan for Next Year 🗓️

Start planning for next year’s festival! Look up the dates, start researching shows, and make plans with friends. Theater festivals are a yearly tradition, so start looking forward to the next one!

Person looking at their calendar and marking the dates for next year's festival

And that’s it, folks! I hope these tips and tricks help you have an amazing theater festival experience. Remember to have fun, be open-minded, and take breaks when you need to. Happy festival-going! 🎉

People enjoying a show at the theater festival