Etiquette

It’s the Fall of 2021 and the Cellar Theatre is back in production after a year of Zoom programming. When Lauren Ellis, the lead actress in the Cellar’s production of the American classic "Midnight Cicadas," spots an audience member filming the show with his phone, Lauren strikes back – stopping the show and refusing to perform. A video of the incident goes viral, bringing the Cellar praise for speaking out...

It’s the Fall of 2021 and the Cellar Theatre is back in production after a year of Zoom programming. When Lauren Ellis, the lead actress in the Cellar’s production of the American classic "Midnight Cicadas," spots an audience member filming the show with his phone, Lauren strikes back – stopping the show and refusing to perform. A video of the incident goes viral, bringing the Cellar praise for speaking out against poor theatre etiquette. But when an online commenter gives an alternate interpretation of the same event, the praise quickly turns bitter and the criticism begins to mount. The overworked and underpaid staff suddenly have to navigate in-fighting, diva tantrums, illegal vaping and internet trolls…not to mention the Cellar’s problematic history.

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

Etiquette

Recommended by

  • James Christy: Etiquette

    Oh my goodness this play. The theatre needs more plays like this that take chances, that are about ideas, but most of all are laugh out loud funny (and I'm talking about when reading it on the page). Lauren is an epic character and I'm confident that someone is going to absolutely tear down the house with her. But the soul of this play are the people off stage trying to figure out why they're putting themselves through all this. It's a dear john/love letter to the theatre. Can't wait to see it.

    Oh my goodness this play. The theatre needs more plays like this that take chances, that are about ideas, but most of all are laugh out loud funny (and I'm talking about when reading it on the page). Lauren is an epic character and I'm confident that someone is going to absolutely tear down the house with her. But the soul of this play are the people off stage trying to figure out why they're putting themselves through all this. It's a dear john/love letter to the theatre. Can't wait to see it.

  • Corinne M Prudente: Etiquette

    Etiquette is a perfect snapshot of how we attempt to navigate theatre through rapid cultural shifts and the growing desire for better accountability. This play is sharp and funny with poignant messages on how we move forward post-pandemic. The characters are wonderfully alive with relatable flaws and witty dialogue that had me laughing throughout!

    Etiquette is a perfect snapshot of how we attempt to navigate theatre through rapid cultural shifts and the growing desire for better accountability. This play is sharp and funny with poignant messages on how we move forward post-pandemic. The characters are wonderfully alive with relatable flaws and witty dialogue that had me laughing throughout!

  • Peter Fenton: Etiquette

    It's genuinely always fun to engage with a David Lee White script. It's even more fun seeing his own specific take on the plight of a theater administrative team bouncing back in 2021. His delicious one-liners are cutting, his characters are well-drawn, and ETIQUETTE specifically raises questions about power, privilege, and the changing landscape of theatrical audiences (and office staff) in the here and now. This one's a fun, punchy read.

    It's genuinely always fun to engage with a David Lee White script. It's even more fun seeing his own specific take on the plight of a theater administrative team bouncing back in 2021. His delicious one-liners are cutting, his characters are well-drawn, and ETIQUETTE specifically raises questions about power, privilege, and the changing landscape of theatrical audiences (and office staff) in the here and now. This one's a fun, punchy read.

View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

All characters can be played by actors of any race or ethnicity. The make up of the cast should favor diversity.
  • Lauren Ellis
    A famous stage actress. Currently appearing as April in the revival of the classic American play Midnight Cicadas at The Cellar.
    Character Age
    60s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Jess
    Front of house staff at The Cellar, but also does education and group sales.
    Character Age
    Late 20s/Early 30s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Femme or non-binary
  • Darius
    Managing Director of The Cellar
    Character Age
    30s-40s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male
  • Keri
    The Interim Artistic Director of The Cellar
    Character Age
    40s - 50s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Trent
    An audience member on opening night of Midnight Cicadas at The Cellar.
    Character Age
    40s-50s-60s
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Male

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization Pier Players, Philadelphia, Year 2025

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Vivid Stage, New Jersey, Year 2026

Awards

  • B-Street Theatre New Comedies Festival - Finalist
    B-Street Theatre
    Finalist
    2025