Cabaret often feels informal compared with conventional theater, but informal does not mean structureless. The room may be close, conversational and playful while still requiring ordinary audience awareness.

Pay attention to the room’s signals

• Follow photography and recording rules.
• Keep conversation low during performances.
• Participate when invited; decline politely when you prefer not to.
• Do not touch performers without explicit invitation.
• Tip when the production clearly uses tipping as part of the format.
• Let staff manage seating, late arrival and service flow.

Interaction is not entitlement

The intimacy of cabaret can create the feeling that performer and audience are sharing a private conversation. That is part of its power. It does not erase professional or personal boundaries.

For burlesque-specific audience norms, see Burlesque Show Etiquette.