6 Theater Opening Night Gift Ideas - Theater Love (2024)

Opening night gifts are a beloved tradition in the theater. These small treats and mementos are a wonderful way to make an exciting night feel even more special. After all, you’ve survived the weeks of rehearsal together — it’s time to celebrate!

Whether you’re a cast member, a director, or a member of the production team, it’s always appropriate to get small gifts for the cast and crew. These are some of our favorite opening night gift ideas; you can also give them out on closing night.

Top image courtesy of 冠緯 李 under CC BY-SA 2.0

1. Show Poster Magnets

We love this theater gift idea: turn your show poster (or logo) into a magnet! It’s the perfect opening night gift — affordable, small, and super meaningful. Your cast and crew will smile every time they see it on the fridge.

These business-card size magnets from VistaPrint are the perfect size (and they’re really cheap). To get the image of the poster, you can ask the director for the file, scan the poster, or take a photo with your phone.

Are you too close to opening night to wait for printing? Make your own! Print out a sheet of miniature posters (if you don’t have a printer, upload the file to your local WalMart or Walgreens for cheap one-hour printing). Attach the sheet to a thick piece of cardstock or foam board using spray adhesive. Cut them into individual posters, and glue a magnet on the back.

2. Themed Christmas Ornament

This one is a classic: a Christmas ornament that relates to the theme of the show. The trick here is to find affordable ornaments that you can buy en masse and then personalize. For Cinderella, you might find a tiny crown ornament and attach a tag with the name and date of the show. For Wicked, buy simple black witch hats and write the name and date of the show with a paint pen.

Need some ideas? Here are past opening-night ornaments our Theater Love team has received:

  • Dice for Guys and Dolls
  • Deer for The Sound of Music (“do, a deer”)
  • Violin for Fiddler on the Roof
  • Cow for Into the Woods
  • Umbrella for Singin’ in the Rain (would also be cute for Mary Poppins)
  • Venus flytrap for Little Shop of Horrors

3. Personalized, Handwritten Cards

Sometimes, you don’t have the money for splashy opening-night gift ideas — the costs can add up, especially with a big cast! A personalized card is a great alternative. Buy a pack of cheap, blank greeting cards, and write a personal note to each person in the cast.

Write about a memory, an inside joke, or simply let the person know you admire them. Be specific: “I’ve been so inspired by how hard you work”, or, “Your facial expressions during ‘Get Me to the Church’ are the best. I look forward to them every night,” or, “Thanks for always being so positive and ready to laugh! You always brighten the room and make rehearsals more fun.” Tape a miniature candy bar or another small treat to each envelope, and set them at each person’s place in the dressing room.

You might be surprised at what an impact this small, genuine gesture can have. A friend of Theater Love told us about his own experience:

When I was a teenager, I was always cast in the chorus in my local community theater shows. It’s often hard to feel appreciated or talented when you never get a lead role. One year, a director handed out notes for opening night. Mine said, “You do a wonderful job of creating a character and committing to it — it shows in everything you do, from your physicality to your relationships with the other characters on stage. It adds so much life and richness to every scene you’re in.” That one compliment made me feel that my presence was appreciated and that my work as a chorus member was valuable. I still think of it, 10 years later!

4. Theater Buttons

Buttons are a lost art, but they’re a fun (and cheap) opening night gift. Give one to everyone in the cast — they can put them on backpacks, rehearsal bags, or cork boards. These theater-themed buttons are a fun, low-stress option.

If you want something that’s a little more personalized, you can order custom buttons with the show logo. There are lots of places to get them made: we found personalized button options at Amazon (affiliate link), Etsy, and Stickermule.

5. Homemade Treats

If you’re an actor with more time than money, you can’t go wrong with homemade treats. Bake a giant plate of cookies, add a love note to the cast, and stick them in the green room. If you’re concerned about the mess — costumes and frosting don’t mix — package individual treats into plastic bags so actors can eat them after the show. This is especially convenient for a musical, since many actors don’t like to eat sugar before singing.

Make sure to make a separate plate for the crew — they’ll appreciate the extra effort!

A few things to keep in mind when baking opening-night goodies:

  • Include a gluten-free option
  • Avoid anything with nuts (a common allergy)
  • Make a specific list of ingredients for each item

6. Bouquets (of Flowers or Food)

Flowers are a classic opening-night gift in the theater. They’re always appropriate, and almost everyone appreciates them. Of course, flowers are expensive, so it’s probably not reasonable to get a separate bouquet for everyone — consider giving them to the leading actors, close friends, the director, or the stage manager.

If you want to get flowers for everyone, here’s a budget-friendly hack: head to the grocery store and pick up a few dozen roses. (Wal-Mart often has them for $15-$20) While you’re at it, buy a few packs of colorful tissue paper and a roll of ribbon. Wrap individual roses in a sheet of tissue paper, tie with a ribbon, and you have a lovely gift for your fellow actors for less than $50.

Don’t want to get flowers? Why not make fun bouquets out of food? Tape individually wrapped candy bars to the ends of wooden skewers, and tie them together with a ribbon. (Find directions here and here.) If you have some extra time, you can do the same thing with packaged sugar cookies, beef jerky, or individual bags of chips.

Should I get opening night gifts for the crew?

Yes! This is a common question among actors — you love and appreciate the crew, but your relationship to them is often different from other cast members and directors. As a rule, try not to give the crew gifts that will make them feel left out.

How does that play out in real life? If your opening night gift to the cast involves an inside joke or a specific reference that the crew members weren’t a part of, get two different gifts. You can’t go wrong with something general: baked treats, show-related mementos, etc.

How much should I spend on opening night gifts?

Spend whatever you’re comfortable with, and don’t go into debt. It’s better to get something sentimental and affordable; your theater family will appreciate it just as much, and it won’t stress you out.

Is it okay to get gifts for just a few people?

Of course! If you do, just don’t make a big deal about it in front of the rest of the cast. Meet your friends on the way into the theater, or tuck the gift into their bag as a surprise for later. That way, you won’t make anyone feel bad.

Done right, opening night gifts delight your cast and crew. A great theater gift amps up the excitement and serves as a meaningful reminder of the time you shared.

6 Theater Opening Night Gift Ideas - Theater Love (2024)

FAQs

What should I get for theater lovers? ›

Here are Best Gifts For Theatre Lovers That Will Give Them Memorable Experiences
  • Theatre Drama Gift Theater is Life Bracelet.
  • Rent Wall Art.
  • Eat Sleep Theatre Repeat Funny Theater Lover Gift T-Shirt.
  • Home Theater Patent Wall Art Prints.
  • Drama Teacher Tumbler.
  • Musical Theatre Light String Clips.
19 Oct 2022

What do you give after a Theatre performance? ›

If you know the actor personally the traditional gift is flowers and a card delivered to the stage door on opening night. Booze and/or chocolate are common alternatives. If you don't know the actor personally then it is not customary to present them with a gift after a performance.

What do you get a boy for opening night of a play? ›

You can get him something special like a closing night memento, like a mug, limited edition tee-shirt, or a coffee cup with an inscription such as 'leg-breaking talented actor', or 'ace actor' and just about anything that he would get a great kick from and be greatly thrilled about.

What do you get someone for their grand opening? ›

The following items make appropriate gifts for a grand opening:
  • Insulated tote cooler.
  • Ceramic mug.
  • Leather padfolio.
  • Convertible briefcase.
  • Eco-friendly laptop sleeve.
14 Jun 2022

How can I make my gift opening more fun? ›

3 Creative Ways For Opening Presents Slowly
  1. Riddles– Any wrapped gift can turn into a riddle of sorts. ...
  2. Scavenger Hunt– Hiding presents around the house or outside can make for a fun morning. ...
  3. Play Any Game- It can be something really simple such as Pictionary, Trivia Pursuit, Uno or Candy Land.
18 Dec 2019

What are theatre lovers called? ›

If you enjoy theater, you can say you enjoy thespian pursuits. Many high school drama clubs offer Thespian status to club members who earn a certain number of points by acting in shows or working on backstage tech for them. Note that the word thespian is sometimes capitalized because it is taken from a person's name.

What is the best theater representative of the Romantic period? ›

The greatest exponent of the genre was Friedrich von Schiller, whose first play, Die Räuber (1781; The Robbers), left audiences stunned. Goethe and Schiller were both involved with the court theatre at Weimar.

What theatre space is the most intimate? ›

Stage entirely surrounded by the audience; also known as theatre in the round. e.g. Fireside in Fort Atkinson. This is the most intimate theatre stage. There is no barrier that separates the audience from the performers.

How can you show appreciation for the theatre? ›

Theatre Appreciation for the Whole Family
  1. Take children to a variety of performances. ...
  2. Know the show! ...
  3. Know your child's interests and attention span. ...
  4. Demonstrate your own appreciation for the arts. ...
  5. Talk to your children after a performance. ...
  6. Watch movie musicals. ...
  7. Encourage them to participate.

What are the 6 theatrical elements? ›

The 6 Aristotelean elements are plot, character, thought, diction, spectacle, and song. Below are the definitions I utilize to better understand the way in which each element helps me build a play.

What flowers do you give after a performance? ›

Roses are usually your safest choice in flower, just make sure they have no thorns as it is also tradition for a dancer to pull out a single rose to give to their teacher or someone else who supported them to be their best on the day.

What can you give a boy instead of flowers? ›

'Thinking of You' Gifts for Guys That Aren't Flowers
  • A music-related gift. Your gift to the music lover will have to depend on his listening preferences. ...
  • A favorite wine, beer, or liquor. ...
  • A meaningful book. ...
  • Motivational letters. ...
  • A donation in his name. ...
  • A grocery gift card or meal subscription.
22 Sept 2022

What do you give a guy in the first meeting? ›

For a more formal or traditional occasion, try bringing a bouquet of flowers or a small box of chocolates. For something more casual or unique, consider bringing a small stuffed animal or baked treat. The point of the gift is to show that you care, so avoid giving anything big or expensive on your first date.

What should I gift to boy on a first meeting? ›

Some thoughtful gifts you could give are:
  • Flowers: you might be thinking that giving flowers to your date cliché and even a cop-out, but there's a reason flowers are such great gifts. ...
  • Wine: a bottle of wine will always be an amazing first-date gift. ...
  • Candy: you can never go wrong with candy, especially chocolates.
1 Nov 2022

Do you give a gift for a grand opening? ›

First thing first, giving grand opening gifts for owners can really enhance the relationship between two parties. Whether it can strengthen the business or it can personally strengthen the relationship. It shows respect and also gives a positive outcome for you later in the future.

What is a bona fide gift? ›

(a) A ''bona fide gift'' for purposes of §10.152 is an article formerly owned by a donor (may be a commercial firm) who gave it outright in its entirety to a donee without compensation or promise of compensation.

What do you do at a grand opening event? ›

A grand opening event introduces a company to the public in a social way and often features things like drinks, hors-d'oeuvres, or even special pricing if it is a restaurant or boutique. This is how to make it a successful grand opening event that allows people to remember you.

What is the five gift rule? ›

In the 5 Gift Rule, the first four gifts are the same - something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read. But the 5th? The 5th is the real winner. It's something they need or want but don't really know it.

How do you cuddle in theatre? ›

Put your head on your partner's shoulder while also holding their hand and then slowly reach over with your other hand and grab theirs too. Adjust positions if necessary or uncomfortable.

What is intimacy theatre? ›

Intimacy in theatre and the arts includes, but not limited to; kissing, physical contact, or touching personal or private areas on another performers body.

What is intimate theatre? ›

Intimate theater relies on tight spaces and unconventional stages to collapse the distance between performer and viewer. Take a Melbourne performance that takes place in a taxi. In this tiny theater, the audience (all two of them) sit in the back. In the front are the actors: a driver and his various passengers.

What is the most important theatrical element? ›

A plot can serve a theme and will influence the growth or decline of the characters. Aristotle identified plot and character as the two most important elements of drama.

What is the romantic side of the theatre? ›

The romantic drama, or romantic theater, refers to a theatrical movement born at the beginning of the xix th century in opposition to the principles of the tragedy classic. It is Victor Hugo who codifies in Cromwell's Preface (1827) the aesthetics of romantic theater in France.

What is the popular performing arts during the Romantic period? ›

The genre of art song, unstaged poetic works set to piano, became highly popular during the Romantic Period. Composers set the greatest poets of the day including Goethe, Heine, Baudelaire, and Pushkin, creating brief musical masterpieces within the intimate medium of piano and voice.

How do you kiss in theatre? ›

For a fake kiss, try resting your hand tenderly on your costar's neck so your fingers are behind their ear. Then, when you lean in for the kiss, gently move your thumb over their lips to serve as a buffer between their mouth and yours. If you want to use a real kiss, focus on the staging to make it easier.

Why are drama rooms black? ›

Black box theatres are generally painted black which points the focus on the performance. Since these productions are done with limited props, the dark room helps to give the aura of anyplace. It's easy to transport the audience somewhere else even with the limited use of effects.

What are the 8 body positions in theater? ›

There are eight basic body positions - or directions to face - for actors. (full back, 3/4 right, profile right, 1/4 right, full front, 1/4 left, profile left, 3/4 left) Remember that the Left and Right designations refer to the side of the stage the actor is facing, not to the side of his face we can see.

What are 3 ways you can show appreciation? ›

Try this:
  • Show your appreciation to someone who did something nice. ...
  • Express gratitude by doing a kindness. ...
  • Tell the people in your life how you feel, what they mean to you.

Why is theatre appreciation important? ›

Theatre reflects and possibly affects its society's view of the world: its history, philosophy, religious attitudes, social structure, theoretical assumptions, its way of thinking about humanity and the world and nature.

How can an audience positively respond to a theatrical event? ›

Responsiveness: While audiences should not interrupt performances, emotional responses like laughter, shocked gasps, and clapping are acceptable at various points in a performance. As with paying attention, this kind of response will help the actors put on a better performance.

What are the 7 theatrical forms? ›

In addition to the standard narrative dialogue style of plays, theater takes such forms as plays, musicals, opera, ballet, illusion, mime, classical Indian dance, kabuki, mummers' plays, improvisational theatre, comedy, pantomime, and non-conventional or contemporary forms like postmodern theatre, postdramatic theatre, ...

What are the 6 performance skills in drama? ›

Performance skills
  • Movement – Soft, gentle, heavy, light, quick slow. ...
  • Gesture – Signals with your hands / arms to show feelings. ...
  • Facial expressions – Wide eyed, narrow eyed, raised eyebrows, troubled (permanent frown / down-turned mouth).
  • Eye contact – Staring, glaring, fleeting.
16 Mar 2011

What are the six parts every tragedy must have? ›

According to Aristotle, tragedy has six main elements: plot, character, diction, thought, spectacle (scenic effect), and song (music), of which the first two are primary.

Why do people throw roses after a performance? ›

The time honored technique and social tradition of audience members tossing flowers on stage to express their love, gratitude and appreciation to performing artists is unique in the arts. It is perhaps the most public and visible way of saying thanks to an artist for a superb performance.

Do you give flowers after a play performance? ›

Presenting a performer with a bouquet of flowers after his performance is traditional and thoughtful. Whether you're seeing ballet, opera, musical theater or the orchestra, flowers are an appropriate gesture (and inexpensive gift) for both male and female performers.

Which flower is the symbol of success? ›

Purple flowers are commonly said to symbolize success and even royalty, though feelings of admiration and tradition may also come through in purple flowers. A few of our favorite purple flower types include clematis, iris, allium and bellflower.

What kind of flower do you give a guy? ›

Just about any kind of flowers – roses, tulips, lilies, sunflowers, orchids etc – are bound to touch even an alpha male. But the kinds that appeal to more men are flowers that are “sturdy” and “full of personality” like the angular birds of paradise, red anthuriums and ginger flowers for a more modern arrangement.

How do I impress a guy for the first time? ›

12 Ways to Woo a Guy on Your First Date
  1. How to take him from the first date to the fifth. ...
  2. Keep in touch beforehand. ...
  3. Signal with lunch or dinner. ...
  4. Dress to impress. ...
  5. Put on your best dance moves. ...
  6. Be in the moment. ...
  7. Open up. ...
  8. Ask him about his interests.
20 Sept 2019

How do you make him fall for you in first meeting? ›

How to act on a first date with a guy – An etiquette if you will
  1. Give details while having a conversation. ...
  2. Embrace your feminine energy. ...
  3. Compliment him on something you genuinely like about him. ...
  4. Be nice and polite, not just to him. ...
  5. Offer to pay, or split the bill but leave it there when he insists.
10 Dec 2021

How do you impress a guy the first time you meet? ›

13 Things Guys Notice When You First Meet
  1. Your Smile. A lady's mouth is often the very first part of a woman a guy will see. ...
  2. Your Laugh. If a guy has any game, he'll immediately try to convert a smile into a laugh. ...
  3. Your Sense of Humor. ...
  4. Your Eyes. ...
  5. Your Voice. ...
  6. Your Friends. ...
  7. Your Body Type. ...
  8. Your Smell.
14 Sept 2014

What is the best gift for first meet? ›

Special Gifts to Win Her Heart
  • Flowers.
  • Chocolates.
  • Soft toys.
  • Jewelry and Trinket.
  • Books.
  • 6. Box of Sweets.
  • Watch.
  • Gift Basket.
21 Sept 2017

What gifts do guys like to receive? ›

What Do Guys Really Want As Gifts? 12 Ideas
  • Personalized Grill Kit. ...
  • Customized Cooler. ...
  • A Custom Wallet. ...
  • An Individualized Toiletry Bag. ...
  • A Personalized Poker Chip Set. ...
  • An Engraved Decanter Set. ...
  • A Personalized Watch Box. ...
  • A Personalized Golf Shoe Bag.

What do you give dancers after a performance? ›

The tradition of giving ballerinas, dancers, and performers flowers after a performance is a form of audience appreciation. Admirers and fans send and give flowers to ballerinas to symbolize how much they are loved, adored and idolized.

Do you give flowers to performers? ›

Presenting a performer with a bouquet of flowers after his performance is traditional and thoughtful. Whether you're seeing ballet, opera, musical theater or the orchestra, flowers are an appropriate gesture (and inexpensive gift) for both male and female performers.

Do you take a gift to a launch party? ›

Winning the gifting game

Free food and booze are all well and good, but they're also standard at launch parties. A party artifact that evokes positive emotions and reminds people of how much they enjoyed the event will inspire them to connect with the brand in the future.

Why is opening gifts awkward? ›

That's because opening presents in front of an audience triggers the symptoms of social anxiety, like worrying about feeling embarrassed or that you'll offend someone. Anxiety can manifest physically, too, making you blush, sweat or tremble or feel like you're going to throw up.

What are some gift giving traditions? ›

Here are some traditions to be aware of on your travels.
  • Insist a little. China, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.
  • Hand it over with care. India, Africa, the Middle East, and East Asia.
  • Give gifts as a thank-you. ...
  • Leave sharp objects at home. ...
  • Avoid taboo objects. ...
  • Pick a lucky number. ...
  • Wrap it up. ...
  • No gifts, please.
7 Dec 2017

Why do you give people flowers after a performance? ›

Nothing makes dancers smile more after a performance than showering them with bouquets of flowers! Whether it is their first or last dance recital, gifting them with flowers after a flawless performance is a traditional gesture to express how proud you are of their dancing achievements.

How do you welcome dancers on stage? ›

So ladies and gentlemen, hold your breath and welcome them on stage. With this, I rest my speech and wish you all a very happy evening. Thank you for being such a wonderful audience.

Do people still throw flowers on stage? ›

Over time, the affectionate flower toss migrated to the stages of opera, theater and symphony concerts. Despite changes in societal norms, the tradition remains alive in large metropolitan areas, including throughout the United States.

What is a popular business gift to take to the meeting? ›

High-quality pens and other office supplies are almost always good business meeting gift ideas. However, items with your company's logo are not acceptable. In most cases, alcohol is also a considerate option, but be sure to research local customs and religious restrictions.

What happens at a grand opening? ›

A grand opening is a social event that is intended to introduce the community to a new business. It can include a party, refreshments or special pricing. In addition to grand openings, many restaurants use a technique called a "soft opening" to invite special guests to try their cuisine before the general public.

When should you not give flowers? ›

10 Times It's Better NOT to Send Flowers
  • Anniversary. A framed photo of the couple is a great idea because it "allows the couple to see themselves together through someone else's eyes and commemorates that one moment in time," says Swann. ...
  • Birthday. ...
  • Congratulations. ...
  • Get Well. ...
  • Housewarming. ...
  • Apology. ...
  • New Baby. ...
  • Sympathy.
8 Jul 2015

What flower shows gratitude? ›

Lilies – When asking “What flower symbolizes gratitude,” yellow lilies are a popular choice. Their large petals and brilliant colors convey a happy and heartfelt thank you. Unlike other flowers and plants which symbolize more specialized sentiments of gratitude.

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