How to Get the Most from Musicals, Dance and Symphony...

As Wolf Trap prepares for the load-in of the feel-good production of MAMMA MIA! this week, opening Thursday, June 30 and running through the weekend, we thought we'd turn to a real theatre pro, the editor of the Maryland Theatre Guide, Joel Markowitz. for a few tips on etiquette and how to get the most out of dance, symphony and theater performances.

I've spent many years covering theatre in New York and the Washington D.C. area, including numerous shows at Wolf Trap, and I'm glad to share a few simple but important tips to make your experience fabulous.

• The early bird doesn't have to ask what's happening

Be on time and you'll have a chance to read the synopsis and cast bios in the program before the show starts.Usually the first 20 minutes of a play or musical sets up the plot and introduces you to the characters -- so you'll want to be there to really understand the story from start to finish. If you are late, you may not be seated until a suitable break in the show, and you'll miss some of it.

• Seize the moment --not your cell phone

Why not immerse yourself in this fantastic experience being up close with a live performing arts production? Your phone will be there in a few hours when the show ends, so turn it off --not vibrate mode - but really off, and get carried away in the show.

• Bring the kids and get them excited beforehand

Sitting quiet and still can be tough for most adults -- it's even harder for kids. So in advance of the performance, why not spend some time reviewing the story, the characters, and of course, the music to get them excited for what they will experience. Make a snack run or walk around the park during intermission to let them stretch their legs and move around so they'll be all set for the second half.

• Bring a picnic, food and beverages of choice 

Pack your picnic or grab some food and drinks at the concession stand (alcohol is allowed!) to enjoy before the show on the lawn. (Only water is allowed in the house seats.) Get into the spirit of the show and pack food that goes with the theme - island drinks for MAMMA MIA or maybe knishes for Fiddler on the Roof coming in July. Some people go as far as dressing in costume for these shows. You can see some examples in the pictures from a recent Video Games Live National Symphony Orchestra show . This summer's Tan Dun: Martial Arts trilogy with the NSO is probably another show where you'll see crowds dressed in appropriately themed garb.

Most important, have a great time and open your senses to a new experience in the arts. Let yourself go and enjoy all that live performance has to offer, especially in the unique venue of Wolf Trap, under the stars.