Call the theatre. Some may request a certain dress code, or you may be able to talk with an agent who can advise you on what the audience usually wears.
Decide where you would like to attend a production. Some venues, such as Broadway, are tourist destinations and the style of dress is more casual. Local productions in small theatres are also casual.
Determine the audience. If the show caters to families, dress casually.
Check the calendar. The opening night of a performance or a special event calls for formal attire.
Decide when to attend. You'll see plenty of jeans and perhaps even shorts at a matinee and more suits in the evening.
Choose black or another dark color for most venues. Whites and neutrals are also common.
Wear dark suits and calf-length or longer dresses to formal events. Tuxes and gowns are only necessary at black-tie events. Leave the fish novelty tie and the Mickey Mouse T-shirt at home.
Select business formal or cocktail attire for evening events. Men should wear slacks with ties or blazers, while women can wear cocktail dresses or pantsuits. Khaki pants with polo shirts are generally considered business casual and are acceptable at most events.
Choose a skirt, khaki pants or even jeans for a casual or afternoon event.
Pick a middle-of-the-road outfit, such as khakis and a button-down shirt for men and a nice blouse with a skirt or pants for women, if you do not know much about the theatre or performance. You'll see a wide range of clothing at most events, and most people feel the most comfortable dressing in the middle of that range.