We are glad you asked. 

In theory the rules are pretty simple, and the main objective is to have fun. But if you want to know what you're in for and what to expect, here are the basic things to understand when you go see a 'To Drink' show:

• At the top of the show, the actors will draw their roles out of a hat. No one knows what role they will be playing that night; the characters will be cast live, and once the roles are all determined the show will begin abruptly, with only enough time for the actors to grab some props. Some of these actors may be very familiar with the Shakespeare play, or the character they have drawn. But some actors may have never even read the play before. This is where it can get fun. 

  • • The actors are going to perform a Shakespeare show for you. They may be tipsy at the start, they may be sober. Regardless of their condition, their job is to perform the show, to improvise silly things to make you laugh, but most notably (for you in the audience), they are going to try not to mess up. Once they mess up, this is where the audience participation comes in.  

• Rule One: If an actor makes a mistake, it is up to the audience to yell out the word "DRINK!" That mistake can be badly fumbling a word, or missing an entrance, or reading the wrong line. If the audience calls out their mistake, the actor takes a sip of their drink. 

  • • Feeling left out? Have no fear. We have a bell that our host holds backstage for our audience to listen out for. Why? Well, Shakespeare's shows are famously known for having a lot of... innuendo. And in our shows, we don't ignore that innuendo; we use it to get back at our audience. This is where you come in.

• Rule Two: When the bell dings, the audience drinks. You as our audience member are free to order drinks at our shows. If you choose to do so, when you hear the bell ding, you take a sip of your drink. Pace yourself if you wish; you'll soon discover that Shakespeare makes plenty of racy jokes, and that little bell may have you spinning if you're not careful. We ask our guests to have fun, but drink responsibly.

• Rule Three: There is one more thing that can happen in a show. There may be a time when an actor makes a really big screw up. Whether they just make the same mistake way too many times, or they end up breaking something or knocking something over, whatever the case may be, sometimes a sip just isn't enough. If the audience thinks the mistake is big enough, everyone in the bar is encourage to start chanting "SHOT! SHOT! SHOT! SHOT!" If this happens, you will notice a tray of shot glasses being provided for our actors. In those shot glasses are none other than Chicago's signature liquor; good old fashioned Malört. If an actor really screws up, they do a shot. 

  • • Just as we encourage our audience members to practice safety and awareness when drinking, we also look out for our performers. Our actors will never be forced to drink more than they can handle, and they have the right to refuse once they have determined their limit. If such a moment occurs, there are other castmates who may take a sip or do the shot in their honor. Or, of course, an audience member may be welcome to drink their own drink in solidarity. Whatever keeps the fun going. 

• Rule Four: Remember that the name of the game is fun. Please do not harass, interfere with, or heckle any of our performers. Any unwanted harrassment will not be tolerated, and parties may be asked to leave. Please also do not do any recording without express permission from the night's performers once they are intoxicated. Recording is allowed with cast permission, but if a cast member has not directly asked you to record them, please respect the performers. 

Beyond that, we ask that you exhibit standard theatre ettiquite when you attend our shows. Please keep a clean space and take care of any trash or empty glasses before you go. Please show consideration to your performers; enjoy the show, but remember that they are performing, and that distracting interruptions can tarnish the experience for those around you. Whatever venue we perform at, we ask that you treat the hosts, servers, bartenders and staff with kindness and respect, and tips are always appreciated. When local companies support the arts, we want to do our best to take care of them and make their efforts feel appreciated. 

As expected in all spaces: Have Fun and Be Kind :)

Ready to see your first show? Check the NEXT SHOW PAGE to see if we have one coming up! 

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