NFRC: Question about tipping at a dinner theater. The tickets we had...

michael-in-phoenix

Well-known member
...were $75 each (four of us attended) and dinner was included with the show.

Forgive my lack of sophistication in this matter. I haven't been to a dinner theater in decades, and never to one with linen tablecloths, candles, wine and formal service.

Our server presented us with a menu that listed all of our options. It explained the starter courses and entrees that were included with the meal and numerous other optional "upgrades". We arrived a bit late, so in order to keep things simple, we stayed with what was included with our tickets. Meal was wonderful, by the way.

The upgraded entrees were an extra $13 to $15.

After a bit of discussion that centered around whether we should tip on the total bill or try to figure the food portion and tip based on that, we tipped her on the total cost of the tickets, show and meal, $60.

Is that how you would've handled it?

Michael

BONUS LINK: My son and a classmate painting the "scrim" for the production. He was an "intern" at the Arizona Broadway Theater this summer, and helped prepare the sets for the production, working alongside a professional set designer. His classmate was also an intern.

 
I think you did right. $75 is not exorbitant for a first-class meal, even with the addition

Think of it as a restaurant with live entertainment smileys/wink.gif

If they had separated out the food from the theatre that would be different.

 
Also, consider that the table doesn't turn, unless there are two performances.

 
I don't understand Joe's comment about the tables(?), but I think the server

did quite well. I haven't been to a dinner theater in years, so I don't know tipping etiquette for it. But I have been a waitress, and I'd be thrilled!

 
Joe means there is only one "seating" for the evening, so the wait staff cannot...

...earn tips from more than one dinner service. They rely on the tips from one group of diners only, and not a steady stream of customers in a given shift.

Michael

 
If that was the tip from your table, it sounds right and proper.

That's about 20%, which is considered about the going rate for dinner service.

 
Great Job Garron!! LOVE the video! You must be soo proud! How cool is that to have your son

participate / record / enjoy and learn from such a great experience! And they served food to boot! You must be on a high!

Best,
Barb

 
I'm a blessed man, Barb. I have two fine sons and a wife who loves me. What more ...

...can a man ask for?

Michael

PS: On second thought, a man can't have too much bacon, right? Maybe I could ask for that.

 
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