Italian Theatre Tightens Dress Code, Would Broadway Ever Do the Same?

by Chris Peterson

At Milan’s iconic La Scala, opera patrons are being turned away at the door this summer. Not because tickets are sold out, but because of what they’re wearing. The theatre has begun strictly enforcing its long-standing—but-rarely-applied dress code banning shorts, flip-flops, and tank tops. If you show up looking like you just left the beach, you're not getting in. No refund, either.

On paper, the rule isn’t new. It’s been part of La Scala’s code of conduct since 2015. But as Milan’s tourism numbers balloon and summer temperatures soar, the opera house is drawing a clear line: this isn’t a casual tourist stop. It’s a cultural institution, and you are expected to dress like it.

According to reports, the stricter enforcement stems from an uptick in disruptive behavior from audience members: people taking selfies during performances, placing their phones on balcony ledges, even bringing in fast food. One phone reportedly fell from a balcony and injured someone. The response from La Scala was swift: clearer signage, a reminder on tickets, and ushers empowered to turn away underdressed guests.

The policy allows some nuance. Sleeveless dresses and traditional attire, such as a kimono with geta sandals, are permitted. But otherwise, if your outfit resembles a poolside look, it’s a no-go.

Which brings me to a question: Should Broadway do the same?

Let me be clear: I support freedom of expression. I’m not suggesting we go back to the days of gatekeeping what someone must wear to enjoy a show. Theatre should remain accessible to everyone, regardless of what they have in their closet. Nobody needs to show up in a suit or a cocktail dress to see Hadestown.

And to be fair, Broadway already leans into that philosophy. There’s no formal dress code at Broadway theatres. None. You won’t be turned away for wearing jeans, T-shirts, sneakers, or even shorts. The only absolute requirement is that you’re clothed and behaving appropriately. It’s a “come as you are” environment, and for many tourists seeing a show for the first time, that makes the theatre feel more welcoming.

But even without a formal dress code, I still believe in honoring the sense of occasion that comes with going to the theatre. It’s something special. Something people work incredibly hard to bring to life. Dressing with a bit of intention can be a simple way of saying, “I respect what I’m here to experience.”

Too often, that respect seems to go missing. Walk through Times Square in July and you’ll see plenty of folks heading into major productions dressed like they’re going to a theme park. Cropped tops, cargo shorts, flip-flops—it’s all fair game. And it’s not just about clothes. I've seen people put bare feet on seats, eat full meals out of bags, or scroll their phones mid-performance.

Some regional theatres have already set expectations. I’ve seen companies request “business casual attire” or suggest dressing up a bit. It’s not about elitism—it’s about preserving the atmosphere that makes live theatre feel meaningful.

What La Scala is doing may seem harsh, but maybe it’s also a reminder. The theatre isn’t just another stop on your itinerary. It’s not a background for selfies or a place to multitask through dinner. It’s a space for artistry, community, and storytelling.

So, should Broadway adopt similar policies? Probably not to the same extreme. But should we at least encourage a sense of care, presence, and occasion? I think so. Because while theatre should remain open and welcoming, respect for the space—and for those who make it come alive—should never be optional.