Theater etiquette

[ruinexplorer]

I was reading this article about the annoyance of texting during performances and was wondering if everyone is noticing an increase in the loss of theater ettiquette? Here in Las Vegas you get a wide range of people going to see shows. Some of them dress up and some of them look like they came straight from the pool. I remember when i would go to a professional show in a shirt and tie and feel like I was underdressed. Now we have people like Perez Hilton blogging during a show (which he got called out for at the end of the show). I realize that I am not your typical theater-goer. I also realize that we live in a more "in touch" kind of world. When did polite behavior go out the window? Why would someone pay $170 for a ticket and then not pay attention to the performance? Even if I hated the performance (and felt that I wasted my money), I would never consider ruining the experience for those around me. I know that I am sometimes in the minority (I didn't like Phantom, and that was before I worked it), but I am wondering if others are noticing a similar trend. I am especially hoping that those in community or educational theater will be able to comment.

[pianoman55]

There's absolutely a trend. I was at the MET Opera a couple months ago.. and a woman's cell phone went off four times... each time I turned around to tell her her phone was going off.. and she insisted it was not her phone...each time getting more annoyed. Finally I asked if she had checked her phone.. and when she reached down.. sure enough.. it was her phone. She then spent much of the performance texting.

Children are also a problem. I've worked so many family shows where parents haven't taken their young children out when they are screaming and crying. It's distracting for audience.. and tech too when the child is so loud I can't hear my SM over the Telex.

[Harmz]

i've definatly noticed this as well. i run FOH for a local community theater and at least once during a performance, sometimes more, i see lights flickering in people's seats. it's not happening nearly as much as it used to after the building security started addressing people who were doing it and telling them to either step outside or put their phones away. it's totally rediculous though. especially when during the introduction speach, the mc says "turn off cell phones, and no texting because it's a distraction to others around you. i just don't get it...

[NickJones]

This drives me nuts too. I saw a stand up comic once, and an audience member's phone went off. The guy was under 18, and had been drinking, the comic took the phone, and spoke to this persons mum, holding the phone up to the mic so everyone cold here. To say the least, the guy was very embarrassed, and I don't think he will do it again.

Is it possible to block mobile phone signals?

And yes, I hate it when you are in the booth, and you see the light of peoples phones....

Nick

[Footer]

Originally Posted by NickJones

Is it possible to block mobile phone signals?

Yes, it is possible. Cell phone jammers exist. In the U.S., will you get thrown in jail if you are caught using one, yes.

[gafftapegreenia]

It's always a fun game to play to count the number of people texting during a show.

[Chris15]

Originally Posted by Footer

Yes, it is possible. Cell phone jammers exist. In the U.S., will you get thrown in jail if you are caught using one, yes.

And in Aus it's 50K for possession, 150K if it's on when the suits arrive.

Besides, block the cellular signal and they'll just play games on em instead.

[mrtrudeau23]

We had a dance show at my school last December and a bunch of students were texting or on their phones. It was real easy to see from up in the booth and all our techs were getting really annoyed. Obviously our cell announcement at the top of the show didn't really work. The fact that these people paid to see the hard work the students put into their choreography and then come and play with their phones, which could easily wait two hours, just sucks.

[misterm]

The worst is when you're acting in a blackbox and can see the person texting the entirety of the show less than 5 feet from you and cant do a thing about it. Grrrr.

[spiwak2005]

Saw an orchestra concert once where they started the first piece and then the conductor's cell phone started ringing. She cut off the orchestra and answered her phone. Then she turned around to the audience and said "you probably didn't appreciate me doing that to you. So please turn off your cell phones!!" It was obviously a setup and definitely got the point across. Long term, did it actually help change behaviour? Probably not...