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Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater

Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater

Seperite
#1Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 9:21am

So I'm at the theater yesterday enjoying a performance, when suddenly, in the middle of Act II, an usher comes racing down the aisle and positions herself next to someone a few rows in front of me. She was clearly signaling for the attention of someone in the middle of the row; what she was saying, I couldn't tell...but it was quite distracting.

When the curtain came down, I figured it out. During the curtain call -- before the actors had even taken their bows -- a theater-manager type positioned himself next to the usher and the aisle, glaring intently somewhere towards the middle of the row. When the curtain call ended and people started to file out, he made a bee-line for someone in the middle of the row, started communicating with her excitedly, and then stood by her, staring, as she showed him her phone. This went on for a good several minutes as I watched, rather bewildered.

Her crime? The source of this whole hullabaloo? Apparently, she had taken a picture, or pictures, during the performance. Once she was done apologizing profusely, this manager guy started shouting at others still lingering in the theater not to take any photographs -- even though the performance was over, the actors were off the stage, and the only thing to be seen was a curtain with a logo of the show.

Now look, I have been going to the theater all of my life, and have never taken a photograph during a performance (or afterwards, for that matter.) Never. And I find it distracting and annoying and in bad-taste when others do -- both for myself as an audience member, and, undoubtedly, for the actors on stage.

But let's get real.

This is 2015. Every single one of your (hopefully) 1,000+ patrons, every single night, is caring a high-definition camera in his/her pocket. Every one. And you're putting on a spectacle with lights and costumes and elaborate sets and, often, famous people parading on stage.

Do you honestly think you're going to prevent EVERY SINGLE patron from taking a picture? It's completely unrealistic.

Type the name of any (moderately successful) show that's been on Broadway in the past 10 years into Youtube. I guarantee that you'll find more than a few bootleg recordings of a scene or two online. It's just inevitable.

I'm all for announcements at the start of the show, and in Playbills, about how rude taking pictures is, how distracting, how inappropriate, unpleasant, illegal it is, etc. (The River handled this task particularly well in its recent run.) But beyond that, if someone doesn't care to heed the pleas...let it go. Sending ushers careening down the aisle in the middle of the performance only serves to distract everyone else. Having the theater manager stand over a culprit's shoulder, watching as she cycles through every picture on her phone as he checks and glares intently, is taking things a step too far. This is a place of entertainment, not high school. If people don't follow the rules...it is what it is. You can't police everyone and everything. You can only ask for decorum, and hope that people have the decency to comply. Invading their privacy, embarrassing them publicly...it's all taking things a step too far, and it left this audience member -- someone who is vehemently opposed to picture taking in the theater -- with a more negative impression of the theater than the fan. The punishment didn't fit the crime.

Updated On: 2/15/15 at 09:21 AM

ramblingwreck97 Profile Photo
ramblingwreck97
#2Yeah.
Posted: 2/15/15 at 9:40am

Yeah.

Exactly why the house manager was so frustrated. Imagine being in his shoes, people constantly breaking the rules. I would be as fed up.




Updated On: 2/15/15 at 09:40 AM

PalJoey Profile Photo
PalJoey
#2Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 9:42am



So did you just join BroadwayWorld to start threads complaining about ticket prices and front-of-house staff?

I can't wait to see what you're going to complain about next.



dramamama611 Profile Photo
dramamama611
#3Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 9:42am

So they should do nothing? Poppykosh. It's wrong, and they have every right to go after people that do so. Just because people get away with it doesn't make it ok. That's like saying since everyone speeds, that cops shouldn't ticket anyone for doing it.

Sorry, certainly, that it effected your enjoyment of the show, however


If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
Updated On: 2/15/15 at 09:42 AM

billis2
#4Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 9:55am

I understand some of what you're saying. The attempts to stop photos can be distracting. However, I don't think the theater did anything wrong. Yes, they can't catch everyone, but if they didn't do anything, the problem would be worse. The theater has the right to enforce the no-photo-rule as much as it wants. And the confrontation with the culprit didn't happen until after the show, so the distraction afterwards didn't really affect the enjoyment of the show.

Making the person cycle through their phone seems reasonable. They obviously can't trust what she's telling them. Yes, it's treating her like a child, but she's behaving like a child, and it doesn't sound like the manager was using inappropriate language or anything like that.

Also, you may not know the whole story. I'm guessing this person might have been kind of extreme about it, or they wouldn't have done so much. The times I have seen a mid-show confrontation is when people are taking flash pictures or video. Or maybe she was already warned at intermission and ehe ignored them.

Jane2 Profile Photo
Jane2
#5Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 10:15am

To the OP - I disagree 100%.

"Once she was done apologizing profusely,"

That comment irritates me to no end. She knew damn well she was breaking the law but darn it, she wanted that photo. Just take it anyway, and then apologize. PUH LEASE

Distracting to you? WAAAAAH! I have news for you. In my experience of over ten years with FOH, I learned that the cast, stage manager, producers, etc. do not mind that distraction. They are more concerned with those patrons who insist on doing whatever they want to do in a theater, and having no respect for the art of THEATER.

,

"Do you honestly think you're going to prevent EVERY SINGLE patron from taking a picture? It's completely unrealistic."

What an attitude! No, it is impossible to prevent EVERY SINGLE patron from DOING WHATEVER THE HELL THEY WANT AND BREAKING LAWS. So your solution is to just let them do it? You're kidding.

If you have such a problem with the house staff trying to do their job and following orders from the production concerning patrons who are totally in the wrong, then stay home.




<-----I'M TOTES ROLLING MY EYES

ArtMan
#6Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 10:18am

We live in a world where the mentality is "it's not what you do, it's what you get caught at". So people are going to continue to break rules until they are caught and have to deal with the consequences. I say "way to go" to that theatre staff. That person knew exactly what she was doing. If by singling her out, caught the attention of at least one more potential rule breaker, then I say give that "theatre manager type" a raise.

HogansHero Profile Photo
HogansHero
#7Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 10:21am

Had the tactics been in the nature of a police state, the usher would have shot the offender. It would have been of less disruptive for the rest of the audience (assuming a silencer was used) and then we would have something to talk about vis a vis the punishment fitting the crime. As it stands, humiliating the offenders at the expense of the rest of the audience seems like the perfect way to handle this. The conduct is unacceptable, illegal, dangerous and offensive; the reaction of front of house personnel should be applauded.

Producer2 Profile Photo
Producer2
#8Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 10:23am

The crinkling of candy wrappers and ice going up and down the beverage cup with each swig is more distracting!!!!!!

Jordan Catalano Profile Photo
Jordan Catalano
#9Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 10:35am

So you're mad because this....person...yeah, yeah a "person" (not you, OBVIOUSLY) was distracting and had their camera out when they knew (as you admitted) that they shouldn't have. But it's ok because if they don't want to follow the rules, then what's to do, right? But "this person" (again, DEFINITELY not you because you're a f*cking angel) was in the right and the theater staff was wrong because "this person" (who is NOT you in all of your entitled holiness) is an entitled ****who thinks they're allowed to do whatever they want and the actors, theater staff etc. just need to accept it, right?

You make PERFECT sense.


Updated On: 2/15/15 at 10:35 AM

Borstalboy Profile Photo
Borstalboy
#10Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 10:38am

Entitlement rules!!


"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.” ~ Muhammad Ali

bfreak
#11Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 10:51am

Selenite, may I ask what show you were at?

wonderfulwizard11 Profile Photo
wonderfulwizard11
#12Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 10:52am

Much like the over-use of the term political correctness, there is nothing more irritating than people misusing the term police state. You aren't supposed to take pictures. This person got caught, and the usher did their job. The comparison to a police state is absurd.


I am a firm believer in serendipity- all the random pieces coming together in one wonderful moment, when suddenly you see what their purpose was all along.

Pootie2
#13Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 10:57am

"It's fine to have rules but they shouldn't be enforced."

WTF idiotic statement is that, OP?


#BoycottTrumplikePattiMurin

promisespromises2 Profile Photo
promisespromises2
#14Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 11:03am

While I think it is a bit harsh and embarrassing for that person, they were still breaking the rules. And I don't think it's that uncommon for an usher to stand over their shoulder and watch as they delete the photos (I've seen it happen multiple times when I go out to see theatre in Washington D.C.). They broke the rules and they got caught, people around them saw how shameful it was, and you can bet now that the people who witnessed it are going to think twice about whipping out their camera in the middle of the show to take pictures.

indytallguy
#15Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 11:26am

No need to wait Pal Joey: it's being seated late after arriving late:

Late arrival

ljay889 Profile Photo
ljay889
#16Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 11:28am

Wow, this person must have joined just to complain.

This incident also seems to have been mentioned on ATC.

http://talkinbroadway.com/allthatchat/d.php?id=2262267

Jordan Catalano Profile Photo
Jordan Catalano
#17Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 11:30am

So I guess the OP was taking pictures at TWENTIETH CENTURY. Mystery solved!

Julie Yard
#18Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 11:32am

One of my favorite memories at a show was hearing a phone go off on my left, the stupid woman answering it and talking, and the split second reaction of SUPER USHER diving over the seats to get into her face to make her turn it off. That usher deserved a Tony!

And you mention the The River handled the cell phone thing quite well... and frankly I thought it was completely sad. The understudy came out before the show and did a 3-4 minute monologue pleading and cajoling and virtually begging people to put their phones away... OK! Let's all do it together. Let's count down. OMG! It was kindergarten.

SO OP, sorry, IMHO you are all wet. Bring on the ushers and house managers. There's a thing called manners, and if your mama didn't teach you, then maybe someone else should.


Dolittle

sarahb22 Profile Photo
sarahb22
#19Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 11:33am

Even if there are tons of bootleg videos and photos of a show on the Internet, that doesn't make it right. Shows are copyrighted; actors often have clauses in their contracts that give them control over their images and how they're used. All theater managers ask of the public, is that the public respect that.

That lady knew darn well she was breaking the rules, and the theater manager was protecting his legal property. I have no problem with that. Personally, I don't believe that "if everybody does it, it isn't wrong."

Mr Roxy Profile Photo
Mr Roxy
#20Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 11:41am

I wish they would crackdown on those who habitually come in 15 to 20 minutes late disturbing everyone. They should also do something about people having a 7 course meal in their seats. I have more of a problem with these types of things

Had the same situation years ago at Hugh Jackman's 1 man show. The usher acted like an SS storm trooper demanding the camera so he could delete the offending photos. He almost started a fistfight with the husband trying to stop this guy from verbally assaulting his wife. They were obviously tourists who thought the show was over & they were taking pictures of the bows. This guy came on like gangbusters and a number of people as they left complained about him to other ushers. There is a way of doing it. He did not even try the soft approach first. He went in with both guns blazing against this couple. I guarantee they will never come to a show again after this experience.


Poster Emeritus

delongpre
#21Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 11:43am

If you follow Chenoweth on Twitter, you might see one of the photos taken from the 2nd row during the performance.

I wonder if the OP's next post will be about how the actors didn't come out of the stage door and sign and pose with her, and how rude that is of them.

As a photographer, I would LOVE to have a wall full of still shots from all of the incredible performances I have seen. It takes a lot to refrain from recording those moments as we have become a society of "I need to take a picture so I won't forget". But the reality is, this is a show that BELONGS to others, and you are in fact stealing images when you take the pictures, and most often, post them all over the internet. If you think the performers don't see you, you are wrong. It's rude, distracting and illegal. The next step would be for theater owners to require patrons to checks phones and cameras as they enter. Let's not get to that place, please. Just STOP taking photos during performance!

Jordan Catalano Profile Photo
Jordan Catalano
#22Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 11:45am

Thanks for your Roxy-esque response, Roxy.

mikem Profile Photo
mikem
#23Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 11:55am

If someone is taking photos from the second row, that could well be very distracting to the actors. In any event, anyone who is taking photos from the second row has to expect to get caught and is kind of stupid.

My personal worst experience is when I won the lottery for In the Heights and was sitting in the front row center orchestra. The person behind me, in the second row, took a phone call in the middle of the show. "Hello?. . . Hey, how's it going. . . I'm at the theater...etc." That time, the ushers did nothing.

Of course, now that Kristin Chenoweth has thanked the picture-taker on Twitter, there will be more to come.


"What was the name of that cheese that I like?" "you can't run away forever...but there's nothing wrong with getting a good head start" "well I hope and I pray, that maybe someday, you'll walk in the room with my heart"

Mr Roxy Profile Photo
Mr Roxy
#24Police state tactics over taking pictures in the theater
Posted: 2/15/15 at 12:03pm

God if that happened with Lupone on stage World War 3 would have started.


Poster Emeritus