Broadway needs to fight back

[IlanaKeller]

Posted: 12/29/15 at 6:03pm

Hiya,

As is the usual, there were more incidents with cell phone use during shows over the weekend, both here and in London. This column has been brewing for a while, but I finally put some thoughts down on paper. Would love if you take a look and let me know what you think. I offer some "reach" solutions, certainly there are more immediate ones that could be instituted (although I wish they didn't need to be).

http://www.app.com/story/entertainment/theater/2015/12/29/turn-cell-phones/78029780/ 

[evic]

Posted: 12/29/15 at 7:15pm

Anyone disregarding the announcements and having this FU attitude should be fined and/or arrested for breaking the rules.  I hope a law can be implemented because these rude idiots ruin the experience for those around them and especially the actors.  C'mon Shuberts, Nederlanders and Jujamcyns......grow a pair of balls and get on the ball and do something about this. Millions of people will be grateful and fines/arrests will stop the insanity.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/29/15 at 7:17pm

Every theater should have a Patti Lupone impersonator stationed in the theater with full authority to do anything to stop this.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 12/29/15 at 7:17pm

I love that idea!  She's becoming the patron saint of GET THE HELL OUT.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/29/15 at 7:20pm

The thought of one of these storming down and aisle, going into a row, and dragging someone out warms the cockles of my heart.

[Peter2]

Posted: 12/29/15 at 7:28pm

@IlanaKeller, thank you for writing the article. I always wonder where the ushers are when these things happen. If the performers can see the offender, it should be even easier for the ushers to seem him or her, since the LED is facing towards the back. 

I also wish more audience members would speak up. You can do it nicely: "Your phone is really distracting--would you mind turning it off?" I've done this often and I don't remember anybody ever refusing to comply, even if they sometimes do it grumpily or with a roll of the eyes. Most people are too shy, I guess--but we should all do it on behalf of the performers as much as for ourselves.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/29/15 at 7:33pm

All the time I see idiots on their cell until the play starts . Even than they do not shut it off. They just put it in their pocket with the phone still on.

 

Perhaps a monetary fine they would have to pay to get their phone back might be a deterrent.

[uncageg]

Posted: 12/29/15 at 8:36pm

The fine, according to the initial announcement when they were banned, is $50.00.

[neonlightsxo]

Posted: 12/29/15 at 8:37pm

OK. 

[IlanaKeller]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 12:18am

Peter2 said: "@IlanaKeller, thank you for writing the article. I always wonder where the ushers are when these things happen. If the performers can see the offender, it should be even easier for the ushers to seem him or her, since the LED is facing towards the back. 

 

I also wish more audience members would speak up. You can do it nicely: "Your phone is really distracting--would you mind turning it off?" I've done this often and I don't remember anybody ever refusing to comply, even if they sometimes do it grumpily or with a roll of the eyes. Most people are too shy, I guess--but we should all do it on behalf of the performers as much as for ourselves.

 

"

Thanks for the kind words! This was a long time coming, finally had that last little spark that pushed it over the edge.

 

I agree some people may be hesitant to step in, but that it would be good if they did. Also if some ushers were more proactive. But then you'd have more ushers (unintentionally) causing distractions, which kinda evens out.

 

If there were more repercussions, it would be good, but kicking out/scaring off paying customers isn't exactly ideal for business either.

No easy answers.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 10:02am

"

If there were more repercussions, it would be good, but kicking out/scaring off paying customers isn't exactly ideal for business either.

No easy answers."

 

Tough problem and it may need tough answer.  On the ticket, put on it  that no electronic devices are allowed in the theater and will be checked at the door. Believe it or not, there was a time when there were no cell phones and people somehow managed to survive. People can "check" their electronic device for a fee at the theater.  Unless something drastic likes this is done, the problem will never be solved.  I know it will not be done but it is the only real solution IMO.

Updated On: 12/30/15 at 10:02 AM

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 10:07am

Somebody would start a lawsuit against the theater owners saying it infringed on their civil rights or free speech.

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 10:14am

Somebody would start a lawsuit against the theater owners saying it infringed on their civil rights or free speech."

 

That would not surprise me but would be interesting law case. The theatre owners could fight back saying they are protecting their artistic property. Plus if you put the information on the ticket the ticketholder would be well aware of the conditions and would be up to them if they wanted to accept these conditions.

Updated On: 12/30/15 at 10:14 AM

[IlanaKeller]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 11:15am

yankeefan7 said: "Somebody would start a lawsuit against the theater owners saying it infringed on their civil rights or free speech."

That would not surprise me but would be interesting law case. The theatre owners could fight back saying they are protecting their artistic property. Plus if you put the information on the ticket the ticketholder would be well aware of the conditions and would be up to them if they wanted to accept these conditions.

"

Free speech would be hard to argue because it's not limited by "interference" by the government, but by a private entity.

I think it again is more a matter of risking ticking off paying customers (as obnoxious as they are), vs. protecting your show. Difficult (and potentially costly) balance.

[mc1227]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 11:17am

There was an awesome usher in the mezz at Richard Rogers that advised people to attend the restroom prior to the start of the show since they are located 2 levels below.  She also reiterated the cell phone and photo policy very loud and clear.  I thought that was a great idea.  They also had voice announcement after that.  Someone would have to be a complete idiot not to comply.  I did not hear a pin drop during this show, no candy wrappers, crunching water bottles, cell phones.  I can't remember the last time that happened at a show I attended.

[Comden Green]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 11:19am

The theatre probably doesn't want to take responsibility for 1,000 computers (phones) worth $700 each.  

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 11:31am

"The theatre probably doesn't want to take responsibility for 1,000 computers (phones) worth $700 each. "

 

If it is a stated policy no phones are allowed, maybe it would cut down the amount of people bringing them. Also, you could charge ridiculous price to "check" the phones which would also cut down people bringing them. I understand this is not very feasible but I don't see how the problem stops unless it is something pretty hash.

Updated On: 12/30/15 at 11:31 AM

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 11:35am

There was an awesome usher in the mezz at Richard Rogers that advised people to attend the restroom prior to the start of the show since they are located 2 levels below.  She also reiterated the cell phone and photo policy very loud and clear.  I thought that was a great idea.  They also had voice announcement after that.  Someone would have to be a complete idiot not to comply."

 

That is great and glad it worked. That being said, I would think the problem with pictures/filming is mostly in the orchestra and hope they had usher there doing the same tthing.

Updated On: 12/30/15 at 11:35 AM

[Hellob]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 11:36am

If you do rude things then you are probably a jerk in general so idk how much power the usher has. I've seen ushers repeatedly say no photography and there's always the group who dgaf or eye rolls, keeps going. I've talked to a few ushers about how great they were and most of them have asked me to tell the theater organization. I can't speak for the industry but from my interactions, it seems like they aren't treated that well and it's probably a fine line between enforcement and worry of the negative email the reprimanded party might send to the boss. If I say John was the best, it will likely have less effect than John was the worst. There's no cameras, etc to protect them. I'm not sure what the actual solution is but ushers can't expect to be bouncers for what they get paid. I've seen them get enough abuse from entitled jerks.

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 11:38am

I don't think we're at a place culturally where people just don't bring their phones with them everywhere.  Especially groups of people traveling together.  It's how they find each other after doing separate things.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 11:46am

F*CK that Steve jobs guy. 

[yankeefan7]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 11:49am

Question for everyone. Do you think it would make a difference if before the show the "stars" of the show stepped on the stage and made the cell phone/filming/photo taking announcements to the audience?

Updated On: 12/30/15 at 11:49 AM

[FindingNamo]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 11:50am

That'd take away a bit from the magic of theater.

 

Maybe they could do the announcement from backstage.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 11:55am

It would make no difference at all.

[IlanaKeller]

Posted: 12/30/15 at 11:58am

Unfortunately, I think that would just lead to people taking pics/video of that.