Finally! A Documentary About The WORST Kind Of Theater People!- Page 3

[Pootie2]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 10:06am

Fan123 said: "I have never seen/met this lady and so cannot verify anything about her; I'm also very wary of dealing with grievances by naming and shaming online. However if this lady does indeed have a long-established pattern of heavily harassing other people, it's concerning if this documentary is going to portray her in a positive light. If nothing else, it might encourage other people to start trying the same tactics to get tickets and seats."

 

I really wonder about this too and hope that doesn't happen.

 

Matiss Kaža does not seem to be pursuing an objective "documentary," in any case, because the Kickstarter description has a very sympathetic slant given his personal relationship. He is obviously a long-time friend of hers and credits her with introducing him to theatre, after all, so I would not be surprised if he intends to paint Nicki Cochrane in the most sympathetic way, exempting the thing about her children. Theatre, however, is a shared social experience. Other audience members' experiences are equally important, and the "cost" is thus more widely shared than he thinks.

 

Fan123 said: "There's a recent comment enquiring about this on the film's Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/oneticketfilm); the film's account has responded "Of course we will show both sides of the story. The filmmakers are well aware of the relationship certain New York City theater owners and box office managers have with Ms Cochrane and are doing their best to reflect this in the film." Hopefully that will turn out to be true."

 

Hopefully. But that still doesn't cover her behavior with other audience members who don't fall into the "fast friends" category, which the student filmmaker doesn't mention in the blurb. Either he has never witnessed that behavior when he went to theaters with her, or he thinks that's acceptable. Most likely, he simply won't believe an audience member's accounts, but theater staff have a bit more authority on the matter when she's actually banned. Also, if this is supposed to be an objective "documentary," he really should look at the consequences of addiction as others have mentioned; artistic "dedication" and addiction are different things, especially when social behavior and relationships are affected, but he doesn't seem to be aware of that.

 

However, I doubt Matiss Kaža can get beyond the personal relationship bias, though, because that's just human nature.

 

*Mat?ss Kaža (the symbols don't seem to appear consistently depending on browser/system)

Updated On: 2/18/16 at 10:06 AM

[Kad]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 10:16am

The thing is, there are senior citizens who are just as dedicated theatregoers, who see as much as they can. But they do it because they love it, and they don't lie, steal, or cause scenes and disruptions. They aren't reviled by the staffs of every theatre, aren't banned from ticketing services, don't hassle people. 

So to make this particular woman the face of this group is absurd. 

[Jshan05]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 10:25am

I am so looking forward to this documentary and I sure hope they showcase her behavior as listed by the many stories above! I'm also going to be keeping my eyes peeled for her at every show from now on...forget about 'Where's Waldo?' and on to 'Where's Nicki?'

[Dave19]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 10:46am

She goes to Manhattan every day, but does she also visit a show every day? I mean, does she get free tickets every day? Or does that only work occasionally?

 

For how long does she stand in front of the theatre begging for a ticket per day? And if it did not work, then she buys one? Let's say, 5 minutes before the show starts?

Updated On: 2/18/16 at 10:46 AM

[JBroadway]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 10:54am

I mean, she also obtains tickets through regular channels. I saw her win the in-person lotto for Eclipsed at the Public. She probably does what she can to get regular cheap tickets, at least sometimes. 

[Pootie2]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 11:54am

Kad said: "The thing is, there are senior citizens who are just as dedicated theatregoers, who see as much as they can. But they do it because they love it, and they don't lie, steal, or cause scenes and disruptions. They aren't reviled by the staffs of every theatre, aren't banned from ticketing services, don't hassle people. 

 

So to make this particular woman the face of this group is absurd. "

 

I'd be more interested in a documentary about the theatre audience as a whole, broken up into different types and demographics, perhaps, but I never got the impression that Matiss intends to present her as a representation (I certainly hope not).

 

Jshan05, I wouldn't count on it. Because of Kaža's personal relationship, if he honors it (which he apparently does) and doesn't want to risk it, I doubt much will be presented on these negative points, if at all. An objective documentary is done by a third party with as little bias as possible to cover as much perspective from different relationships to the subject; to have an actual affiliation is insurmountable, which is exactly why professionals in different fields related to research should recuse themselves when there is an affiliation, even by secondary networking. Of course, many documentaries have a political agenda, because human nature.

[ClydeBarrow]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 11:59am

Pootie2, I can see where you're coming from that if the documentarian has a relationship with the subject then the viewpoint is skewed. You make it out to seem like they're life-long friends. This 20 year old kid probably barely knows this woman. I'm dubious as to her representation because this is just for some NYU film student that doesn't know how to make a documentary. It's not like Errol Morris is making the friggin' thing.

[Pootie2]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 12:32pm

ClydeBarrow said: "Pootie2, I can see where you're coming from that if the documentarian has a relationship with the subject then the viewpoint is skewed. You make it out to seem like they're life-long friends. This 20 year old kid probably barely knows this woman. I'm dubious as to her representation because this is just for some NYU film student that doesn't know how to make a documentary. It's not like Errol Morris is making the friggin' thing."

 

The downside is that, among other "news" bits placed in the top feed, BWW found this story worthy of inclusion for that type of attention. If Kaža wanted exposure for his crowdfunding, he's gotten it; but he'll get all the other attention as well, as this thread shows. A year of "hanging out" is certainly a lot longer than the 30-minute "friendships" described otherwise. 

[LarryD2]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 12:45pm

This woman is a menace. I encountered her many times in the late 90s/early 2000s when I worked front-of-house. She was supposedly banned from my theater but always found ways to get in. As others have said, she often plops herself down wherever she likes then fights like hell when you tell her she has to leave. She harasses patrons and employees. She's not alone in this -- these moochers are legion -- but she is the best known and the most aggressive. (One time I encountered her at a sold-out, one night only concert where she tried to get me to sell her my $150 ticket for ten bucks). The idea of a documentary glorifying her, however minor it may be, is disgusting.

Updated On: 2/18/16 at 12:45 PM

[Fosse76]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 1:54pm

Fan123 said: "By the way, does a Broadway theatre have the right to set a code of conduct (within reason) for anyone who enters it, and to eject anyone who violates that code (again, within reason, eg while also providing a ticket refund upon presentation of proof of purchase)? Somebody who gets a free ticket outside the door could argue "I was never informed of the code", but putting it up on a small-print sign at the door or something could cover that. I'm not sure of the laws around this."

 

Why wouldn't they have the right to set a code of conduct? Of course they have that right. First of all, the ticket itself will list terms and conditions. Second, a theater is private property. While they must conform with laws governing places of public accommodation, it doesn't prohibit them from enforcing specific policies governing conduct. A theater (or any place of business) is not required to publicly post such rules so long as they are able to prove their consistent enforcement in a court.

 

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 2:08pm

I wonder if this kid is having second thoughts now after announcing this. I also wonder if he's seen this thread. 

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 2:10pm

Any ticket - purchased at the box office or printed at home will always contain the small print that you can be ejected at the discretion of management.

[Margo319]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 2:15pm

She arrived at Big Fish 20 minutes late.  She talked on her cell phone, and had huge bangle clangy bracelets.  She proceeded to hit two men in the back of the head with her huge lunch pack, and when she didn't like her seat, she proceeded to move all over the mezzanine until finally falling asleep soon there after.  She should NOT be granted entry into anything....ever.

[Movidude742]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 2:35pm

I haven't noticed her but I do see the old guy frequently.

I went to the first preview of the recent Jekyll and Hyde revival and he was out asking, and I just told him they were selling tix at the rush or lottery price even then just before the show

To his credit on that day, he shut up and went and got a $20 ticket or whatever the deal was.

every other time he just creeped me out

[Fan123]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 3:02pm

Fosse76 and broadwayguy2, thanks for your advice. I suspected as much, but Vespertine1228 mentioned earlier in the thread that "The problem was that while she was banned from buying tickets, we couldn't ban her from entering the building if someone gave her their ticket. She never did anything criminal." I thought that might mean that theatre workers' hands were tied somewhat on that point. Otherwise, I don't see why all the theatres wouldn't write a provision into their codes about placing long-term/lifetime bans for repeat code violators, place a ban on Ms Cochrane and others like her, then have them ejected on sight whenever they enter the theatre. A sign about the code at the door along the lines of "By entering these premises you are agreeing to the below..." would be redundant in an official sense, but might be useful for staff to point to when they're dealing with people who never ticked the 'I agree with terms and conditions' box when buying their ticket (or however it's done) because they were given a ticket for free.

[Pootie2]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 3:18pm

Jordan Catalano said: "I wonder if this kid is having second thoughts now after announcing this. I also wonder if he's seen this thread. "

 

Well, his name, her name, and/or project title are not mentioned in the subject line, so probably not.

[Fosse76]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 4:11pm

Fan123 said: "Fosse76 and broadwayguy2, thanks for your advice. I suspected as much, but Vespertine1228 mentioned earlier in the thread that "The problem was that while she was banned from buying tickets, we couldn't ban her from entering the building if someone gave her their ticket. She never did anything criminal." I thought that might mean that theatre workers' hands were tied somewhat on that point. Otherwise, I don't see why all the theatres wouldn't write a provision into their codes about placing long-term/lifetime bans for repeat code violators, place a ban on Ms Cochrane and others like her, then have them ejected on sight whenever they enter the theatre. A sign about the code at the door along the lines of "By entering these premises you are agreeing to the below..." would be redundant in an official sense, but might be useful for staff to point to when they're dealing with people who never ticked the 'I agree with terms and conditions' box when buying their ticket (or however it's done) because they were given a ticket for free."

The prohibition against her purchasing tickets but being allowed into the theater may be the result of the box office manager deciding one thing and the house manager deciding another. I knew someone who worked as the lottery coordinator at Spelling Bee and apparently there was this one girl who was so disruptive during the show, she was banned by the box office from purchasing lottery seats, but was still allowed to enter the theater if she had a ticket. Another was banned from being allowed to purchase standing room tickets and would demand certain seats if she won the lottery. 

Banning from the property, however, has legal implications that a refusal to sell tickets doesn't. Since tickets can be purchased in other ways, theaters can potentially open themselves up to civil rights violations for a banning. Managers may not want to deal with all the paper work and inquiries the theater owners/bosses may have. Since This woman seems to prefer cheap tickets, refusing to sell her tickets might be an effective ban.

[Matiss Kaza]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 5:31pm

I am the filmmaker and I just wanted to assure you that, while the film will essentially be a portrait of Nicki and concentrate on a range of issues that Nicki's theatergoing has impacted - her relationship with her family, her lifestory, her views on theater etc., her interaction with different aspects of the theater community here in NYC is a crucial part of the film. I absolutely intend to portray how the theater community in New York views her. If you have any personal experiences regarding Ms Cochrane's behaviour that you would like to share with me on camera, you can send me a private message on the site and I'll get in touch with you.

That being said, while "talking heads" are fine if the content of what they are saying is worthwhile, I would also appreciate if you as theater owners / box office managers / etc. would let me film Nicki attending your venue and your staff's reaction to the things that she does. For example, if you have banned her, let me and my crew film how you throw her out. Or, if you would be ready to discuss Nicki's behaviour with her on film, that would also be good. Please be in touch with me. I understand your view on Nicki and if you want to help me represent it in the film as truthfully as possible - please contact me.

Updated On: 2/18/16 at 05:31 PM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 5:33pm

So, you want to take her into a venue just watch her being thrown out? Can you sell tickets to THAT show? 

Updated On: 2/18/16 at 05:33 PM

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 5:37pm

Also... 

 

As someone who understands what you're trying to do as a filmmaker, you've got to go out there and find these people yourself, not hope that they come to you. And you might have a hard time finding people willing to speak on camera, not because they'd give anything to tell the world about what awful, deplorable people she and her band of vultures are, but because they work for organizations such as The Shuberts, Nederlanders, Jujamcyn, etc. and they are representatives of those companies who might not want to be associated with this.

[elphaba.scares.me]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 5:43pm

E.Davis said: "Wait, is she really Equity or does she just wear that hat and pose as a due paying member in hopes of getting freebies?"

 

She got that hat at the Labor Day Parade. I saw her there. Equity was giving free swag to marchers.  Who knows if she's actually a member.

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 5:47pm

"I don't see why anyone would give money to this nonsense because she seems like a deplorable human being."

"However, I doubt Matiss Kaža can get beyond the personal relationship bias, though, because that's just human nature."

 

This seems like a basic student film. I wouldn't expect him to be unbiased in a movie about his dog either. But it's getting traction because of the subject matter... and maybe the kickstarter. 

[Fosse76]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 5:49pm

elphaba.scares.me said: "E.Davis said: "Wait, is she really Equity or does she just wear that hat and pose as a due paying member in hopes of getting freebies?"

 

 She got that hat at the Labor Day Parade. I saw her there. Equity was giving free swag to marchers.  Who knows if she's actually a member."

 

If she's claiming Equity membership in order to get comps, she most certainly would have to prove membership to the box office (or whoever is giving away the tickets). I doubt a hat with the Equity logo would be sufficient.

[elphaba.scares.me]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 5:52pm

 

If she's claiming Equity membership in order to get comps, she most certainly would have to prove membership to the box office (or whoever is giving away the tickets). I doubt a hat with the Equity logo would be sufficient."

 

Probably. Good point. Especially if box office managers are already wary of her.

 

[Ado Annie D'Ysquith]

Posted: 2/18/16 at 6:07pm

What the media SHOULD be talking about is the recent documentary about an ACTUAL patroness of the arts- She's the Best Thing in It, telling the story of Mary Louise Wilson. THAT is something I can't wait to watch.