A Possible Solution to Cellphones in Theaters — Page 2

of course there are people who will cheat, but the truth is that most people whose cell phones go off during shows do not want them to and don't want others to either. If you take out a phone you would do so at your peril-immediate ejection and perhaps confiscation.

the dire warnings about lines and complications are obviously coming from people who did not consume the information provided at the link since the pouches are self-serve and no not require anything beyond someone to hand out the pouches (which could be done in the ubiquitous lines) and someone to see that they have been closed before entering. In other words less time consuming than scanning tickets which, while time consuming, has not ended theatre-going as we know it. And unlocking is achieved at small unlocking stations at the entrance with no physical involvement of the usher for anyone wanting to check their messages at intermission.

so yes we have our chicken littles but the self-entitled would adjust. bring it on.

This will not work on Broadway. I am not talking about it from a logistical standpoint (though there were a couple of goo points regarding that that could work in theory.) I am talking about from the me working as an usher standpoint.

First off, this will be another task that will get assigned to the ushers should these be used. If they were to be used in Broadway theatres, and that wasn't the case, I'd eat my own shoe. Secondly, the major difference between Broadway theatres and major concert venues as far as something like this is concerned is staffing. Major concert venues have a much larger usher/security staff than any theatre on Broadway meaning that there are more people to dole out the pouches/help out if need be etc.

Take the super hit show Hamilton for example. I've worked there a few times, when I do, I've been in the Mezz. And, there's a two person rotation. One is on break, other is stationed inside being a physical presence in case someone has an issue/ watching for phone usage. I don't think that two people would be enough to deal with any issues arising from these pouches being used. Enough to control things at intermission and walking out? Sure, but not for something like this. Specially if there are many people who aren't sure how to use them/find them confusing, which I can assure you will be the case.

ETA: Also, I think that something like these pouches would be up to the production not the theatre owners. The article was talking about how in these examples of the pouches being used, it was the artists who wanted them to be used rather than the venue itself. Almost all of what the ushers do is at the instruction of the production. Late seating holds, what of the set can be photographed etc.

Updated On: 6/20/16 at 02:37 PM

^ I don't think you give it to anyone, it stays in your possession, just locked so you can't use it.

Jane2 said: "I don't see this working. All you need is one or two or a few people who don't produce their phones. If even one of them rings, there goes the whole plan. What good is having the other 1500 people cooperating if it only takes one or two to ruin the entire show?"

If a show can refuse to seat latecomers, I'd guess if you refused to get a pouch for your phone and it goes off, you sort of lose your 'Oops, I'm sorry' rights and you can talk to whomever called you outside while everyone else is watching act two?

amazing that the ludditism is so strong among certain posters that people can't admit that cell phones have improved the lives of people or that cell phones are useful in an emergency. literally, that a mobile communication device can't be helpful in an emergency. nevermind the 911/emergency calls at pulse in Orlando or bataclan in Paris describing what was happening inside. nevermind people inside such situations are able to get valuable information out to the outside world/police via twitter or text as well.

dramamama611 said: "Cellphone blocking is illegal."



No, it's not. Using a cell phone jammer is illegal. If the general concept of blocking a cellphone signal were illegal, there'd be a significant number of businesses and individuals who'd be in serious legal trouble. Just try and get a signal in the Shubert Theatre's lower lounge! There's a Barnes & Noble near my apartment that has no service in the lower level.



dramamama611 said: "as to personal emergencies: you know, we had them before the cell phone was invented. The concept that we have to be immediately reachable within seconds and at all times is an incredibly NEW idea. (And I hate it.)



Every second counts in an emergency. Before cell phones, how many people died or were seriously injured because it took longer to contact emergency responders? Response time has a significant effect on survival and recovery rates. But I guess it's ok with you if someone dies from a heart attack because of the extra minute or two it took to notify the house manager or security. They would've dies 30 years ago, so it's ok if they die now.

Seriously asking: what's the difference between blocking and jamming?



I'm not saying that there aren't good uses for them, but the vast majority of us will not actually need them for those reasons. (Hopefully.) I DO believe their importance for most of us is greatly exaggerated.

OMG this thread takes the cutglass flyswatter. Between the naysayers, the chicken littles, the luddites and the fundamentally ill informed, it's just a perfect storm.

Any parent or grandparent will be against this. If something happens to a child they'd want to know immediately. That's why I put my phone on vibrate and keep it in My breast pocket during the show.