Curtain Call Pics and Videos Discussion

I do not want to start anything, so if things get tense here, please take this down.

I want to know your general thoughts about taking pictures or videos during the curtain call/bows. Some shows allow it and some don't. I personally think it should be allowed to preserve the memory you made while in the theatre. I understand that there could be copyright circumstances, but still, I think it should be something to look back on in the future. It seems to me though that it's less strict in London than in NYC. That could just be me.

Again, I do not want to start an argument here, I just would like a calm discussion on this topic.

That's what I also see in it. Just wish AEA and other unions would be more accepting of it. For example, when SIX came to Broadway, AEA immediately said no to filming the Megasix even though the creatives wanted it for free marketing. I tried when I went but was yelled at by 2 ushers.

Ultimately things like photos being taken during curtain calls or encore situations are not up to the creative team. For example, When the Jimmy Buffet musical was on Broadway, he had outlandish requests that he couldn’t see why they weren’t able to be met, things like he wanted the ushers to be “of a certain age” that way they matched the age of his fan base. He was told no. Reason he was given was that ushers are employees of The Nederlander Organization which owns the theatre. And, the other reason he was given was because we are in a union that, never in a million years, would allow something like that to occur.

Now, while I can list more examples of Buffet wanting things that were simply not possible, I’ll spare you. But, overall point I am trying to make is that he, like many other creative staffers can’t always do what they want to do with their show.

But, as an usher, I make announcements to the audience before the show to turn off phones, there’s no recording or phone use for any reason during the show. I can’t quite fathom why it is that shows that have some sort of encore have the audience believing that now you can take pictures and record video then, but not during the rest of the show. I just don't get it.