Should Theaters Provide Free Wi-Fi For Its Guests?

[Phantom of London]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 5:59pm

[CapnHook]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 6:04pm

That's the reason why we go to the theatre: to use our phones for free wi-fi.

I mean, really? What an idiotic thought.

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 6:07pm

They SHOULD and they BETTER.

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 6:08pm

The Nederlander does for some reason. Otherwise, hell to the no.

[backwoodsbarbie]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 6:15pm

Nothing good could come of that. We have enough trouble keeping people off of phones as is.

[Reginald Tresilian]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 6:16pm

I'd like seat-back entertainment centers like on airplanes.

[broadwaypunk06]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 6:28pm

No! No! No! I do not go to the theatre to play on my phone. I go to watch the performance. My phone does not even cross my mind! Ridiculous question!

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 6:28pm

Uh....no!

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 6:41pm

Personally, I think they should provide free cell phone user taser technology that zaps people who bring their cell phones to the theatre, but maybe that's just me.

[binau]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 6:43pm

I've always wanted to use GRINDR at NEWSIES but the coverage in that theatre sucks so I'd appreciate some free WiFi. Not too long left to 'catch' Andrew Keenan-Bolger; isn't he leaving soon?

[suestorm]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 6:49pm

Personally, I think they should provide free cell phone user taser technology that zap people who bring their cell phones to the theatre, but maybe thIs me


I think zapping is too kind...

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 6:51pm

I think they should not, and only offer it to the cast. I do think there should be phone scramblers.

[kooky]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 7:13pm

In one word .... NO !

[dramamama611]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 7:17pm

Not necessary.

I don't think phone carriers need to be zapped -- blocked would be nice.

[NewYorkPulse24]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 7:20pm

Hell to the NO!
If anything they should collect phones at the door!

[Wynbish]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 7:25pm

Zapping people who have a phone? Most people need to at least bring their phones with them, for pre- and postshow safety, security, and a multitude of other reasons. They just need to be turned off or put on silent for 2 hours of their lives (or just over 1 hour, counting intermission as an opportunity to have it on). Is someone's life so full that it would be a shame to miss an update for two hours? It bugs me enough to see people Facebook during movies, but at least those performers cannot be affected. Theatre is different.

[winston89]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 7:26pm

I am not sure if they are allowed to take away cell phones. I don't know the legality of that. I do know that they can't block cell phones because cell phone blockers are against the law and for good reason too.

[SKAcasting1127]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 7:30pm

No.

[Marianne2]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 7:34pm

^ They took phones and all electronics at CBS studios in Los Angeles when I was there. Granted, that was for a television show taping, but they still did it.

No, Wifi is not needed at all.

[theatredk]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 7:43pm

They should make all theatres a dead zone so devices can't be used at all that would prevent have to make announcements for turning the off and have to remember to turn them off obsolete

[ucjrdude902]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 7:45pm

Cell phone blockers are not against the law as far as I know. Hundreds of high schools have them.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 8:02pm

I do believe that live theatres should be a phone free zone. As long as they post that when entering a theatre you are entering a phone free zone it is legal. Much like when you are in a television audience and once you pass the sign that states by passing that sign you agree to be seen on camera basically free of charge. Then block the phones.

[winston89]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 8:51pm

ucjrdude902,

Cellphone jammers are against the law. I know that schools may use them but that doesn't mean that they do so legally. The FCC says that they have had a federal ban on them because they prevent people from contacting 911 in the event of an emergency.

Also, from a legal standpoint, if a theatre (or TV studio) requires that you have to check your cellphone, then they are taking responsibility for anything that may happen to the phone while it is in their possession. It seems to me that that's just not worth it as far as the theatre owners are concerned.

[ARTc]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 8:53pm

I am all for blocking the signal within the confines of the theater. Doctor's and anyone else who might need to be notified in case of an emergency, can leave a number - and their seat number - specifically for such emergencies with their service, sitter, etc. This service can be offered as a value add to anyone who might need it. To be able to use this service, they should also be required to purchase an aisle seat.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 1/27/13 at 8:57pm

Almost as rotten an idea as making cell phones work in the subway.

Updated On: 1/27/13 at 08:57 PM