The importance of shutting off your cell phone in a theater

Speaking about Hamilton, when I saw the show back in December, the couple who were seated next to me showed up 15 minutes into the show, both kept turning on their phones and sending text messages, and then left forty minutes later. Such a crazy way to behave considering people are paying through the nose, ear, and mouth to see that show.

Not only is it disruptive to the other audience members but it''s distracting to the performers up on that stage that want to give the audience their money's worth.



Here's the girl in the blue dress that was so into the show that Lin spotted and allowed him to get back into his performance, because when a performer sees someone truly appreciate the art and the effort that goes into a performance then that actor is going to be motivated to give 1,000 percent.



We need to show these performers, whether they are the above the title headliner or a member of the ensemble our utmost respect and consideration that they deserve!

@atuomala, @DottieD'Luscia: The behavior is maddening. I can get away without going to a movie and not deal with that madness knowing that in 2 1/2 - 3 months time that film will be released for home viewing. I obviously don't have that luxury with stage shows.

As silly and middle school as this sounds: the announcement isn't enough. They need to, as a few shows have done (Kinky Boots springs to mind) have someone ON stage specifically address it. People don't hear/listen to an announcement...most don't even shut up.



Had a man next to my daughter at Color Purple last week wouldn't stop texting. About 15 minutes into the act, an usher got him to put it away. He didn't return to that seat, but went to an empty aisle seat (he was a tall man) - so I don't know if he texted during act II

"I overheard her excuse was that she had a sick kid at home. If that was so much more important, she should have been at home."

That reminds me of my experience at DISGRACED on Broadway. Fourth row center seat, next to what were clearly four Manhattan moms out for their weekly Wednesday matinee. (That was my summation when they sat down, which I thought was terrible of me — until). Final scene of this taught one-act play — a nearly silent confrontation between the two lead characters, husband and wife — and all four of these women's phones start buzzing with texts. (Yes, people, loudly vibrating phones are almost as annoying as ringing phones. If you can hear it, everyone around you can hear it.) All four pulled their phones from their purses and started texting back. They missed the end of the show. I missed the end of the show. Everyone in the vicinity missed the end of the show. (I went directly to Drama Books to read the play's final lines.) While all their neighbors grumbled and eyeballed them as they rose to leave, I said loudly to the quartet: "The 'phones off' rule is for you too. You ruined the end of the play for everyone around you." "Our kids are getting out of school," says one, "What are we supposed to do?!" I said I thought it was hilarious for them to blame their own rudeness on their kids. Her response: "Shut up. You're making a fool of yourself."

It's not just the tourists.

Just think what those kids are going to be like.

Updated On: 4/29/16 at 08:26 AM

We all agree that it is wrong and annoying but how do you stop it? You can't have people "check" their cell phones and it is obvious announcements don't work. If people are caught, you can't legally take the phone away from them. This whole thing makes me wonder about people today. The world existed for many years without cell phones and we all managed to be able to enjoy Broadway for 2-3 hours without being in contact with family/friends. Is it really that much to ask people to wait until intermission to "text", make a call etc. Wish I had an answer because this behavior is just rude to the cast and the rest of the audience who paid good money to enjoy the show.

Honestly, I think some people believe there's some sort of invisible curtain between themselves and the actors and the actors can't see them or be aware of what they're doing, like it's a movie or something. If I paid $1000+ to see 'Hamilton' and some idiot ruined that experience for me by fiddling with their cell phone, I wouldn't be polite about it. That sort of stuff is inexcusable.

Did the phones ring or something during the show.? That would be awful.

yankeefan7 said: "We all agree that it is wrong and annoying but how do you stop it? You can't have people "check" their cell phones and it is obvious announcements don't work. If people are caught, you can't legally take the phone away from them. This whole thing makes me wonder about people today. The world existed for many years without cell phones and we all managed to be able to enjoy Broadway for 2-3 hours without being in contact with family/friends. Is it really that much to ask people to wait until intermission to "text", make a call etc. Wish I had an answer because this behavior is just rude to the cast and the rest of the audience who paid good money to enjoy the show.



"



actually, you can check cell phones. it's just not logistically or economically feasible at larger events like Broadway performances. that being said... this has been addressed in many new and innovative ways, including a partnership with comedian Dave Chapelle and technology company Yondr: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/how-dave-chappelle-is-creating-844886



yes, this only currently solves the bootleg aspect but i am sure they will be able to somehow advance the concept to also mute devices. maybe. who knows? it's 2016. amazing things are happening..

Recently saw a production at a theatre here in Melbourne which, because it was on a lower level at the Arts Centre, didn't receive a phone signal. It was a nice feeling knowing no one would be texting or tweeting or updating their Facebook status during the play.

is it too unreasonable to revisit the laws not allowing the use of devices to jam or block phone signals in places like the theatre?

Updated On: 4/29/16 at 09:41 AM

I think it would be great if every theater had someone whose sole job it was to stand at the back of the theater and watch out for texters. Whenever they saw one, they would notify the ushers who would go up to the perpetrator, take their phone, and tell them they could get it back after the performance. Do that and I bet idiots texting during shows would fall off real quick!

Make an announcement from the stage before the performance that this is going to happen, so no one could claim they "didn't know." If there is anyone in the audience who absolutely MUST have access to their cell phone (such as doctors etc.), they must notify the theater ahead of time for an exemption. Maybe that would work?

JM226 said: "that's another added expense. i doubt the theater owners would be very inclined to do that since there is no evidence that texting negatively impacts ticket sales... "

Not if you make it the job of someone who already works there.

As for not impacting ticket sales, there's no way to know how many people don't go to the theater any more because of texters (just like a lot of people no longer see movies in the theater because of rude patrons.) But I say that anything that makes the theatergoer's experience better is worth a few extra bucks. Heck, I bet the actors would even chip in if it meant their concentration wouldn't be wrecked by some jerk in the second row playing games on his cell phone instead of watching the show.

Updated On: 4/29/16 at 10:25 AM