DAME said: "It is a extremely easy system. Much like parking validation machines .. the venues that use them have unlocking machines everywhere. I definitely can see this slowly happening in theaters everywhere. And since the pouches are generally very inexpensive.. I can see producers putting their show logos on them or doing something fun like that. Think of them as disposable cups. Unlocking devices can easily also be placed in hotel lobbys and other public places around the theaters.. so you don't necessarily have to unlock them right there if your in that much of a hurry. These pouches are probably not re used. But like everything new.. people will be resistant at first.. I have seen them work beautifully everywhere it has been implemented."
A few things:
(1) In a Broadway theatre that barely has a lobby (which seems to be the case for several of them), how would they be able to put unlocking machines everywhere? That would defeat the purpose. In a venue like the Gershwin or the Lyric it would be fine, because ushers could verify your phone case is locked before you go back to your seat. At a theatre like the O'Neill, I am not sure if they would be able to put them at many places besides the tiny little half lobby entrance (which get very clogged up even without these machines, no matter how easy they are). Otherwise, wouldn't the people who want to use their phone badly enough just be able to unlock it and sit down as soon as they got past the lobby?
(2) The pouches may be relatively inexpensive, but it is still an added cost. I would imagine the unlocking sensors are yet another added cost, as well as any additional staff that might be needed. I still wonder if this could raise ticket prices even more. In smaller theatres where they can't open the doors until 30 minutes before curtain, it would also put additional strains on the front of house staff to get everyone in an seated on time.
I'm not saying it absolutely won't work, and of course I'd happily comply with any theatre that used this system because it's their theatre and their right. I'm just a little unsure about how it could affect ticket prices and wondering how it would work for some of these smaller venues where you practically walk right off the street and face the stage. If it's implemented and there aren't any issues, then fantastic.
nealb1 said: "I've just never understood the odd need to text, scroll or check your phone before a show, during intermission and the second the curtain comes up at the end. Heaven forbid people should talk to the people they came with, or sit there reading the program, or sit there and enjoy one's company. That's the whole point of going out to see a show, and enjoying yourself - to take your mind off of things and.............wait for it............................relax!"
Ah yes, I hate checking my phone at intermission and before the show, too. I prefer to spend that time looking around me and scoff at all the patrons quietly minding their own business, perusing their phones and not disturbing anyone around them. Yep, I hate when people don't spend their free time in the way that I want. (Really, I've never understood this mindset. I don't care how many people are on their phones before the show and at intermission. As long as the phones are silent and put away at showtime, I'm a happy camper).
doesnt matter. and if shes older, she should know better. there was a much older african american woman at summer next to me who started rifling through her purse that was full of plastic bags- and for no reason cause she didnt pull anything out. It went on for about a minute until i leaned over and said "can you stop with the bag please?" 2 minute later she started up again, and told her if she didnt quit i was going to get the usher. she stopped.
People are just so self-important these days, as if the whole world will stop if somebody can't reach them immediately to tell them that their dog pissed on the floor.
