Tired of cell phones going off at a performance?- Page 3

[rjm516]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 8:11am

Good lord. I'd understand some of the outrage or hyperbole (snapping my credit card so fast heads will spin? chill.) if it were a coat-check situation with your phone, where you are leaving it and hoping they don't return it to the wrong person or something. But you're keeping possession of it the entire time! And from the reports it seems pretty simple to unlock it without the help of limited # of ushers. Seems worth a try. Apparently they are using yondr on Dave Chappelle and Jon Stewart's tour too, which I'm excited for.

Updated On: 8/15/18 at 08:11 AM

[robskynyc]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 9:27am

greenifyme2 said: "No need to answer... that was rhetorical."

greenify- i laughed WAY too hard at this. people in the office looked over LOL

 

Updated On: 8/15/18 at 09:27 AM

[robskynyc]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 9:31am

Miles2Go2 said: "the dynamics of a younger white male telling her what to do just doesn’t sit well with me."

Miles but point blank- they are wrong. black white green 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.

 

[natashalost]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 9:42am

I used these at a Childish Gambino concert event and loved it! However, I just have a question to anyone else who has used these -- are there different sized pouches for things like smartwatches, cameras, etc.? I didn't notice different sizes as my friends and I only brought phones to the event.

[vanbrig]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 10:02am

kdogg36 said: "EllieRose2 said: " Yep, it will take you longer to leave the theater. Deal." As a frequent theatergoer who has never had a cell phone out (or on) during a performance, I say no deal. If a system can be implemented (including this one) that does not cause any noticeable inconvenience to us nonviolators, then I'm all for it, but I wouldn't support anything that did cause a delay."

I agree, kdogg. Especially considering that from what I've read, this program is currently being utilized in one of two places: either smaller venues with fewer people and/or people who aren't exiting all at once (like nightclubs) or larger venues with actual lobbies and more exits. Those places wouldn't get nearly as backed up as somewhere like the Eugene O'Neill.

Not to mention, the cost of this program (I'm going to go ahead and assume that between the cases, unlocking devices, etc., that it ain't cheap) and any extra staff needed would likely be passed on to the ticket-buyers. Broadway tickets cost enough as it is.  

dramamama611 said: "You don't get a "by" (or is it buy?) because it's an Emergency.  You wouldn't KNOW it's an emergency if your phone had been turned off. And if decent people did what they were supposed to, this technology wouldn't have to exist."

I totally agree with you on turning your phone off during the performance. If someone is on call or in the middle of a situation where they feel an emergency call could come in right then and there, then they shouldn't be in the theatre.

But my issue with this system is that Yondr doesn't tell you to turn your phone off. On their FAQ, it says, "Set your phone to vibrate as you enter the venue. You’ll be able to feel your phone vibrate through the Yondr case when you receive calls or texts. You may use their phone throughout the night at designated Phone Use Areas in the venue." So would they be encouraging everyone to put their phones on vibrate instead of turning them off? Because there are some phones out there with pretty damn loud vibrate settings. That means unless the case has some sort of muffling component (which is possible, I guess), then the person would had to climb over everyone and run out to the lobby to unlock their case and silence their phone. That actually sounds more disruptive. 

Updated On: 8/15/18 at 10:02 AM

[Olivia11]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 11:07am

rjm516 said: "Good lord. I'd understand some of the outrage or hyperbole (snapping my credit card so fast heads will spin? chill.) if it were a coat-check situation with your phone, where you are leaving it and hoping they don't return it to the wrong person or something. But you're keeping possession of it the entire time! And from the reports it seems pretty simple to unlock it without the help of limited # of ushers. Seems worth a try. Apparently they are using yondr on Dave Chappelle and Jon Stewart's tour too, which I'm excited for."

Not hyperbole. Fact. 

[DAME]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 11:17am

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.  

Updated On: 8/15/18 at 11:17 AM

[nealb1]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 11:27am

That's fantastic!  I'm sure once one theatre starts to implement it, they all will.  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!

I don't have a cell phone and have absolutely no desire to ever get one.  

 

[trentsketch]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 11:31am

This sounds like a great system.

I've had to surrender my phone to security for many events in the past--standardized testing, press events, special previews--and it's not great. I've gone to events run by major entertainment companies where everyone has their phone and smart devices put into a brown paper lunch bag with a number printed on it and god forbid you don't keep the matching ticket to reclaim it at the end of the night. I've had check in people slap a sticker on my phone and toss it in a bin, shove it in a ziplock bag and toss it in a bin, or escort me with security to my car to lock it in my glove box before being allowed back in the venue. That last one was for an event where I was specifically told they would collect phones and instead decided to inconvenience everyone from staff to guests with no warning. And, to be honest, there are many events where I saw this nonsense was happening where I would leave the line to use the bathroom, turn off my phone, shove my phone in the side of my shoe, and get back in line. These are the kind of events where they would  use a metal detector wand to be sure you weren't bringing in an unauthorized recording device or distracting electronic. 

Believe me, if the way of the future is checking in phones to prevent disruption, you want to be the one who gets to hold onto your phone. When these systems run well, it doesn't take that long to get your device back. Venues or companies that do this regularly are far more efficient than one-off events. A Broadway house would likely have self-serve removal devices all over the place that they wheel out or open up before bows. 

Updated On: 8/15/18 at 11:31 AM

[DAME]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 11:32am

Neal; we are obviously from the same theater going generation.  I just can't understand why anyone would not turn their dang phone off.  I consider them a public disturbance in theaters.  And like anywhere else.. if you cause a public disturbance you should be held legally responsible.  

[nealb1]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 11:39am

Dame, absolutely!  I've just never understood that.  And, even though it's common sense, and an announcement is made before curtain to turn your phone off, it amazes me how many people still don't do it.  Or, will take a call in the middle of seeing a show.

Not having a cell phone has never really entered my mind as being unusual. Call me old fashioned.  :)



 

[Theater3232]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 11:42am

Would never go to a performance that put my safety at risk by doing this. 

[raddersons]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 11:47am

How is your safety at risk? House staff is trained to handle emergencies. People got along fine before cell phones. 

[nealb1]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 11:55am

How is anyone's safety at risk by turning their phone off?   

[Lot666]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 11:59am

Miles2Go2 said: "family, work and world emergencies existed before cell phones existed and somehow we survived without them."

dramamama611 said: "humans survived for a few years before cell phones came into existence and we weren't close to extinction because of it."

EllieRose2 said: "Super pathetic how people can't live without their phones or *GASP* put them in a case for 3 hours"

 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.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 12:03pm

And while I understand (and agree) the concern of the bigger disruption of another patron exiting; I daresay that few would actually take that extra step.  I believe MOST wouldn't think it worth the extra effort.

 

And yes, just how is your SAFETY at risk?   HOW???????  

 

[Fire and Music]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 1:21pm

I'm confused. Can't your phone still ring while it's in the case?

[Islander_fan]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 1:23pm

As one who works front of house at various theatres, I do hope to god this never becomes "a thing." First off, there will be many folks who would have no knowledge of this being in use prior to entering the theatre, regardless of where it's posted online. People will complain and ushers/ house managers have a lot of unneeded crap thrown their way by audience members eight times a week anyways and we don't want more. 

 

The biggest issue I have is a bit of a catch-22. Depending upon the layout etc, if someone needs to charge their phone at intermission, we let them. When doing so, we give them the verbal heads up/disclaimer that while they can charge their phone we aren't responsible for any issues that come from it so they have to keep an eye on it themselves. Yet, by telling folks that this system must be used, if there's any potential issue that comes from this, then the theatre would be held responsible because we wold be the ones who told them the they had to use it in the first place. 

[dramamama611]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 1:26pm

Fire and Music:  Yes, if you haven't turned it off/put on vibrate/silence.  The point is: being more aware of actually DOING that, and taking away the option of checking your phone for time, if there is a text etc.  Is it a problem if someone does nothing BUT put a full volume phone inside.  Yes.

 

Islander:  House management doesn't keep the phone, the patron does.  (Unless I am misunderstanding your concern.)

[vanbrig]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 2:46pm

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). 

[nealb1]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 2:57pm

I never said I wanted total strangers to spend their free time like I do.  Not at all.  I've yet to "scoff" at anyone on their phone.  

Updated On: 8/15/18 at 02:57 PM

[raddersons]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 3:19pm

While I don't mind the idea, I don't think this system was made for theater. I think it was made for concerts where people openly and blatantly take videos of the show. Go to any concert, you will see people's phones in the air, recording the whole thing. People focus more on getting a perfect shot to brag to their friends instead of actually enjoying what's in front of them. 

I can guarantee you people will absentmindedly put their phone into the case without actually switching it to vibrate. Having ushers check to make sure a phone is on vibrate before putting it in the bag will be an extra step that takes a little too long. Then once a phone is ringing, they won't be able to stop the ring because they won't be able to press the buttons through the bag to turn the ring off. It'll create an even bigger nuisance.

[nealb1]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 3:31pm

"While I don't mind the idea, I don't think this system was made for theater. I think it was made for concerts where people openly and blatantly take videos of the show. Go to any concert, you will see people's phones in the air, recording the whole thing. People focus more on getting a perfect shot to brag to their friends instead of actually enjoying what's in front of them."

Perfectly said.

A few years ago when the Pope was visiting the US, there was a wonderful photo of a woman along the parade route looking at the Pope, while every single person around her had their phone out to record it.  They aren't going to remember anything about him passing right by, because they were too busy recording it, and not focusing on what was happening in front of them.  She was present, focused and in the moment.  It's something she will never forgot.  

Updated On: 8/15/18 at 03:31 PM

[vanbrig]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 3:41pm

Okay. You posted an entire message saying you don't get why people look at their phones before the show instead of chatting, reading the program, or sitting there. Maybe you don't actually care as much as your message suggests, but it definitely read to me like someone scoffing and worrying about what other people do, lol. 

Updated On: 8/15/18 at 03:41 PM

[nealb1]

Posted: 8/15/18 at 3:45pm

LOL.  Not the case at all.  No worries.