What Happened to Article on Playbill re: "Physical Assault, Vomit in Aisles, Stalking in Streets..etc." ???- Page 2

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 2/10/23 at 4:08pm

Highland Guy said: "Hairspray0901 said: "What a sad read, but I’m not surprised by it at all. When I was at &Juliet last month, the audience completely ruined the entire show for me, and they certainly didn’t make it easy for the ushers.


The tween to the right of me kept coughing, sneezing, and blowing her nose (was clearly sick and of course wasn’t wearing a mask), talking to her cousin sitting to the right of her, then talking to her uncle who was sitting behind me to the left, crinkling candy wrappers - it was never ending for 2.5 hours. And that was only one person. To the left of me, and directly in front of me, two different middle-aged women taking their cell phones out and taking photos. In the center orchestra, a group of 7, and a group of 4, arguing mid show about a solo patron. The usher running over having to ask “what is going ON!”. Needless to say, it disrupted everyone around them, to no fault of the usher who was trying to de-escalate the situation."



And just how did you know their relationships? How did you know one was a cousin and one was an uncle?"

LOL that's what you're focused on??

[Highland Guy]

Posted: 2/10/23 at 4:16pm

hearthemsing22 said: "LOL that's what you're focused on??"

That was my question for the poster.  Any other questions from you?

 

[whatever2]

Posted: 2/10/23 at 5:07pm

> It seems like this is a worldwide problem, perhaps related to post-Covid matters or other anti-social behaviors?

When members of Congress feel entitled to heckle the president of the United States at the State of the Union address, is it any wonder people are concluding boorish behavior has become acceptable?

[Tag]

Posted: 2/10/23 at 7:29pm

It was an interesting choice to use the Annie orphans as the pseudonyms in the article.

[Blindbutlerdeafmaid]

Posted: 2/10/23 at 7:35pm

I can't speak to the op's original question, but it doesn't seem like theater is alone in this kind of behavior. Nor does it seem far from the editorial zeitgeist as there's an article in today's Times with quite similar musings as here (and ATC) for price/value, and other similar factors. Certainly an interesting read if you're interested in the topic of the original article.

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/10/t-magazine/restaurants-hostile-eating-out.html

[UWS10023]

Posted: 2/10/23 at 11:46pm

I think the new normal is not to get involved. Store employees do not go after shop lifters for fear they will get hurt. We stay away from confrontations on the subway or on the street for the same reason. Ushers are encouraged to concentrate on customer service (gone are the days of a militant approach. People are paying way too much money) and refer problem patrons to house management. House management in turn tends to shy away from involvement unless the problem is severe. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 2:06am

“Store employees do not go after shop lifters for fear they will get hurt.”

It’s also not their job. Sales associates are not Asset Protection. In fact my brother was fired from his jobs years ago for going after a thief - sure, he got the product back, but if something serious happened the company would be liable. Someone attempted to rob my job a few weeks ago, but you don’t intervene because your life isn’t replaceable, the crap on the shelves is.

[QueenTwinnied]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 5:48am

I would honestly support a full ban on alcohol in theatres or bare minimum not allowing drinks into the auditorium itself. When I saw Hadestown recently I noticed so much clanging from people messing around with empty beer cans. Once I noticed it I couldn’t STOP noticing it. So obnoxious. 

[Hairspray0901]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 9:12am

Highland Guy said: "And just how did you know their relationships? How did you know one was a cousin and one was an uncle?"

Well, as I stated, they talked throughout. The tween saying "Uncle (insert name)", multiple times, as she turned in my direction to get his attention (as stated, he was sitting behind me to my left, so, 3 seats from her in the row behind).

Updated On: 2/11/23 at 09:12 AM

[UWS10023]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 8:25pm

GiantsInTheSky2 said: "“Store employees do not go after shop lifters for fear they will get hurt.”

It’s also not their job. Sales associates are not Asset Protection. In fact my brother was fired from his jobs years ago for going after a thief - sure, he got the product back, but if something serious happened the company would be liable. Someone attempted to rob my job a few weeks ago, but you don’t intervene because your life isn’t replaceable, the crap on the shelves is."

You are absolutely correct. I think in my mind I was referring to store security guards. I remember when they used to apprehend shop lifters but now it has become too dangerous. Now days the police are called. Apologies for my getting off track…..

 

[defenses]

Posted: 2/11/23 at 8:52pm

QueenTwinnied said: "I would honestly support a full ban on alcohol in theatres or bare minimum not allowing drinks into the auditorium itself. When I saw Hadestown recently I noticed so much clanging from people messing around with empty beer cans. Once I noticed it I couldn’t STOP noticing it. So obnoxious."

I agree. It's funny; I was just reading today that Gen Z (and younger people in general) are drinking less alcohol. I wonder how this will shift the drinking culture at shows and elsewhere. I've seen sports teams sell seats in certain "alcohol-free" sections of the stadium. I wouldn't be surprised to see if that expands elsewhere. I doubt alcohol will ever go away completely, though, since it's such a moneymaker.

[ooblogway]

Posted: 2/12/23 at 5:27pm

In our experience, the bad behavior happens much less  frequently Off-Broadway and downtown; is seems to be a Broadway issue, although we could see it happening at a venue like New World Stages, too.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 2/13/23 at 7:21am

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "Someone saved it as a Google doc for that reason.

It's a good piece, even if it doesn't even scratch the surface of the problems.

The League wouldn't be the ones to have a problem, it's the theatre owners who actually employ and train the staff. It's damning, and I assume this is not unique of only one chain. I wish Playbill had had the guts to go deeper –– name names of theatre owners and particularly bad leadership, etc. But hopefully this is just the start and someone like the NYT will do a deeper dive. In any case, the union should have lots to say.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-YApe8QDH69I0_f3B63uZopn4EmKJnd4GpXEvDRpoJg/edit"

Psychologists are now years into doctoral studies of the sharp spike in inconsiderate and oftentimes violent behavior.

And sadly this behavior isn't exclusive to theater - it's a nationwide pandemic. 

Here in New York I feel like I am taking my life into my own hands every day by simply commuting to and from work! 

On my way home walking to Port Authority last week someone walked into me from behind, shoved me and when I turned to address the culprit he quickly punched me in the face before running off.

I was left stunned, dumbfounded and angry. And no one came to my aid. NO ONE.

Thankfully all that was bruised was my pride. 

The city simply isn't safe anymore. 

That being said, the rude and obnoxious behavior of audience members needs to be addressed. I am not willing to shell out anymore of my hard earned money and risk having my theater experience ruined by inconsiderate @ssholes. 

 

Updated On: 2/13/23 at 07:21 AM

[Rumpelstiltskin]

Posted: 2/13/23 at 8:02am

I’m sorry that happened to you CarlosAlberto.  It must have been horrible for that split second you feared the experience could escalate into something life threatening.  I hope your commute to work has not been forever tarnished by the memory.  

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 2/13/23 at 8:15am

Very sorry to hear about this. For what it’s worth, just know that it was not personal and they would have done it to anyone in that moment.

Many have been saying “NYC is as safe as ever.” I’m sorry, but it’s not. If we’re ready to acknowledge that audience behavior has taken a skydive, why is it so hard to believe that humanity is lacking across the board? And that anyone, anywhere, is ready to snap more than ever? 
This notion also applies on the already-edgy streets of NYC. 
 

And would ya look at that. Not even 9am on a Monday and someone was slashed in the face at McDonald’s on 46th and 6th 

https://go.citizen.com/NJ7yOWJ0nxb

Updated On: 2/13/23 at 08:15 AM

[Islander_fan]

Posted: 2/13/23 at 11:12am

I work Front of house on Broadway. And, now more than ever, it’s a scary situation. Even telling someone to do something as basic like to turn off their phone, that is something that can be met with a much harsher reaction towards me than what it would have been during the pre pandemic times. 

For example, towards the end of the first act of a play I was working, a patron decided to open up a small bag of chips and eat them. It was making ton of noise and understandably was really bothering those around her. Took my flashlight out, went to her to inform her that that had to be stopped and the food had to be put away etc. Normally, patrons would take comfort in knowing that an usher was on top of the situation doing their best. But, now that patrons are yelling at ushers over such things in a way that, well to say, over the top would be an understatement, I was fortunate enough in this situation for them to know that someone being on top of it was making them feel glad.

Also, when there was still the mandate that Broadway audiences had to wear masks, that was a time when patrons reactions and behavior went off the charts in a way I had never seen before. And, granted, I am going on seven years as an usher. There were letters written in by people who simply were pissed about the mandate and would fabricate stories out of anger to get the ushers in trouble. One women did that and complained of sexual harassment when the truth was simply that she was pissed about being told for the umpteenth time to put her mask on The company takes customer service seriously which is one reason they are reluctant to throw out patrons. And, even when the mandate was going on and people were not wearing masks it went from a three strike system to more like a five strikes and your out system because of that. It was scary to do my job because even though I was always doing things by the book, I was scared each and every time because something negative could come my way. 

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 2/13/23 at 4:35pm

Rumpelstiltskin said: "I’m sorry that happened to you CarlosAlberto. It must have been horrible for that split second you feared the experience could escalate into something life threatening. I hope your commute to work has not been forever tarnished by the memory."

Thank you for the kind words. Yes I did fear he would brandish a weapon and use it against me.

[PegasusOasis]

Posted: 2/13/23 at 7:05pm

playbill ceo had it erased after feedback from unnamed industry figures (& his daughter lol)
 

From The Daily Beast:

EXCLUSIVE — DELETED, STAGE RIGHT: Playbill pulled an investigation into Broadway audience misbehavior from its website after the renowned theater mag’s CEO complained it was “too salacious,” Confider has learned. Playbill published the 2,000-word exposé on Wednesday, headlined “Physical Assault, Vomit in the Aisles, Stalking in the Streets: Why Audience Misbehavior Has Gotten Out of Hand,” detailing nightmare accounts of theater workers who’ve experienced a rise in verbal and physical altercations with patrons. “We never had alcohol around like we do right now,” one anonymous worker told Playbill. “You could have a drink in the lobby before the show, but you couldn’t take it to your seat, so there was no nursing a triple and getting progressively more drunk as the show went on. Now we have people so hammered they can’t even stand by intermission, and our custodial staff are having to clean up in-house vomiting at least once a month.” Come Friday, however, the widely shared piece had been scrubbed from the site, with the page now reading, “We couldn't find what you were looking for but THE SHOW MUST GO ON! Try looking for something else.” Playbill CEO Philip Birsh copped to ordering the article’s deletion, telling Confider on Monday: “We want people to go to the theater. This piece exaggerated the issue in my opinion. I’m a numbers guy. I know numbers. I know that the overwhelming numbers of people at the theater are having an enjoyable time.” Birsh said he first grew concerned about the report after his 22-year-old daughter raised the issue with him, followed by several industry figures who he declined to name. The CEO said he has personally asked Playbilleditor Diep Tran and the article’s writer, Margaret Hall, to “recalibrate” the piece. “It was a mistake, and it doesn’t reflect people’s experience of going to the theater,” added Birsh, whose family has controlled Playbill for half a century. “Speaking in terms of clickbait, it’s fantastic but it’s not reflecting reality. It is reflecting a very thin layer of it. It’s not up to my standards. All we are missing is ‘Headless body in topless bar,’” he said, referencing the infamous New York Post headline. Birsh claimed this was the first time he has editorially interfered in the publication, and that he hopes to have the “recalibrated” (read: industry-friendly) version published to the site by the end of this week—after he signs off on it, of course. “I've made years of sacrifice to be in charge here so I do get to say I’d like a do-over. No one is getting flayed here.”

Updated On: 2/13/23 at 07:05 PM

[BorisTomashevsky]

Posted: 2/13/23 at 7:15pm

Wow, what a piece of work that Birsh is. Gaslighting the workers who deal with the issue (and who take the risk) nightly, all while handing out his magazine!
It’s not reflecting reality? Yes it is. That’s their reality and I’m sure there are far MORE stories from the auditorium that we don’t even know about!

I know this is a faceless forum, but front-of-house staff and everyone who made that article happen: you have my support!!!

 

Updated On: 2/13/23 at 07:15 PM

[Voter]

Posted: 2/13/23 at 8:54pm

Love an active Broadway coverup! F*CK the workers, it's all profits over there!

[sinister teashop]

Posted: 2/13/23 at 10:21pm

Playbill CEO Philip Birsh: "It was a mistake, and it doesn’t reflect people’s experience of going to the theater... it’s not reflecting reality. It is reflecting a very thin layer of it. It’s not up to my standards..."

I don't think he gets it. The piece wasn't about "people's experience of going to the theater" or their reality, it was about the reality of people working in the front of the house who have been getting abused by the people going to the theater. 

I suppose the one thing that is kind of old school about Birsh's bluster in this interview is that he didn't think he needed to hire a consultant to help him craft his response... at least I hope he didn't spend money on this turd of a response. 

Updated On: 2/13/23 at 10:21 PM

[Patti LuPone FANatic]

Posted: 2/13/23 at 11:28pm

https://www.onstageblog.com/editorials/2023/2/13/playbill-ceo-cowardly-deletes-article-detailing-abuse-of-front-of-house-theatre-staff?fbclid=IwAR2YC36SCbNRuo2toNE3tRRb5vHoyKa3bSf9quK6m8yMAbNy1MXYYjzOPss

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 2/14/23 at 12:10am

Remind me of the relationship between Playbill and the theatre owners as the official supplier of programs? Is the contract between each individual landlord, or one contract with the League on behalf of all the Bway landlords?

[bear88]

Posted: 2/14/23 at 3:54am

I’m curious about the financial angle, though the article clearly made his friends unhappy too.

The article was mostly anecdotes about workers’ experiences, not about how things are going in the audience. I will get a taste of the latter myself next month.

[jkcohen626]

Posted: 2/14/23 at 5:53am

"Here, have a bandaid," says ATG in response to the giant gash gushing blood. 

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/ATG-Working-to-Change-Show-Marketing-to-Tackle-Poor-Audience-Behaviour-20230214