The prevalence and reasons for using cell phones in theaters
The phenomenon of theater audiences using cell phones during performances is becoming more and more common, causing many inconveniences to the theater viewing experience. Recently, Broadway actor Patti LuPone took a customer's phone during a performance, which triggered a discussion on social media about whether to use cell phones in theaters.
Usually, theaters will remind audiences to turn off their phones through recordings before the performance, but the phenomenon of illegal use of cell phones during the performance is still common.
Theater manager Susan Frankel pointed out that audiences use cell phones in theaters for a variety of reasons.
Some people are not used to the theater environment, some are worried about their children at home, and some are excited to be close to their idols. Whatever the reason, the bright light and sound of the phone will break the immersion that should be in the theater and affect the experience of other audience members.
The trouble with cell phone use is not limited to simple text messages or calls.
Some audience members even try to charge their phones during performances. For example, in July 2015, a college student tried to plug his phone into a power socket on a stage prop before a performance of Hands to God at the Broadway Theater.
Exploration of theater solutions
| Technology solutions | Theaters use cell phone jammers, they are illegal in the United States. Federal law prohibits the use of signal jammer blockers to block wireless signals because it may prevent 911 calls in emergencies. |
| cell phone cases may be more helpful to theaters. When audiences enter the theater, their phones are locked into a special case that can only be unlocked and used after leaving the theater. This method has been successful in some comedy performances and can effectively reduce the audience's use of mobile phones during the performance. | |
| Application of social media | Some performing arts organizations choose to take a mobile-friendly attitude and encourage audiences to use social media during specific performances by designating "Twitter seats." This method allows audiences to share their viewing experience without disturbing others, while also satisfying their dependence on mobile phones. |
| Performances interact with mobile phones to increase interaction. | Some performances also incorporate mobile phones as part of the performance. For example, magicians Penn and Teller invited audience members to turn on their phones as part of their magic tricks in their Broadway shows. This practice not only breaks traditional theater etiquette rules, but also makes the audience more engaged in the performance. |
The Future of Theater Etiquette
Different theaters and shows have taken different strategies when it comes to the issue of phone use. From high-tech phone blocking devices to low-tech phone cases and even ways to encourage social media participation, theaters are constantly exploring how to balance the needs of modern audiences and the contradictions between traditional theater etiquette.
