I agree with the less cell phone usage, to many people use them and are on them constantly and i am one of those people, i love texting people and making new friends, but I think making friends in person is the best way to get to actually know them and figure out who they are and who they hang out with. I think we as all people need to have the respect to not use they're cell phone during a live performance because those artists and entertainers have put in they're own time and effort for hours and hours most likely days. So i agree with the less cell phone usage during live performaces.
January 26, 2022: Should there be rules about cell phones in live performances?
Don’t go on your phone during a live performance. Although cell phones are a part of our lives, I personally don’t think that there should not be too much cell phone usage in live performances. These performers have put hours and hours into this performance to make it perfect for your enjoyment. And also you have probably paid a lot of money to watch them. And going on your phone you can do anywhere and whenever you want but you can’t watch and enjoy a live performance whenever you want. On the other hand, if it’s a quick text message from your mom or dad I think that’s fine but if it’s a long conversation you can have later, do it later. And what's more if you get a call that's important, take it outside or if it's not that important just ignore it. And if you can’t stand about 1 or 2 hours without your phone then I think you have a problem. And you should enjoy the show that you won’t be able to see all the time, and make the cast’s hard work and commitment worth it. Once again I remind you that you should put your phone away for a live performance and enjoy the show!
Is it time for live theater rules to change? In my opinion, some should stay and some shouldn't. Some rules that should stay are: Dress nicely, don’t crinkle wrappers, don’t make noise, and clap only when necessary. One rule that I believe should not be changed, but altered, is the use of cell phones. Although I am against the use of social media and games during performances, if something is important and you have the need to respond to someone, I believe that you should be able to respond to it without needing to leave the theater. (which would be more distracting than quickly pulling out your phone.) Another rule that I think should totally be changed is the policy of no photos or videos. I find nothing wrong with recording and taking pictures as long as your flash is off and you don’t hold your phone too high. On the other hand, you paid to go there so why would you be on your phone? Because some things are more important than Aaron Burr and Lafayette,and if you're willing to pay that much and be on your phone, then so be it. These are my opinions on live theater performances.
I think that phones should be allowed but that if you are told not to film then you should respect that. If you pay to go to a live performance then you should be allowed to enjoy it how you want to. And just because you are on your phone doesn't mean that you're not watching the performance. But you should still be aware of the people around you and turn off your flash and turn down your brightness.
Should phones be allowed in live performances? I think we should be able to use cellphones. It's not distracting! If i was performing
for an audience, I would let everyone talk and clap and be on their phones. Just like at basketball games. I hate sport that are Quiet! Like golf, I would have everyone make noise right before i hit the ball just like in Happy Gilmore
Put your phone away for live performances. Although phones have become a huge part of our society, I don't think it will kill you to put your phone away for two hours. Think about how much time and effort these performers put into these shows. If you were a performer, and were in the middle of the show, wouldn't you feel hurt if you saw people on their phones? You pay to go to a live performance, so what is the point of going if you are just going to sit on your phone the whole time. It is a waste of time and money if you don't even watch the performance. If you want to be on your phone, don't go to a live performance. Be in the present, don't look down at your phone. If there is an emergency, it is ok to send a quick text but other than that, put it on silent.
Don’t be on your phone during a live performance. I think that every person should not be on their phones. First, it’s distracting for other people who are watching. Second, it’s rude to the performers, they worked so hard to pull it off for YOU so you can enjoy it. Plus, seeing people on their phones well, it’s just telling them that they are boring and don't want to be there. And third, it won't kill you if your phone is in your pocket for two hours. If you can’t leave it, then you are just addicted. Although, there could be a point to having your phone out. It’s fine if you're sending a quick text to your friends or parents saying, “I'm at a concert, so I will text you later.” On the other hand, it’s completely different if you're having a full on conversation with your friends or parents. If it’s an emergency, then you should leave the room so you don’t disturb others. Then again, if you stand up during the performance, it might be more distracting to leave the room than to be on your phone. That’s why I think there should be rules about having your cell phone out during a live performance.
We should be able to use our phones in concerts because it could be an emergency, and we might need to get up and go do something. For example, what if you got a text that someone was dying, and you were the only one who could save them? So yea. Save some lives and stuff. In conclusion, we need phones to save lives!!!
I have different opinions about what is right and wrong about using your cellphone during a performance but my main thoughts are that you should be respectful by turning your phone on silent and putting it away. If you need to use your phone you should walk out and take care of what you need to and then come back in. I think it is very distracting whenever someone checks their phone in a performance so just imagine when you're acting and someone is on their phone. I recently watched a video of an actor trying to give signs to a man videoing so he took his phone out of his hand and threw it under a chair. I agree if someone was videoing and you were getting bothered, but I don't think I would take it and throw it under something.
I kind of agree with you. I agree with the put your phone on silent part but if it is a quick little text than i think its aloud but if your videoing it that's not aloud
To get right into it I think blowouts are a part of any sport that should be allowed, but not however encouraged. One of the major arguments to this debate is that it could force young athletes to quit the sport they love, because they aren't good enough to do it. This is true to a certain extent but I think if you are in a league competitive enough to the point where you are even able to get a blowout as bad. To be blunt, it eliminates those not ready for that kind of loss. I also think that it could be excessive to be on the other team that is just destroying the other team to beat them that badly, since it's not like you're getting paid to crush the other team. What’s more is that there are teams that get suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct which I think is crossing the line the coach could have put the non starter players on the field but overall it's his choice and the teams choice to beat them that bad
Some might say that phones should be allowed during plays and performances but I think that it should not be allowed.
It is disrespectful to the performers and to the rest of the audience. Although maybe a picture would be ok, this is only if you have permission. But definitely not videos or checking your phone in general. You could be kicked out of the theater or banned. On the other hand, cell phones are a part of our lives nowadays. Maybe we just need to live with it.
So the point is don't get out your phone while watching a play or a musical or performance of any kind. you can have the memory in your head, not on your phone.
Using phones is fine if you are just videoing like it is not a big deal at all. But taking someone's phone is, like that dude is talented no doubt but just chill. I enjoy going to plays and watching them, but sometimes it is annoying when someone is texting but on the other hand what if it is an emergency. I think it is ok but not ok if the flash is on or if the phone's brightness is at a 100%, just turn it down or wait for a break the play.
Should there be rules about phones in performances?
Yes! In my opinion yes, there are many that agree and disagree with me, but I think there definitely should be rules. Using your phone during a performance is disrespectful, and this distracts people and the performers. After watching a video of a performer taking a phone away from someone in the crowd using their phone, I would’ve done the same thing. Using your phone hurts the performer's feelings, and you came here and paid money to watch a performance. The people performing are putting on a show for you and they want you to become part of it. Think about how the performer or other people in the audience would feel, put yourself in their shoes. Be mindful and considerate and follow the rules. If you absolutely need to use your phone then walk out of the performance or theater and use it elsewhere. If you don’t need to use your phone then don’t video, let the professional people who are asked to video, not you. I know that in this modern day cell phones are part of our society and lives. They help organize a lot of our social and everyday activities. But a performance's purpose is to entertain and get you away from your normal life. In my opinion I think there should be rules about using phones for any purpose in any performance, live or not.
@Eliza B.
I agree. It is rude and disrespectful to be on your phone during a performance.
@Eliza B. Yes I totally agree. But, still I think it's kinda rude just to take a phone and throw it on the ground. I probably would do that but not throw And I agree for videoing. They shouldn't video unless they are professional. This is a great comment.
Performances such as concerts with singers are very informal, and don’t need any rules for cell phone use. During some songs it’s even considered more appropriate to have your phone out and waving it with the flash on. The difference between having your phone out during a live performance like a pop concert, or something like a sporting event, is that there are 1,000’s of people attending, so even if they did enforce a cell phone rule, it would be impossible.
Live performances like Broadway, and any type of theater, it is a completely different world. There is a significantly less amount of people attending. A production like that is put on so that they can act and pretend in an alternate world. I'm sure that the actors want you to feel that, and when you have your phone out talking a video, it will ruin the experience. And I have definitely done this before, but I really try not to. The actors have worked very hard to perform for you and the rest of the audience and it’s rude to disrupt. While some might say, “It’s not a big deal”, or “My flash isn’t even on”, it doesn’t make a difference, and is still very disruptive. It might not mean a lot to you, but I promise it means a lot to someone else. In conclusion, it is important that we are mindful of the other people around us, and if I was an actor, I would want my audience to have the best experience possible.
@Carrie F i very much agree that it is disrespectful to every one
I think it is disrespectful and not considerate to get your phone out and use it in any live theater performances because it could have an impact in many different ways. For example, the performer or actress could get distracted by you pulling your phone out, they could get offended, you could even offend someone else in the audience who would like to enjoy the performance but can't if they are distracted by your phone. Some theaters prohibit videoing or photos during performances anyway because it could be copyrighted and make it so people won’t buy tickets for their shows for that theater. However, if you have an emergency you could step out of the theater for a moment and take care of it then go back into the theater and continue to enjoy.
I have many different opinions on this topic. I think it can be alright to film although it can definitely be distracting to others around you, especially if you have your flash or you are moving your device aroud a lot. I also think it can kind of be pointless to film, because you would rather have a good memory of the film watching it in person then watching it throught a screen. There are so many people around you that could have been wanting to see that play/concert for a long time and when you are being selfish and disstracing it can be really frustrating. On the other hand, If you are having an emergency that you need to call or text someone about, I think it's appropriate to step out of the theather and take care of it there. It's also smart to read the room. If it's a super fun scene with dancing and stuff like that, it might be better to film a time like that instead of a super sad scene because it dosent feel right. Now if there's a super boring part and you are really over it, it might be ok to secretly check a quick text or check the time but again turn down the volume and lower your brightness to help others enjoy the show. But no matter what you decide, make sure you respect others around you and the performers.
I have many different opinions about the use of smart phones during performance. If you are going to pay a lot of money to go to a theater, you should not use your phone because that is disrespectful to the people acting. Meanwhile, if you would like to use your smartphone during a play, you could pay very little money to watch it at home.
If you are receiving a call or a text that needs to be answered right away, the polite thing to do is to wait until the scene or act is over and step out and take the call or read the text. Although smart phones are part of our lives, I think it is important to put our phones down for a few hours. I have been to many plays and never see anyone with their phone out during a scene. On the other hand, if you have an emergency and you really need to pull out your phone you need to step out of the theater.
It is not appropriate to use your phone during live performances because it is rude to the performer and you could film the performance making it pointless for people to buy tickets if they could just watch the videos you have taken. Beyond that with the
large crowds at concerts you could easily drop your phone and lose it or get it stolen. Audience behavior control techniques are required because with so many people it could become dangerous if the people in the crowd are allowed to do whatever they please and there are no rules. At a live performance phones should only be taken away if used to take videos or anything distracting or inappropriate. But at some concerts the audiences phones are important because it sets the mood when everyone shines their flashlights. I don’t think rules about phones would encourage kids to go to classical music performances because if they don’t want to go now they wouldn’t want to go ever because they aren’t interested in that type of music. They don’t go because they can’t use their phone, they don’t go because they are not interested in the music. If I was a performer and I saw audience members using their phones I would feel that I wasn’t doing good enough because they are not entertained enough that they feel the need to use their phones.
@JT Gialluisi I totally agree! Thank you for sharing! I really like the part where you said you don't think rules about phones would encourage kids to classical music performances, because its true!
I agree, and I also think using your phone is disrespectful unless asked to.
Turn phones off!! Speaking as a choir singer, even though I know the songs we are performing are absorbed by the audiences’ ears, the most reassuring thing is seeing their eyes light up and smile throughout the entire performance, not just for the applause. I understand it’s tempting to just check and quick text and I can totally relate because it seems like they won’t just notice one audience member out of hundreds but it’s very noticeable and hurtful. I know the audience does not mean it to be rude but just for the performers’ sake, sit back, make eye contact, and enjoy the show.
@Neev O’Neill I totally agree it is very disrespectful to see someone on there phones during a performance. Thank you for dharing
I would have to agree with the performers in this situation, as someone who has done performances for many yearS them self, I find it very distracting and hurtful when audience members exhibit such behavior. Well I’m sure the person on their phone had good intentions such as recording the show to share with friends and family it is very frowned upon. At many shows that I have been to they explicitly state before it starts that cellphone use is prohibited, therefore the audience should sit back and enjoy the performance how it is meant to be viewed and not through a tiny phone screen.
I believe that cellphones should not be used in any kind of performances. The reason why you go to a live performances is so you can get a real life experience of it. It’s rude to just have your phone out while a lot of people had put in tons of time and effort to showcase their true talent. So I would just say just keep your phones away and just enjoy the show because after all what is the whole point of going if your not wanting to capture the moment in real life.
I don't think it was okay for the audience member to be on their phone during a live performance. They should pay more attention to the singer and appreciate the fact that they are there to experience the performance. But they can’t experience it if they are glued to their phones most of the time. However, I think that the singer straight up ripping their phone of their hands is even worse. Even after he gave multiple warnings, I don't think it was okay for him to do that. Other artists have done this and I think it is wrong for them to do that.
As a performer, I believe that using any electronics during a live performance. If it is am emergency or you really need something, stepping out of the venue is not difficult. Especially if you are paying to see people perform. Video recording or picture taking IF allowed is okay as long as you are not using flash or being loud.
i am a performer and i have always had to deal with people on their phones while watching a live performance. i was always trained to ignore it and keep going which works pretty well when on stage. but i do find it very annoying when ever i go to see a show.
I think is very inappropriate to use your phone during a live performance Because you should be able to enjoy the show because is a disrespectful thing to use your phone while been in a play because you don’t know the effort that those people on stage put into the play for you to not be able to watch it and enjoy it. I think is better to experience the performance in the moment instead of recording it because you only live once and the feeling and the lesson that you can get from it Is better than have it in your phone.
Joshua Henry and Anne-Sophie Mutter’s actions were completely appropriate. It seems like nowadays people care more about “sparing the moment” of a live performance more than actually watching it. Chances are you’re never going to look back on those videos, so why even record in the first place? It should never be appropriate to use your phone during a live performance unless it’s an emergency. When you have your phone out in front of you recording the people onstage, you’re creating this barrier between you and the performers. You might be looking at them through a screen, but it’s like you’re not even there. You’re disconnecting yourself with what’s right in front of you.
If I were a performer looking out into the crowd to meet people’s eyes only to find phones held up in front of them, I would feel disappointed. It’d feel as though I practiced for nothing. Live performances should feel real and professional, not casual and disruptive. Audience behavioral etiquette should be expected, even if some people disagree with it.
As a former dancer, I understand the importance of phone use restrictions during a performance. For the most part, the no cellphone policy is in place to encourage the audience members to buy the professional version being filmed. However, I think that it should be a general practice for viewers of live performances to put away their phones. Most theaters that I have performed in are large enough that they keep me from hearing or seeing phones, but if a ringtone does happen to be heard it can easily break the focus of the dancers. If not, I still believe that it is disrespectful for audience members to be on their phones. The performers have put so much effort into every movement they execute on stage, and scrolling through your phone disregards that endeavor. Rihanna sending a text mid-performance does not impress me. Famous or not, I would be offended if someone took their focus off of the performance and applied it to their cell phone. In the end, I can see that it is tempting to divert your attention away from the show and look at your phone. However, I think that showing up to a theater and committing an hour and a half to watching a performance with a short technology break is beneficial for both you and the performer.
I do not believe that it is ever appropriate to use your phone during any type of performance. One of the wonders of live performance is that it can't truly be captured on tape, and especially not by an amateur videographer with an adequate phone camera. Some performances are tapes by professionals, which you can buy later, but the experience is ruined when that once person in the audience pulls out their phone. It is disrespectful to the people sitting around you and disrespected to the performers on stage. The actors, dancers, musicians, etc are probably doing what they are as a career or for some extra money, and when their work is filmed, they may lose money because people "already saw it." It is also in violation of most theatres policies to record, and if caught, may get you thrown out. It isn't worth the chance of not getting to see the performance you paid for, to take a video. As a performer myself, I see how disruptive it is when people try to record performances, and I've seen people get kicked out mid-show, just because they are so attached to their devices. If you want to see a film, go to a movie or watch TV, but when you are at a live performance, its best to but the technology away.
I don’t think phones should be used during live performances. The reason we buy tickets these performances is to see the artist in real life, and experience the show in person. It’s all about actually being there, in the moment, but can we actually be there if we’re holding up phone making sure the artist can be scene on the screen. If that’s what’s going to happen, then why not just watch the videos online. I understand that we want pictures to show off and videos to capture the moment, but that shouldn’t be happening the whole time. Maybe set aside a couple minutes, and then enjoy the show. Besides, a lot of people work hard to set up a whole theatre/stadium for an artist to show off their talent for an audience in real life. It hurts them to see you’d rather just take a video of them. They could’ve just stayed home, made a video of themselves, and put it up for you to see. They want to see their hard work pay off, and the audience is a big part of that.
I think it depends on the situation if you should be allowed to use your cell phone during a live performance. If you are attending a live concert, it should be more acceptable because these live performances tend to be very noisy and chaotic. On the other hand, if you attend an opera or a Broadway show, I don’t think you should be allowed to have your phones out because those live performances are typically upper-class and require a quite audience to enjoy the show. If anything, phones should be only allowed for emergencies.
I think that it depends on how big the theater is whether or not it is rude or disruptive to have a phone. When I’m on stage dancing the theater is usually very big and I can’t see what the audience is doing. However, the judges are right in front of the stage and I do think it would be distracting if they were on their phones and not looking at me. When I’m performing in dance it is always against the rules for the audience to take pictures or videos. It is supposed to be this way so the dancers are not distracted, but actually it is so you will buy the professional videos and pictures that they are selling. I think that recordings that I see on YouTube of Broadway performances make me want to see the performance more. It is like advertising. So pictures and recordings of performances can have a benefit. Howerer, if you are so close to the stage that it distracts the performer then they should have every right to ask you to put it away. I think each theater should have their own rules. I also think every company of performers should be asked what they want the rule to be before the performance, because some may really want the extra advertising so more people will pay to see them.
@Amy Palmer I respectfully disagree. I think that no cell phone usage should be in performances. Also I also used to be a dancer and I would feel very bad if the judges were on their phone and not watching me because that would mean that I wasn't entertaining enough and I wasn't doing good.
I believe that phone use during live performances is a very versatile topic that has a simple solution: the use of phones should be prohibited during the performance, but may be used at a designated time immediately following the performance. Many celebrities, like award winning singer and songwriter Adel, have called out audience members for recording them during live shows. Their annoyance, as Adel would say, is because they want their audience to “be present” because going to a live performance is a privilege that not many people experience. Cell phones going off during the performance can also cause distractions for the performers. For example, as a child actress and singer in plays and musicals, the cast that I was a part of got distracted by a phone going off in the audience. Some people forgot their lines, and in one instance, a song was not sung because the lyrics had been forgotten due to the song “Call Me Maybe” ringing throughout the theater. Due to events like the one mentioned previously, I believe that phones should not be allowed during performances, but should be used at a set time before and after which would eliminate disturbances of the performers and audience members.
So many people don't understand the amount of hard work and passion that goes into performing in any sort of artistic way. When performing you are showing people your hard work and emotions. you are exposing yourself. It is a terrible feeling knowing that you worked so hard for someone to just give you the occasional glance while texting away. If you are going to see a live performance you should enjoy the art the actors and actresses have worked hard on. Take a moment to appreciate what is in front of you.
With evolving time, there comes evolving laws and restrictions. If a loving fan is paying money to experience the performer, why can they not put their cellular devices up for the sake of a singular performance? Mutter makes the claim that some "pop musicians" feel as though audience members would rather be "filming" the musician than physically watch them. While making this claim, she is asserting her opinion that younger individuals are more keen to listening to pop, and they are increasingly more advanced in technology than some of her audience members. Whilst Mutter has not encountered many filming aggravations, she explains what a stress just a singular device can have on the performer, and overall performance. Anne-Sophie Mutter sells her tickets for up to 135 dollars in some places. It comes to question why someone who 'loves' this artist arrives to the concert with 10's or 100's of dollars paid just to interrupt and recklessly reek havoc on a purposeful performance. This money, whether great or small, is going towards one function: to see this individual(s) in concert. If their performance is influential enough on a fan's life to spend hundreds of dollars, would not the fan want the mental health, of the performer, and the perfection, of the performance to be at its peak? If it takes a rule about no phones to get the audience to understand their effect on the performer, by all means put those regulations into place.
Live performances involve a certain level of sophistication depending on the content of the performance. Pop concerts, for example, are more relaxed than a symphony orchestra concert. Concert etiquette depends on the scene of the performance. I believe that, in concerts such as pop and rap, it is perfectly fine to take a video or two of the performance. These settings are more casual that that of an instrumental or operatic performance. In a play, an instrumental setting, or an operatic setting, it is common courtesy to keep your phone hidden. I am a musician and have played in many live performances. I can attest that audience members who are on their phone, either taking a video of the performance or not, can be very distracting. Not only does it take away the performers focus, but it also distracts other audience members. Allowing phones during performances may attract younger audiences but one must consider if those younger audience members would be pleasant. Those who are present in a sophisticated concert setting come because they want to be enlightened by the performance. If younger audiences come to performances and are immersed in their phones the entire show, do they actually get the depth out of the performance that was intended? Phone use during sophisticated concert settings achieves nothing but distracting performers and audience members from the concert or show.
When you go to see a live performance you GO TO SEE A LIVE PERFORMANCE. This is more meaningful than just simply watching movie on your phone because the actors in the movie do not notice whether or not you pay attention. But in a live performance the actors work the courage to stand up in front of a live audience to entertain. Being distracted on your phone is a sign of disrespect and inconsideration towards this effort the actors put forth.
It is very inappropriate. It rude to the performer and the audience members around you. Being in theater myself I under stand the magic of being brought into a new world. I also understand when I fall out it ruins the experience. Sure, it might be because the actor starting breaking character. That OK though because sometimes those things just happened. I also think it's just rude to the actors because your basically saying "Your boring. You wasted my money. I have more important things to do." It's kinda like a slap in the face. Although that might hurt less.
Being a theater lover myself, I believe it is very disrespectful and inappropriate to use your phone while attending a show you paid to be at. Not only is it disruptive to audience members but it also distracting to performers on stage that want to give the audience their money's worth. It is just poor theater etiquette to not turn off your phone or at least turning it on silent or do not disturb. I know that if I was a performer and people turned their phones on during my time on stage I would not only feel disrespected, but I would also feel like I was not giving my best performance. The ushers make the speech about not using your phone for a reason: the performers do not want to be recorded, it is disrespectful to turn on your phone and not pay attention to the show, and out of kindness for other people in the audience. People that attend theater need to show the performers their utmost respect and consideration that they deserve.
As someone who’s acted in a few plays and has a big love of theater, I feel it safe to say that it’s never appropriate to use your phone during a live performance. I usually spend hours a day rehearsing and working on my performance for a play so when I see someone on their phone while I’m practically giving my all to entertain them, it makes me feel as though I’m not doing a good job and that I’m not good enough.This also tends to distract me, and the other actors on stage, which messes up the whole show.
Everyone who’s spent their time, energy, and hard work to turn a script, sheet of music, choreography, etc. into a piece of art intended for others to appreciate and experience deserves to have the audience’s undivided attention. But if the people in the audience are too busy worrying about what their gonna post on social media in regards to the performance that they end up not paying attention, it’s disrespectful to other audience members who are trying to enjoy the show and to the performers trying to do their jobs. The whole point of a live performance is to immerse yourself in the experience but how can you do that when you’re paying more attention to your phone?
Imagine you’re on stage, you’ve been practicing your lines and ques for weeks in preparation, and you see someone filming you while not paying attention to the play itself, but the phone and whether or not the video they’re taking is “Instagram worthy”. You try not to pay attention to them, maybe they’ve
never been to a play before or didn’t see the signs about the no phones policy plastered all around the theater. You try to continue your performance as well as you have rehearsed, but you know that the person’s video they’re capturing is not going to be able to have the same effect on them as if they were just paying attention to the performance.
Theater is meant to be seen live. You cannot fake it through a video, it just won’t have the same effect on whoever is watching it. Let alone the fact that it is well known that you do not use your cell phone in a show unless it’s during intermission. Just because phones are more common nowadays doesn’t mean that people should disrespect the rules.
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Using your phone during a liver performance is disrespectful, both to the other audience members and to those on stage. Those involved with a live performance work as hard as they can to create an immersive experience, and the harsh light from a phone screen or a loud ringtone can ruin that immersion in an instant for the audience. The effects of this sort of distraction can be twofold for those on stage. An actor needs concentration, and any sort of disturbance from the audience, phone or otherwise, can cause him to slip up on a line or make a wrong move. Audience members should be expected to be respectful during a performance, and anyone who believes it more important to send a tweet immediately than to wait an hour until the play ends is anything but respectful. Additionally, a theater company's main goal is to give the audience the best performance possible, and they are well within their right to restrict audience behavior if they believe this will help them to do so.
What happened to the theatre etiquette when there were no phones and people would go to watch and be entertained? Not only is having a phone out during a performance rude, it ultimately takes away from the awe of the show. Yes, you want to take out your phone and record but you know in your heart the video is not going to take your breath away like sitting in the audience watching the actors and actresses look out into the audience and perform. The connection made between the performers and the audience is essential to an amazing show and the second a phone gets pulled out, the connection is broken. It’s funny: phones are meant to record and keep a beautiful moment recorded but instead the only create a wall that no amount of acting will break.
I have performed on stage multiple times and every time one of my parents films. They want to capture the memory and their doing it out of love but it takes away from the music I’m trying to play. I think it takes away from the moment I’m trying to share with the world that can only be felt then and there. Not only that but it also puts on a lot of pressure to make sure I don’t mess up. If I do and a phone is out then the mistake I made will be recorded forever. If a phone is not recording, it’s a lot easier to take a deep breath and play from the heart; fewer notes will be wrong and if mistakes are made, they’re not recorded to see for the rest of time.
There should be rules about using your phone during live performances because it can cause major disturbance in the audience. Especially if the people behind you
The last performance I went to was a vocal recital. It was a small theater, and everyone made sure that their phones would not disturb the performers. There were those who took pictures and video, myself included. It was a more casual performance, designed for everyone to have fun, so limited cell phone use was tolerated.
The phone’s basic purpose is for communication. And its use during performances where cellphone use is not welcome should be reserved for emergency calls only. I have performed on stage before, so I know that I wouldn’t like for someone’s phone to go off in the crowd, or to be distracting in any other way.
We have become more concerned with sharing the performance with our social media friends than we are with actually experiencing the moment. You are there to witness and watch a performance; you have an obligation to let the performer do his or her thing. Audience behavioral restrictions not only benefit the performer, but other audience members as well. Many theaters prohibit food and drink, cell phones are the same principle.
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@Jack Huo I agree that many people do not know how to truly experience a moment if they feel it must be captured for social media. Feeling the moment has so much more power than seeing it through the screen. we go to be there in person, that's the point of a performance!
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Many spectators don’t take into account the reasoning behind the “no photo or videography please” signs that can be found in almost every theater type setting. Performers work very hard to produce the final show or performance that you see, and taking photos or videos during that performance can be seen as disrespectful for a number of reasons. In most of these shows, there are photos and videos being made of the performance that are available for your purchase. Taking your own videos and photos instead of supporting them with your purchase can be rather rude considering the amount of effort they put in for all spectators. You are taking advantage of their work as if it is your own, whether you are aware of it or not. Also, phones and other devices can be distracting in general. I can say this from personal experience in being a dancer and performing many times; it doesn’t only distract the performer but the people around the person with the device as well. In the end, performers want you to have the best possible experience in their ability. Watching the performance through a screen is not the purpose of a live performance. It is their own work that you are appreciating, and they have an intended way for it to be viewed. Their voices should be respected and listened to when their work is subject.
I believe Joshua Henry and Sophie Mutter made the right call. Nowadays, our generation is way too busy recording everything, taking pictures of everything, and never really living in the moment. I believe that with things such as plays and classical symphonies do require you to be fully involved with and paying attention to the performance, in order to take in the beauty of the performance they set it out to be. While many people will argue that these audience behavior regulations are elitist, in my opinion it is just a common courtesy. When your teacher or boss is giving you directions, do you listen to them with your full attention or do you keep your phone glued to your phone? Just like you would show your teacher or boss respect, you should show performers respect as well, and let their talent keep you occupied and interested instead of your phone.
The last live performance I saw was Phantom of the Opera at the Durham Performing Arts Center, and just thinking about using a phone during that show seems taboo. Not only can you displease the performers, but you can never really capture a true performance with a recording. Personally, as a pianist, I am not bothered by people recording me, but I can definitely see how it puts on extra pressure and can annoy performers. What I will say about phones during performances is that you should always be giving your undivided attention to the performers. Recording does not take away from that nearly as much as texting, tweeting, or anything else like that. That is completely unacceptable because it makes it seem like the performers aren’t good enough for your undivided attention.
Audience behavior restrictions are definitely warranted because people are out of control with the use of their phones. If someone was taking flash pictures of me performing, it would definitely throw me off my game, and that is not ok.
I don’t think phone use is appropriate during a live performance. Behavioral restrictions are not elitist and definitely don’t have anything to do with white privilege. It is simply disrespectful to be on your phone in front of the talented people who have dedicated hours on end to the show you’re there to watch. If I were a performer, I would be upset too. Young people, like myself, should be expected to be just as respectful as the older generation. I don’t think young, diverse audiences will be more or less likely to attend classical music and theatre based on the rules. If people are not interested in it, they probably won’t go regardless of the rules. Theatre etiquette is necessary for both the performers and the audience to have the best overall experience, with no distractions.
in my opinion, it will come down to what type of live performance it is, if it is an open play, or an orchestra, using phones is very unnecessary, but I do not feel like it is very common that people are pulling out their phones at events like that, i feel it is more common at a place like a band performance, or hip hop performance, in that case, typically the artist is fine with that, and even encourage it sometimes. but other then that, when somebody is texting, or tweeting during a performance, it is very confusing considering they paid their own money to attend, and they are wasting it looking at their phone. personally, if i were a live performer of some sort, i would not mind other's phones being out, if they are filming me, then it may mean they are enjoying my performance, if they are texting, they are missing out, that's just how i look at it. but if other live performers do not like phones being out, then that rule should be respected.
I think that phones should not be allowed to be used during a live performance. Coming from a young person's perspective and growing up in this age of technology, I can understand why people would argue that phones should be allowed during these instances. Some people would want to record the performance to keep as a memory that they could look back on, but I think there are some problems with that. In this age where everyone is consumed by technology and the Internet, it seems everyone is connected to their phone-whether it's them on social media, or always recording people. With people now being connected to and engaged with phones more than ever, it leads to people not being able to enjoy, in the moment, the performance in front of them, and ultimately leads to a disconnect from reality. These performances are more memorable when people are focused and concentrating on them, then when they are more focused on recording a video or checking social media. I also think this using a phone during live performances just results in situations that no one wants to me. If an actor gets offended by someone recording them, or they do not want to be filmed, they will have to call them out and ask them to stop. Whether you are the actor, or the filmer, I think no one would ever want to be in an embarrassing moment like that. People are better off keeping their phones off and away, to show respect for the actors and the others in the audience.
@Jose Pagan it should all just come down to what the performer says, if they are fine with being filmed then it's no big deal, but if not, they should be respected. although they should still be able to text and stuff like that, in that case they're not shoving their phone in other people's faces, and they are minding their own business, they should obviously be paying attention to the performance considering they spent money to go, but it is their loss if they aren't paying attention to it.
Being a person that does live performances, I do find phones to be distracting. I get that people want to capture the moment by video taping and photos, but the usage of phones is, at most times, inappropriate. Phone usage during a live performance could distract the performer and get in the way of watchers, but most importantly it could seem like the person doesn't care about the performance. I believe that in order to enjoy a show, one should immerse them self, so distractions shouldn't be in one's way and hinder their experience before, during, and after shows. Phones during the performance does hinder a person from being truly into the performance. It's like watching a movie, you wouldn't video tape during the showing, so live performances should be treated the same. Respect should be given to the performers during their performance and disconnecting for a few hours is not that hard when one has a show before them.
I believe that if no rules have been set, then it would be very rude to do what these two did. It is appropriate and you are allowed to use your phone if there are no rules against doing so present at the event. While not displays of white power, I absolutely believe that it's snobbish to do this. If I want to capture an amazing performer for my daughter, son, etc. I will gladly do that within the rules that I am given. The rules are not stopping people from going and I can see that as a counter argument, but how am I affecting you by filming? It most certainly wouldn't affect me had I been one of them.
Long story short: These rules are unneeded and making a public scene over a cellphone is childish.
i think that phones should be allowed people spend their hard earned money on a show they want to remember forever so why should they be penalized for capturing their moment .
@fatima
1) memories of something are better than remembering filming it
2) it's really distracting to people next to and behind you, not to mention the performers
3) it's often illegal
4) theatre shows usually film one of the rehearsals or something for posterity and take photos with a photographer, you can ask after those
5) if you paid that much money for it, watch it without distancing yourself from it through a screen. Get the full experience instead of a diminished version through a phone.
6) unless it's a concert or a street fair or play in the park literally just don't.
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I think that cell phones shouldn't be allowed at performances. But on the occasion that it is used rules and regulations shouldn't come into to play and people shouldn't be disciplined for using their phones and this is just how I see it.
I feel like phone rules shouldn't be a thing at all. The amount of money people spend on these tickets they should have the right to pull out your phone and record. People record to keep the memory in their head, and when they want to relive the event they can just look at it again which brings most people joy. It brings me joy when I relive my memories and videos I have, it takes me back.
Phone usage during a performance nowadays is considered normal unless the performer or the arena requests otherwise. People use their to take pictures, record memories, and some even use their phones to see the performance. If you were located in the back of the arena or if you are on the shorter end, you might use your phone zoom into the performer to get a better view of the show. I personally don’t think they’re should be regards on how someone else should use their phone because it’s theirs and if they aren’t disrupting anyone then it shouldn’t be a problem. Obviously your brightness and sound should be lessened in courtesy of others who are around you but if you want to use your phone it’s your right to. I’ve been in situations where I had to listen on speakers or watch performances that I did not want to and I use my phone to entertain me in the time being rather than getting up and leaving. People use their phone for a number of reasons and restricting them on their usage on a show they paid to see seems ridiculous.
I believe that phone rules during a live performance differ between what kind of performance it may be. During casual concerts I like to take a few pictures and videos of the performer just for me. It is nice to have memories to look back at, however I do think it is important to be courteous to people around you. As a shorter than average person, I have been to concerts where I have spent the entirety of a show watching it through the camera screen of the person in front of me. I love that people want to remember every song, but there is something magical of really being in the moment at a concert. It is also Important to be courteous to the performer. If the performer says put your phones away it is important to respect their wishes, unless their wishes are for you to stand up, even though you are in a wheelchair.
The article "What Rules if any Should There be About Phone use During Live Performances?" It talked about phone etiquette. Personally I think it is rude to use your phone in the movie theater because it could bother other people from trying to watch the movie. But I can't even imagine people using their phones during live performances like if you need to check your phone just go to the bathroom or leave the theater, because not only is it disrespectful to the people who are trying to watch the performance. It's very offensive to the actual performers, because they have probably spend lots of time and energy to perform that show for you. For example, if you had spent months working hard to memorize lines and stuff for a performance and I think the audience members should keep that in mind. And just be respectful
I don’t think that people should be allowed to record during live performances in places like theater and classical music performances because it’s not apart of their culture. You didn’t see people back in the day whipping out their massive cameras just to record a person during their live performance without them knowing, so why should it be allowed now that we have smaller devices to record with.
While we shouldn’t have phones during live performances that are more classical, people should be allowed to record at more modern places like rap concerts because cell phones and social media are a pretty big part of today's society.
As a theater kid i know what it is like to have a audience member recording or taking pictures. In fact it is extremely distracting and can have consequences to the theater. If someone records a show and them posts it online the theater can get blamed and most of the time will not be able to get any more rights to show from that company. Therefor wont be able to do anymore shows, which is kinda the point of a theater. As an usher for a show at my High School Theater please have you phones off and away during a show.
I think it is extremely rude to be on your phone during a live performance. There is a time and place to be on to be on your phone such as intermission and before and after the play. The actors in the play have worked very hard, and I think they would find it as a slap in the face that you are too distracted by your phone to appreciate their hard work. For example, put yourself in their shoes, if you worked hard on a school project and the teacher didn’t even look at it how would you feel? As our world becomes more infatuated with technology, it seems as though if people forget more and more everyday when the appropriate time is to get on phones. Although cell phones are useful, they have become distracting. I know mine is a constant distraction at school, and it even distracts me from sleep. Everything is a good thing but within reason, and this needs to be recognized with cell phones.
It's about time.
I have been in a house of worship- and a funeral and phones going off; blasting "It's raining men." The minister's phone going off in mid-sermon. These are GROWN PEOPLE. This is despicable behavior; such self-importance. People scrambling like roaches to film (and upload) accidents without ever bothering to render aid or call 911. I am so glad to see the performer literally take matters in his own hands and toss the blasted phone where it belonged.
I’ve been taught my whole life to show respect to others. To listen when my teachers talking. Not to talk back. And certainly to not use my phone in certain settings. Don’t get on your phone during class instruction time. Don’t get on your phone during a movie. Don’t get on your phone in a theater!!! It’s rude to the people who have worked so hard on that performance. It’s rude to the others in the audience. If you really need to be on your phone get up and go into the lobby or the bathroom. It’s really not that hard to be courteous.
Personally, I would never use my phone during a theater performance, but I have no right to tell anyone else they cannot. If the person wants to be on their phone, as long as they're not disturbing anyone else, then so be it. They paid for the show so they may do what they please while in it. That being said, if the light from the phone or anything the person is doing takes away from he film for anyone else, then it needs to be stopped. As the saying goes, my right to swing my arm ends at the tip of your nose. Their right to use their phone ends as soon as they begin to interfere with the experience of the people around them. Rules regarding cell phone use during shows doesn't stem from elitist tendencies or white privilege, but rather from owners of theaters trying to preserve the traditions of their art form and wanting people to enjoy their experiences to the fullest. I do not believe cell phone restrictions or lack there of would bring a new, younger crowd to Broadway and Off Broadway shows. The theaters need to focus on putting out quality content that young people can relate to, not enticing them to come with promises of cell phone amnesty. If I were a performer, I would be offended at someone using their phone, but it is not my place to act upon that. The audience is the paying customer and if they desire to be on their phone, then so be it. There are many people in the audience who are giving the show their full attention, so focus on them, not the few who are not.
@Cooper Hyldahl I TOTALLY AGREE!i love what you said, thanks for sharing!