Yes, this issue calls for a letter.
A letter to anyone that has used their cellphone during a theatrical performance. One of the many things theatre people hate during shows and has become a major controversy recently to emerge in the theatrical world. Actually experiencing seeing people use their cellphones or hearing cell phones going off while working a performance is like someone running their nails across the chalkboard.
It’s jaw clenching.
Recently, I was given the opportunity to work on SUNY Oneonta’s theatre department’s musical, Avenue Q, as a sound engineer. Being the sound engineer, I got to sit in the house every single performance, meaning I got to see the back of every audience members’ heads. So every time I saw a bright light appear from someone’s lap, I clenched my jaw. And that happened every single night. Even right in front of me and it got to the point that I was about to get up and leave my workstation to tell people to turn their cellphones off. First of all, it’s not only distracting to the actors performing on stage and your fellow audience members, it’s beyond rude.
On average, a performance runs about two hours, with a 15 minute intermission in between acts. If you can’t sit through a two hour show without checking your phone at least once, you shouldn’t attend theatrical productions.
Now I know that might seem harsh, but there’s a reason you went to see that show you’re attending. Whether it be because your favorite actor is part of the production, you love the story or playwright, or you needed to see it for a class, you went to see a show, not to look at your phone. I understand if you need to know what’s going on in the outside world for a reason. Then step out of the house as a common curiosity.
Like I said, I’m not trying to be mean or anything, but when an actor looks out into the audience and sees a dim white light or two brightening up an audience member’s face, it’s a bit upsetting for them. It’s upsetting for any person working on that show. It’s even more upsetting when someone’s phone goes off backstage that belongs to a member of the company, but I’m not going to venture out on that story. Just be mindful to the people that are around you and the people up on stage because the stage manager isn’t joking around when they say, “Please silence or turn off all cellphones prior to the start of the show.” Just remember, the next time you go to check your phone during a performance, of any kind, there’s a person on stage and many people around you who are hating what you are doing.
Check out a great article called “Does the Audience Need an Outlet” about cellphone use and it’s action it causes during theatrical performances here.
