Our world today is a cacophony overcrowded with iPods, ringing cell phones and mini computers, technology that was designed to enhance the enjoyment of lives, but many think that we have traded convenience for etiquette, especially when it comes to live entertainment.
For example, say you scored the hottest ticket in town for the symphony, a touring Broadway play or perhaps a favorite rock band. You hired a sitter; drove in from the suburbs; paid for parking; schlepped to the venue; plunked down $9 for an adult beverage; and found your seat or sweet spot in front of the stage. You’re pumped; you’re primed.
Here comes the buzz killer. The person next to you is talking on their handheld device, tweeting, texting, thumbs-a-flying, snapping photos of the performer or, even worse, themselves and then uploading them to Facebook.
Are iPhones and BlackBerries the new crying babies of the century or are they a sign of the times? Are the real party poopers those of us who want to watch a show with an unobstructed view and listen to the person we paid to hear, not some stranger’s life story? It depends on whom you ask. At some venues, audience participation is encouraged, and at others, merely texting garners a stern reprimand from an usher; photographing or shooting video gets you bounced.
Melissa Sanders, senior director of communications at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, said a lot depends on the venue. At some of the ASO's shows at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, audiences are asked to text questions to either the conductor or a performer during the live action, and the questions are then answered at intermission. This not only engages the audience, Sanders said, but also helps educate them on the piece they are experiencing. Patrons tweet away, giving compliments and criticisms right from their seats.
“It encourages interaction, and it’s worked out really well for us so far,” Sanders told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We do ask audiences at Symphony Hall to turn off all phones and pagers prior to a performance.”
At Chastain Park, however, that’s a whole different story. Sanders said they expect people taking in Ben Harper or the Indigo Girls to act a little differently.
“Ultimately, we hope that our audiences will be respectful of the people sitting around them,” Sanders added. “I’m sure there are a few that are put off by [the texting], but overall everyone seems to be courteous.”
Velena Vego, manager of the alt/indie rock group Cracker and booking agent for both the Buckhead Theatre and the 40 Watt Club in Athens, however, thinks the decision lies in the hands of the artist. It is her standard practice to ask the bands if they have a preference. While some acts like Broken Bells told Vego they don’t mind the audience sharing photos, videos and tweeting, David Lowery, lead singer of Cracker, resorts to taking matters, literally, into his own hands.
“When someone is texting right in front of the stage, that can get pretty frustrating for the artist,” said Vego. “David once took a girl’s cell phone away from her. He told her that she could have it back as soon as he finished singing for her.”
Vego said she’s amenable to a policy in which patrons are allowed to use their devices during the first few songs, as is standard policy for professional photographers. This rule was adopted long ago so that the working journalist can get their shots off and get out of the audience’s line of sight and out of the performer’s face.
As an industry veteran, Vego is not too thrilled with an audience member’s constant need to use Facebook and Twitter every minute, but figures it is a necessary evil.
She added, “You paid for the tickets. Can’t you leave your device alone for an hour and a half? You don’t see the band up there checking their e-mail.”
Record producer James Barber agreed with Vego. He recalls with fondness punk shows in the '80s where anyone not paying attention to the band got bumped by other audience members, and he does not understand the compulsion to comment on everything via social networking rather than experiencing it.
“It’s worse in smaller venues when the band can see what people are doing,” Barber said. “Stop texting while the band is playing. Even if you don’t like the band, take it outside.”
New kids on the block like promoter Malissa Sole of 4th Ward Heroes, however, hope that people are tweeting and using Facebook during a show. Sole sees it as a way for the act to garner new fans and increase its demographic, adding that no act she’s ever booked has requested a tech-free show.
“The band only stands to benefit from someone tweeting about your show,” said Sole. “However, if it’s an acoustic show, I would prefer that they not talk, and tap as quietly as possible on their keyboard.”
Scott Munn, a 17-year music industry veteran in artist and concert management, sees both sides of the coin.
“Devices create a world of instant promotion and buzz for an artist, venue, concert or event by allowing fans to grab small souvenirs to share with friends,” Munn told the AJC. “However, sometimes people are so busy documenting that they forget to actually enjoy being there in person and miss out on the live experience.”
Chris Delaney, director of publicity at the Fox Theatre, said that they are basically just a leasing space, and any decisions regarding photography or the use of gadgetry are left solely in the hands of the management.
“We try and be very clear about the policies, going as far as to putting it on the marquee outside,” said Delaney. “Inevitably, we end up having a coat check for confiscated cameras alone.”
In the long run, no one is perfect and no policy will satisfy everyone, but we can mind our manners and respect the performers and those around us. Even Sanders admitted to recording a Muse song at a recent show and consequently received a warning from the staff.
“I was just recording a favorite for my 5-year-old son, but I guess I should’ve known better,” she laughed.
Audience Etiquette 101
Don’t take an excessive amount of photographs. Be kind to the person behind you whose view you’re obstructing every time you lift your camera. Additionally, the flash may be distracting to the performer.
Take care of personal hygiene and bathroom breaks prior to the performance.
If you choose to tweet, text or e-mail, use your best judgment.
Enjoy yourself; play your air guitar; clap and show the performers your appreciation. Don’t sing along loudly, heckle or recite lines. The person next to you doesn’t want to hear it.
Do not yell “Freebird” to a band. Not ever.
By Holly Aguirre
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