Not Ready for Her Close Up: Audience Behavior

Two years ago, I was appalled to learn that an audience member had actually plugged his charger in to an outlet on the stage during a performance. I can't for the life of me remember what show that was but the behavior spoke volumes. You've probably already heard about Patti Lupone stopping the show because of a cell phone ring. Now Glenn Close has stopped a performance of Sunset Blvd for an audience member taking photos during the performance. This is not the first time she has done this, and I say "Bravo."

Some people may be saying "What's the big deal?". Well it is a BIG deal...HUGE. It's incredibly distracting to the actor. You may have your phone on silent but that incredibly distinguishable blue light speaks volumes. It not only bothers the actors but also the audience. We've all heard the request to put cellphones on silent or vibrate, but texting or checking your phone is just as noticeable and just as annoying.

Then there's taking photos. Most theaters prohibit flash photography because it is incredibly distracting. We've all experienced temporary blindness from a camera flash. Now imagine that when you're on a stage and can't see well as it is.

Here's the part most people don't consider: it's possible copyright infringement. Most theaters sign VERY specific contracts with licensing companies. These companies have very stringent rules concerning reproductions of their work. DIsney is especially specific. Your photo could not only get the theater in trouble but could get you in trouble. This is doubly true of videos. Posting a video from a show is an open invitation to a lawsuit. The property you are filming is licensed and belongs to the authors of the show. Posting these videos is akin to piracy to these artists. Licensing companies don't differentiate between who posted and who licensed. They can go after them all. In the cases of celebrities, there are limitations based on agreements with their agents as far as photography goes.

The best rule of thumb is DON'T DO IT! You make think it's unprofessional for these celebrities to rant. I can identify. You are pouring your heart and soul in to a performance trying to create a world where there was none and someone stops that activity for a photo. Just be considerate of everyone around you. Theatre is not a film. If you distract, you're distracting not only audience members, but performers. Acting is a strange, mystical phenomenon and when it's done correctly, it can tear at the hardest heartstrings. Why should your needs or selfish wants interfere with that? It's called consideration and decency and it's noticeably lacking everywhere. We can all do better.