I’ve gathered a few more natural wonders.
When I take notes on a play during performance, I almost always sit at the very back, even more often at the very back of House Left or House Right, because those are the hardest places for the actors to be heard. I always have a ticket waiting for me at the box office, but I usually ignore that and find an empty seat that suits me. I also don’t want to disturb a fellow audience member while I take lots of notes.
Last night, we had an almost full house (which is great) and I found myself standing at the back of the house, near a table that was set up for the sound crew. Here’s what happened during the course of the evening:
I was asked at least five different times where the bathroom was while I was in the middle of writing my notes. That’s okay. Happy to help.
I saw a young woman’s smart phone flashing – during the performance. Macbeth is darkly lit. She was sitting in the second row. Her seat mate was taking notes on the performance and she was obviously bored and was apparently incapable of sitting still and watching the show. I was ready to go down the aisle and tell her to STOP IT when her boyfriend took it away from her. Big surprise, they didn’t come back for the second half of the show.
Someone else’s cell phone went off. She quickly turned it off. But we all heard the little melody of her ring tone.
An audience member decided to exit in the wrong place, walking right behind an actor who was standing at that entrance and who was taking part in the scene. At the top of the show, the audience had been told via a recorded announcement not to use those exits but to, instead, use the stairs.
During the second act, a young patron came up the aisle to respond to a phone call. Instead of moving to the downstairs lobby where no one could hear her, she stood no more than three feet from the audience and proceeded to talk on the phone. I had to go over to her and tell her that she couldn’t do that, that she had to move downstairs to the lobby if she wanted to have a conversation. She was irritated with me.
Again, in the second act, I saw the glow of another cell phone. The audience member thought she was hiding it but, of course, I could see it. I went down the aisle and told her she had to turn it off, that the actors could see that light. On my way back up the aisle, the assistant director thanked me.
When I got up from my seat behind the Sound Table, an audience member proceeded to try and sit there. I had to tell her it was my seat and it was for people working on the show.
I felt like I was the House Manager.
What is with people?
I’m not even mentioning the candy wrappers I hear being unwrapped with excruciating slowness.
Actors can hear that. I can hear that. Actors can see cell phones light up. Can you imagine how off-putting that is? To be onstage working your tush off and suddenly to hear a cellphone? Or see the glow of a smartphone screen? It’s rude.
I want to scream: You are not at home. You are not even at the movies. You are in the theater, witnessing a live performance. It will never be the same exact performance again. It’s just for you on this night. You are part of that performance, but your part of the deal is to be receptive, to be respectful, to react to what’s going on onstage. You are not there to provide extra lighting or sound effects. That’s been taken care of by the director, the sound designer and the lighting designer.
Is it no longer possible to be untethered to your phone for a couple of hours?
Are we all SO important now that we are ‘on call?’ I’m hazarding a guess that those audience members are not doctors.
This is the kind of thing I see often but, last night, in my position at the back of the house, I could see everything. It was not a pretty sight.
It should be noted that the vast majority of the audience was rapt, respectful and wonderful. They also deserve to watch the play without distractions.
End of rant.
Happy Friday.
I love your rant. I cannot tell you how many time EVERY DAY that I have to ask someone to take their phone conversation outside while working at the library. Now, we don’t strive to be the old-fashioned, totally quiet kind of library, but do people think that the person sitting next to them reading the newspaper wants to hear where they are going that night, what they had for dinner last night, or myriad other details of their life? I think not. Bravo, Claudia.
The same thing happens in the aisles of the grocery store or on the commuter train (Don has experience a seat mate who was on an extended, loud cell phone conversation twice this week.)
Claudia! We must have been channeling each other’s thoughts this morning! Here is what I posted on facebook early this morning:
Ever think back to life before cell phones? Somehow we managed to muddle along without the need to be connected every single second. Here’s a cute video that may remind us to unplug sometimes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OINa46HeWg8
We are often thinking the same thing, Martha! I’ll check out the link.
Wow! Yes! Thank you for saying this, Claudia. If I could I would share this on FB.
You’re welcome, Sherry.
O M Gosh Claudia, I can not even believe people are so IGNORANT sometimes, or is it just plain don’t care?
I believe we are becoming more and more self involved everyday! I am sorry Claudia, I know how hard you’ve worked. I’m quite sure everyone else on your team has also! -Judy A-
I don’t know but it is a sorry state of affairs.
……wait. I can and I did.
xo
So funny to get your perspective on people’s inconsideration. As a costume designer/director for 6 years I completely get what you are saying.
By the way, I have NEVER seen acorns clustered on a twig. How interesting!
Thanks for sharing.
xo rachel
I found them on the ground, Rachel. I carried them with me all through my walk, while I was at the library, and while I ate lunch!
I give you a standing ovation for your ‘rant’! You were spot-on with that. Do people now a days have no ‘home training’? Common courtesy and all that seems to be a thing of the past. You did well to speak up. Keep it up!
Have a good weekend and Yea Fall!
~ Cassandra from Renaissance Women
Thanks, my friend!
You are SO right, Claudia. What has happened to our manners? At our gathering after Mom’s funeral, I collected all the family’s turned-off cell phones in a basket, and put them into the corner. As a result, the 20 of us, who get together almost never, got to know each other again, and talked the whole evening, TO EACH OTHER!
Oh, such a great idea, Gail! You were so smart to do that. Cell phones off and real conversation!
I was getting a bit riled up reading your rant! I guess because I’m as old as I am, I have a certain attitude towards phones. They are a nuisance, and an interruption. They are not a necessity of life…unless you are “on call”…as in doctor. I love technology…but it has a time and most importantly a place! Live performances, and even movies are not the place! As a society we have managed to lose all sense of place, and consideration for others. And, that’s the end of my rant! Enjoy your day Claudia! ;)
I agree, Donna.
I have seen that behavior at performances, too. I have also seen it at the movies. I am a therapist, and I have had patients answer texts and phones in the middle of a session! And no, that’s not okay.
It is NOT okay! Agreed!
I’ve been noticing a lot of signs going up around our town that say “please finish your cell phone conversation BEFORE getting in line to order” (sandwich shops). I like that!!!
Me too, Jen!
I was at an event recently and the host asked “Are any of you heart surgeons or on a transplant team?” No one came forward. The host then said “Great! Then the rest of you won’t mind keeping your cell phones off until we’re finished, will you?” I wanted to applaud!
Perhaps you’re explanation of WHY cell phones are so distracting to the actors should be given to the audience before every performance!
You’d think the recorded announcement would be sufficient, Denise, but I guess it isn’t!
Lack of manners these days Claudia..What shameful behavior in a theater..it makes me sad..and angry!
I know. If they don’t want to be there, then get up and leave. Don’t ruin the experience for everyone else!
I’m sure as House Manager you will receive extra pay, eh? LOL
Judy
I should, Judy, I should!
Rudeness and entitlement have become rampant in all areas of our society. So maddening. xo Laura
Very.
I was at the Walt Disney Hall last year enjoying Joshua Bell, the violinist, when sure enough, even though the announcement had been made, a phone went off during his performance! If looks could kill they would have died in their seat! I love the idea of announcing if you are a heart doctor or surgeon, then off w/your phones! People are just plain rude w/the phones. I’ve been known to cross my legs repeatedly and hit the back of the seat in front of me at the movies, to no avail, then I’ll tell them to turn it off!
It’s getting insane out there!
A well deserved rant Claudia!
It is also extremely disrespectful to the rest of the audience who want to be involved in the play without distraction.
The Moscow Ballet performed ‘The Nutcracker’ in my home town (Auckland, New Zealand) before Christmas last year – a big deal as you can imagine – not a spare seat to be had.
Our seats were carefully chosen to feel we were part of the performance.
The group sitting behind us had small children with them who were very well behaved but the adults talked off and on throughout the performance in another language – presumably explaining the story and what was happening. They had afternoon performances which would have been a more appropriate option for young children.
People are selfish.
End of MY rant – phew good to get it off my chest!
Enjoy your weekend – how long now until you can return home Claudia?
Shane
Yes. There are those who never stop to think of how what they are doing might affect those around them. Makes me crazy.
More like a babysitter, you were, Claudia. How annoying and rude. It’s bad enough that at the beginning of live plays they have to make all these obvious announcements, that any child should know about, but then when people ignore them….. over-the-top annoying!!! It seems to come with the slow erosion of common courtesy in today’s society. Everyone is just in it for themselves and the heck with everyone else. I see it everyday, and it is particularily annoying during live theater. Nice nature-things :-) Ann
Yes, that’s it! A babysitter. And I wasn’t get paid to be a babysitter!
Great rant, Claudia! I am working on getting my husband to “unplug” from his cell phone. We can’t have a decent conversation without a ringtone, or a whistle(Samsung S4) interrupting us :(
Rant on! If there are any teachers out there, please inform your students of the manners expected in the theater. Moms and grandmas, please do the same. We all need to help with this problem.
Now I have a question. I was reading somewhere that film is a director’s medium and stage is the actor’s medium. Or vice versa. Could you please explain this.
Not sure how to explain it – except on the stage, which is live, it’s the actors’ performances that you are seeing and they vary depending on the night and the energy and the audience. On film, the director controls the way every shot is set up, the way the actors are lit and eventually, the way the film is cut. There are none of the variables that come with a live performance. That’s my guess.
Hear, hear, sugar! I agree with you. What is it with people now that they can’t let their cell phones be silent when visiting with me?! I never, ever answer our house phone when we have company. I let it go to messages so my time will be devoted exclusively to my visitor. The same is never afforded me when I go visit teaching to members of our ward. They’re always answering texts from kids or friends. I’ve been thinking of posting a sign on our front door that cells are to be turned off when in my home! I’d never interrupt a stage performance with candy wrappings or cells or whatever. NEVER!! Rude folks indeed.
xoxo,
Connie
I know! I would never take a call when I was spending time with someone, unless I knew it was an emergency.
WeeeHoooo for You!!!!! I thought it was the former teacher in me, but I always try to be very kind, but speak up when necessary. Now, I need you to come to church with me and talk to a few people – oh wait, that would be my own kids! Ha.
Sometimes you have to speak up, Hope. Last night? I had to.
First, I love the retro style photos. Great photo layer:) Second, I think you should go in armed tonight with a stun gun. Maybe that will show those people who’s boss. LOL
Now to find one! I suppose my wagging finger will have to suffice.
I’m so sorry that happened Claudia. I feel so sad for all of you and I’m miffed on your behalf. ARGH.
Good grief! I am so damn sick of people on their cell phones during events. So beyond rude. I give people the death ray look, I learned it well from my “if looks could kill” dad teehee! Though it sounds like that wouldn’t work on this motley crew of yours. sheesh.
I have to to tell you about my last two experiences at the theater – neither involving cell phones but instead, two nuttier than fruitcake, women.
When we saw Val Kilmer, the woman sitting next to me – she appeared to be in her 40’s, one would think she’d know how to behave in public, but alas, NO … she had on a mid calfish (read: Long) summery floaty dress. Well, she proceeded to pick up her dress to mid thigh and put her feet on the back of the seat in front of her!!! Her male companion seemed to be unfazed. It was a warm day but WTH?! And the two seats in the row in front of us were vacant, so holy moly… she was really up close and personal.
And then last month we went and saw a play and we were in the first row – this time a late 20’s-early 30ish woman sitting next to me proceeded to pick up her capri-panted leg with stiletto heels, and lifted it way up in the air, think Rockettes kick!, extending it out on a diagonal, into me. And kicking me three times throughout the performance and never saying a word of apology.
Okay, I must say these are now rather a hoot in retrospect … are these an example of how Los Angeles differs from the rest of the known world?! Or is crazy like this, happening everywhere now?
OH! I found my playbill from Bye Bye Birdie fun fun fun. I’ll share it when you return to A Favorite Thing.
Happy weekend to you xo
Your rant was terrific, Claudia! Cell phone users have become so obnoxious everywhere in public, church, funerals, weddings, plays, classes, retail stores, doctor’s office, and causes some of us trying to avoid leaving our quiet homes.
As a former manager of a large store, I was often challenged by inconsiderate people (of all ages) to please take their
personal calls outside. Another pet peeve I still have, is rude language and the volume of their voices. …manners seem to have disappeared.
I charge clients for consulting $ 100 per hour and they still talk on mobile,while they are paying me.
I do some free consulting(for very poor clients) and none of them ever is on the phone,because they are people with
manners and respect.
Happy weekend Claudia!
Oh yeah. I did a similar rant on my blog once. I have always said that those wanting a cell phone should be required to attend an etiquette class first and pass a test before they are allowed to buy a phone. And then to take a refresher course before they can upgrade or change phones, just as a reminder of ‘manners’.
I hate cell phones and don’t own or want one. If I am ever required to have one, I shall fight it kicking and screaming.
I will never understand how rude people can be in a theater and at other events. I will never forget sitting at my daughters graduation and during the Valedictorians speech someone was loudly talking on their cell phone. REALLY? We had to tell him to stop! Rudeness is rampant these days. Grrrr!
I totally agree. Maybe everyone should have to check their cell phones and candy before the curtain rises. At a well-acted play, the actors and the audience are transported to that time, that place, that date in history. Nothing shatters that illusion like cell phones. J
A supreme example of how a few can absolutely ruin it for everyone. I love you mentioned the slow opening of the candy. Honestly! Bring your mints already unwrapped in a sandwich bag in you are going to be in a theater! ! For those who can’t go a couple of hours without eating. Actually fresh minty breath breathing past you can be very distracting too.
I know exactly what you mean –
There is a young woman in church (now, this is a mother of 2 older children) who sits and cannot get off her phone DURING the pastor’s sermon – she sits there and texts the whole time.
Just today, at my granddaughter’s birthday party (she is 2 years old) one of the fathers was probably one of the rudest young men I have ever met – sat outside and ‘played’ on his phone the whole time – letting his wife look after their son – the man never spoke, made eye contact, or even grunted. But he could eat and play on his phone.
Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the convenience of my phone (I even have one of those newer IPhones by Apple) – do I use it for anything else but talking to someone when I need to? No. I don’t need it for that. My husband brought it home to me, when my good old flip-top phone quit working on me. I take care of my two granddaughters at their house while their Mommy and Daddy work – there is no land-line, and I have got to have a way of calling out if an emergence arises, but I sure do miss my old reliable – it took me weeks to get used to this new phone. Call me a dinosaur. I don’t care.
I don’t talk on my phone while I am driving in the car. Period. I will not answer your phone call. I have two little girls with me most of the time – it only takes a second glance away from your concentration to your driving to have an accident.
I will not talk on my phone while I am in line to check out – especially while I am right in the process of checking out. Rude. I turn my phone ring off if I am in a doctor’s office, movie theatre, church, party, I promise to give you my undivided attention at all times when we are conversing so you will know you are important and I am listening with respect and interest.
I may sneak off in private and check messages when I know my Mom, husband, children or grandchildren are under the weather. But I do so in a private area so as not to disrupt others around me.
I will look and listen with earnest attention to my grandchildren’s performances in dance, choir and orchestra – I have no need to be on my phone at those times when memories are being made.
And…I hope others around me will do me the honor of not being on their phones while I am trying to listen to my grandchildren sing, dance or perform. It is called respect. Let’s continue to teach that by example to our children and grandchildren.
Now…I will get off my soapbox and quit venting. :)
Hurrah for you Claudia!! You keep on being the reminder to others of good common sense and good manners!!
Have a lovely day!
BRAVO, Claudia!
Wonderful post, Claudia! I think when purchasing a cell phone it should be mandatory for the customer to take a class on phone etiquette. I only use a cell phone for long distance calls and during car trips. I’m tired of hearing personal conversations during lunch breaks at work, while shopping at the grocery store, eating at a restaurant, etc. It’s gotten way out of hand! When I see a young mother texting while pushing her child in a stroller, it makes me sad. People need to LIVE in the moment and put those phones away!