Where do I even begin? It is bad enough that people check their phones in church, and yes, I admit I’m guilty. But that’s between me and God and between you and God. But the THEATRE????? During a performance????
Here are three reasons to turn off your phone before any theatre performance.
- People have paid for tickets. The light from your screen distracts everyone around you. Turn it off.
- You are setting a bad example for any young people around you. Have you forgotten how to be PRESENT???
- The actors and musicians have worked an unbelievable amount of hours to give you an outstanding performance. They’ve rehearsed for weeks, lost sleep, skipped meals, and sacrificed their time and energy to memorize their lines. Then, if it is a musical, they’ve learned music AND dances. They know where they are to be every minute while they’re on stage. To have gotten up the nerve to audition is huge, and to have been selected in a very competitive process is an honor and a privilege. It is hard work. You do not have the right to throw cold water on their moment in the spotlight.
I love live theatre, whether it is on Broadway, off-Broadway, in Atlanta, or here in Macon, Georgia. We have some of the finest community theatre companies in the southeast.
I could write about talking and rustling paper, and coming in late, but the inability of some people to turn off their phones is my pet peeve of the evening. There is nothing on Facebook that is so important that you can’t wait until the show is over.
Be kind. Show respect. Turn off your phone.
Dr. Suzanne Minarcine 