Alliance Theatre wants patrons to text during show

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Alliance Theatre wants patrons to text during show
ASO also joins push to make performances more interactive

By KIRSTEN TAGAMI
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/31/2008

Ever watch a play and wonder, "OMG! What just happened?"

Starting in late September, audiences at Atlanta's biggest theater company, the Alliance Theatre, can text their questions to theater staff during some performances.

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Normally, theaters ask audience members to turn off their cell phones and BlackBerrys during a play. But the Alliance's project is part of a push to make live theater more interactive — something audiences say they want, said Jade Lambert-Smith, the theater's artistic engagement associate.

"We'll be texting them information before the show and during intermission, in a pop-up video style," she said. "They can text us a question anytime during the show."

Participants will be asked to put their devices on silent and sit in the balcony so they don't disturb other patrons, she said.

Details are still being worked out, but it's unlikely that audience questions will be answered immediately, Alliance spokesman Robert Saxon said. Instead, questions will be gathered and answered by the director or other artistic staff in a discussion after the show.

"We want to provide interaction, but at the same time, we do want them to focus on the play," he said.

The first test will be during a Saturday matinee, the Sept. 20 performance of August Wilson's "Gem of the Ocean," directed by Kenny Leon. Other "Interactive Audience Nights" will be set later.

This summer, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra has used audience text messaging at its new venue in Alpharetta, the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park.

Concert-goers are encouraged to text questions before intermission, ASO spokeswoman Melissa Sanders said. Selected questions are answered by conductor Robert Spano and guest artists during the intermission show, which is broadcast on a big screen.

The first time the ASO tried it, on June 28 during its all-Beethoven show, about 75 questions were received via text, she said.

Sanders said she didn't know of other orchestras that were using texting consistently, but some have experimented with it. "It's definitely a trend in the field," she said.

The Alliance also will allow patrons to text the theater ahead of time to see if cheap, last-minute "rush" tickets are available that day. The Alliance received a grant of about $60,000 for the interactivity project from Theatre Communications Group, a national service organization for nonprofit theaters.

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Comments

By Theatre Lover

Aug 6, 2008 11:32 PM | Link to this

Hey OMG, do your homework. Kenny Leon is simply directing a play there. He hasn't run the Alliance in seven years. This is not his idea.

By OMG! You killed Kenny

Jul 31, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

What a ridiculous idea. I guess they never thought about the "glow" of the phones. When we go to high school performances and the movie theater, the texting is incredibly annoying. Kenny Leon thinks he's innovative. I'm not surprised to see his name mentioned in this article.

By Jim

Jul 31, 2008 5:10 PM | Link to this

Last week we went out to dinner, and I looked up to see my 17 year old daughter deeply involved in a text conversation. She then turned to her sister, and they shared the moment.
At that point, I explained to them tthat this was a family event, and that they needed to share what they'd just discussed.

Once the red faces and the OMG's settled down, I point blank reminded them that this was unacceptable behavior, as in, "put it away, or lose it."

You simply cannot watch the event and text at the same time.

By Chris

Jul 31, 2008 4:47 PM | Link to this

Worst Idea EVER!!

By Theatergoer

Jul 31, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this

I've been behind teenagers who couldn't tear themselves away from their text buddies for the duration of a play, and it's EXTREMELY distracting and irritating. If you lack the attention span to make it through an entire theater performance and you don't have any respect for the actors (Hey, guess what? They can see your little phone glowing in the darkened room!) or for those around you, by all means stay home. Those of us who have a better experience because you're not there will return to the theater again, and the theater will sell just as many tickets.

By ShannonB

Jul 31, 2008 1:50 PM | Link to this

I will also not go to the Alliance Theatre if they allow texting. Gizmo nerds ruin everything. No one's Mom smaks them around anymore for being rude. The whole country needs manners.

By sam

Jul 31, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

We don't bother with the theater or movies anymore.The cell phone junkies have totally ruined any chance that anyone can watch in peace.

By KJ

Jul 31, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Ever watch a play and wonder, "OMG! What just happened?"

No, because I'm paying attention to what's going on, rather than screwing around with my cellphone. See how that works?

I don't go to the theatre, but as far as movies are concerned, I would gladly pay an extra 50 cents or whatever if they'd bring back ushers, so that any douchebag that insists on distracting everyone with their cellphone gets taken outside, and preferably kicked in the junk/ovaries, whichever applies.

By Theatre Lover

Jul 31, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this

Oh, quit whining. All of this talk about "I won't go back" and "why can't theatre just be theatre." Look, I think it's a silly idea as well but you can't blame them for experimenting with ways to stay current. If it doesn't take off I'm sure they'll stop. Give them a chance.

By gagirl

Jul 31, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

Why can't the theater just be the theater???? Today's society will have no appreciation for the arts anymore. It's bad enough that you're allowed to eat in the theater and now cell phones?!?!?!? This is ridiculous.

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