The PAMC Town Hall session started with moderator, Rodney Smith, asking the question about texting in performances. It drives him crazy to see people texting during performances...disruptive and rude...a lively discussion ensued.
*Disrupt the wireless signal in the theatre -- is there a liability if there is a doctor in the house or an emergency call.
*Have added the "please do not text" to pre-show announcements.
*Designate a section that allows texting, tweeting
*Does social media help provide more of an experience to the event
*Social media can be embraced and used to your advantage. Find a place for it.
*As audiences evolve so does your response.
*Policies should reflect artist desires.
*Some of those who are texting/tweeting are talking about your show, your venue and creating an experience...should you stop that?
*One attendee spoke about a performance that he attended -- ushers carried signs throughout the aisles asking cell phones to be turned off and as house lights were turned down in stages, ushers went row to row looking for cell phones that were on and tapped people on shoulders/pointed to people who still had phones on...he found the ushers more disruptive than the cell phones.
*Is allowing F&B into the house, the same type of question? Are audience expectations different based on age of attendee?
This was the segway into a new topic...F&B allowed in theatres?
Broadway is now serving wine in sippy cups...chocolate, water, etc.
Based on comments, it appears that a good number of PAC's are now allowing F&B into the house though Symphony and Orchestra companies are not allowing it into their performances.
What about the amount of plastic? Are there "green" options? There are some recylables out there but it is more lip service than green.
*Seat companies are being asked to design cup holders for upscale chairs...they are being asked to put interactive screens in the back of the seats...technology is making a difference.
*Each event, the experience is different. What makes you successful today may not make you successful tomorrow...last words of wisdom from Rodney.
With that, we are out of time...more topics to be discussed on Tuesday. Off to lunch we go.