Saturday, November 07, 2009
We ask that you now turn ON your phones! Enjoy the show!
Technology in the Arts: "Today on the Technology in the Arts blog, a further investigation of the burning question–mobile phones: good or evil? Last week, we investigated the evils of mobile phone technology in the context of arts audiences. This week, it’s time to turn on your cell phones and explore how mobile phones can help the audience engage with arts organizations on a personal level."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
19 comments:
I agree with the author of this article that sometimes perhaps it is acceptable to use twitter and texting for program notes or to let audiences interact with the show more, however, its a bit too gimmicky for my tastes. It enforces the idea that we need to check what technology we have with us in order to communicate faster, receive news about the world outside of our current situation, and altogether remove us from the present. Although at this point it may be a more practical way of reaching audiences than other options, its a slippery slope which shouldn't be tested.
This author makes the point that cell phone use depends on the venue and, in many ways, the intimacy of it. The idea that at outdoor concerts and such it is more appropriate to use a cell phone is correct, but the distinction must be made between theater and concerts. In particular, i find that any time a show or event relies on lighting to help tell its story, the lcd screens become distracting. If the lighting on stage remains static, then a cell phone is less likely to distract you. Just another thing to think about- and as designers something we can consider when working in an outdoors space.
It's nice to see that sometimes cell phones being on can be beneficial to the theatre world. I had forgotten about the Next to Normal twittering that occurred earlier this year. Using twitter and other such applications for talk backs is a very coll idea and I didn't know that the Laramie Project: 10 Years Later used it. I think more shows should embrace the technology we have to offer.
Programs such as Twitter should be used by theatres more frequently to help promote upcoming shows, discounts, and audience events. With so many venues throughout the country and the busy lives many of us lead, it can be difficult to keep track of what is playing where and when. Getting periodic updates about when a show is about to open and even when it's about to close would certainly help boost ticket sales and overall exposure.
I agree with Brian that using things like twitter is a good way to promote shows and discounts etc., but I think that using phones and such during performances is as Sylvianne said, a very slippery slope. I think that using technology to promote and keep the audience up to date on information could be very beneficial, but during performances I think it takes something away from it.
Laramie Project was some the first show that I have worked with phones being involved. It was very interesting... and I like that the industry is going that direction, but it doesn't seem to be that effective. I think the technology will evolve to fit theatre in a better way. Twitter is the service that Laramie used, but I think something better can be made. Possibly a twitter type service aimed specifically towards theatre.
I agree that the distinction must be made between cellphone etiquette in an outdoor concert vs. an indoor theatre where noise level can become very loud and distracting rather quickly. In venues like the Hollywood Bowl for example, audiences are expected to bring camera, cellphones, dinner and other noisy activities to the concert experience. Point being, cellphone use may be appropriate depending on the venue and the event.
With the rise of smart phones, it seems like there has also been a rise in the expectation that people want to use their phones for more then just phones. While the whole cocept of "theirs an app for that" not doubt makes the lives of lots of people easier, there are still a lot of people out there who do not know how to or want to deal with the text messaging aspect of their phone, let alone set up a Twitter account to fire off program notes to them on the fly.
The article brought up the concept of approrpriate venues for the usage of cellphones, which as far as I can tell is relativly clear to most. From what I was taught/instinctively do with my phone, it seems like if the sound of my phone going off in some way would be disruptive, the phone goes off. During concerts, sport events, or even in outdoor performances where there's less of an echo and more people my phone tends to stay on. I think a lot of people follow similar rules, and the idea of trying to selectively get people to break these rules seems like an uphill battle that just won't succeed due to age differences and technological understandings.
This sort of thing is very gimmick-y and I've yet to see a good example of how it is used in a theatrical production; however, I do see the benefits of using twitter or txting as a way of giving the audience information pertinent about the show. I would love to see a way of incorporating this into the story telling, but right now this seems like something new that people just want to do because they can.
I think as theatre artists we have no choice but to embrace technology in our craft. It is certainly not going anywhere anytime soon. I am not necessarily saying that all theatrical presentations need to incorporate cell phones or tweeting into their performances, rather that we begin to accept their existence as opposed to trying to shut them down. Sadly, many people are just unwilling to disconnect themselves from the outside world even for the time between curtain and intermission. Perhaps it is our role as theatre practitioners to allow the technology in in a way that still stays true to our art. What that is, I do not know.
I am a big fan of technology, twitter, and iphone apps. I also realize that while we have to be in touch with technology in this day and age, it doesn't mean that we should feel pressured to use them. While Twitter is a great application for talk backs and administering information, there are other modes of technology that could be used for the same purpose. With all of these different forms of technology available to us, I wonder how much the theater world will continue to use and adapt.
I agree that sometimes the use of cell phones can depend on the venue of a show. For outdoor shows, it is much more acceptable because you aren't within the close confines of the theater, where you are more likely to distract the person sitting next to you. However, while using Twitter and other applications during shows sounds intriguing, it seems like it would detract from the play to much as the audience would be more involved in keeping up with what's going on with their phones rather than watching the play. I think it has it's applications, but I just think it becomes too distracting to the audience at times
Normally, I would say that I do not support cell phone use during a performance, but this author brought up a very good point. There are times when it is acceptable. I think the use of Twitter during The Laramie Project Epilogue was very creative, and a smart use. I also think though that any show which plans to have this "cell phone involvement" needs to think long and hard about whether it will actually be a good thing or just a distraction. Last week, I made a comment on another cell phone article, in which I said that I think that once people get on their phones, they are going to start doing things other than what they are supposed to be doing. Phones can be such a distraction even if the performance is captivating.
First off i just want to comment on the iphone app. that looks like so much fun. I like that the app is like playing an actual instrument in the fact that you have to blow on it and use your fingers to play the notes. to me that makes it better than just a regular iphone app. Now, when it comes to during a performance i do think it is rude to be using your cell phone. after a performance is fine. i also think that would be distracting for the actors.
The problem with this article is still what it means to have your cellphone on. To use cellphones as part of the show is an entirely different matter. And while there is a time and place for cellphone integration there are still shows where it is not appropriate and should be somehow resolved.
Integration of technology and new methods of story telling are always interesting but cellphones are still unpredictable and random and can still ruin a performance.
Jumping on the technological bandwagon by broadcasting shows, or using twitter is just such a badly thought out idea. It is appropriate for some shows in a specific context but it's not okay to assume it works for everything.
I think it is really cool that organizations are finally starting to use social networking sites as "good" instead of "evil." I think it is a great way to market a show to a fresh and younger audience base. I am a fan of integrating technology into life because it is a part of our world now and people need to stop being afraid of it. Instead of complaining about it people need to be thinking about more creative ways yo use it.
While I understand the want to integrate such an integral part of our everyday life into a theatrical performance in order to allow people to relate. However, I think the negative aspects of having a cell phone far outweigh the possible benefits.
The distraction of being connected to the entire world while trying to focus on the performance at hand is really ridiculous.
Also, I believe that using this, unless truly integrated into the telling of the story, would just be gimmicky and distracting to the reception of the meaning of the pieces.
With the amount of people who use cell phones today, it may be best to embrace the technology and allow for people to explore new and innovative uses in productions.
Yes! This article is amazing!
If you haven't already, download and read the archived Twitter performance; it's amazing. Basically we've established a new medium of communication and potential story telling based on a physical restriction placed on cell phone communication. Can you do art with 140 character or less? I think yes; even though late night television makes fun of it quite frequently, there is a certain type of poetry inherent in concise forms. By conforming our communication and ideas to this established convention, we've created something new. Something silly perhaps, but undoubtedly something new which people are using in new ways.
I love the idea of twittering program notes. I just came from Design for the Stage where I used my phone in class (I know, I'm a terribly rude and I apologize) to look up Wikipedia articles on things Joe Pino mentioned in class. The information can be disruptive to a performance, but it can also be used successfully as well.
Post a Comment