While use of Yondr is growing in pop music, theater, and comedy, the Lincoln Center performances mark the first-ever utilization for classical music concerts.
Friday, October 04, 2019
Lincoln Center Introduces Yondr To Present First Phone-Free Classical Music Performances
While use of Yondr is growing in pop music, theater, and comedy, the Lincoln Center performances mark the first-ever utilization for classical music concerts.
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6 comments:
I like this concept but I feel that the flaw lies in allowing an audience member to keep their device with them, even if in a pouch. Yes, once the phone is locked in the pouch, you have to step outside to unlock the pouch to use the phone, but allowing a person to hold in their hands a device that for most of the time they are glued to may result in more people getting up during the performance to rush out to check their phone or something else. Also, what is the plan if the babysitter calls? Not that I am advocating for phones to be allowed in these spaces, but with this program I think there needs to be other options for patrons, especially those with small children or those who may forget that their phone is in a pouch in their purse or bag and leave and not realize this until after the theatre has gone dark for the night. Perhaps it could like a coat check where the patron checks their device with the house or something similar where I am not thinking about the need to unlock a pouch for the phone that is in my pocket.
I often find that when I go to the theatre I love the feeling of having to turn off my phone for 2 or so hours, and completely unplug. However, I do not think that is true for everyone. Many times I have sat in the audience and have seen the little white light pop up in front of me with a phone call or text or email. This not only is distracting to the actors on stage but to audience members. I like this new, “phone-less” experience as an almost a way of forcing yourself to let go of your phone because for some even the temptation of having it in their pocket is too much to handle. I also think that overall, the theatre is a very intimate space and the connection between the actors and the audience is personal, sporadic and “in the moment”. However, when a phone is brought in, that whole connection is shattered. I would be extremely interested to hear from the audience members their experience partaking in this new idea!
I think the title mischaracterizes what this performance is. The title makes it sound as though audience members must put their cell phones in these pouches rather than giving the audience the option to put there phone in a pouch. While I understand why this is a good service for shows where they required you to be cell phone free, I wonder why someone would use for the service when they could just as easily turn their cell phone off and put it away. To me, it seems as though the outcome is the same. I also wonder if this service will be offered at all of the venues at Lincoln Center or just this concert. I’m curious to know how successful this program is. I love the post-show unofficially talkback. It sounds like an amazing way for the audience to interact with performers in a more casual way then a typical talkback.
I think this is a good idea but I am not sure whether it would be effective when put in place. As somebody who often attends and performs in classical concerts, the presence of cell phones can be distracting and frustrating. As somebody commented previously, this service is not mandatory and is just an option open to those willing to participate. The given option is good to have, but I feel like those who participate are people who wouldn’t be on their phone in the first place, and those who want to keep their phones out are the ones who will cause the problems. Then again, there is no way to know. I do think patreons should have the opportunity to use their phone during intermission if needed, and that exists with the “phone stations”, which I am not sure how I feel about. To me, that feels a bit extreme. I am curious to see how this system works when implemented in a real concert setting.
I have used these Yondr pouches before at several Dave Chappelle shows and have to say I loved them from the very start. Now I know it may sound weird talking about how much I appreciate a pouch that simply keeps my phone locked up but it does really work and make a difference in the performance. In particular I think at the comedy shows where artists are then able to be themselves and expresses their ideas with little fear of backlash or losing their own material to people recording it is really amazing in the experience. Now while I defiantly could see issues with it for some people worried about others outside of the venue but they can still make them work in most venues. Bringing these to more and more live events. Now I do think some events are going in the opposite direction like festivals with their art displays and instagram heavy experiences but I do think theatre is a field that will look more into eliminating the disturbances.
I am all here for this. I think too many people keep their phones on or they forget to turn them off and then they go off during the show. Nothing is more annoying than seeing the glow of a phone on during a show. The idea that you are still able to hold onto your phone and not be able to use it is great. This was you don’t have to leave your phone with someone and you know you won’t be able to use. Yes, I understand that emergencies happen and you might have to answer the phone. But in reality how many of those messages are real emergencies. Also this was never a major concern prior to early 2000’s since cell phone was not a big thing. they are currently doing this on Freestyle Love Supreme and I am wondering how it is going and if there have been any issues.
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