Are cameras allowed

What do people do with all these pictures and videos?

 

Youtube, Flickr (Facebook - {GAG!})

 

This must be something new because I have seen every Cirque show except Mystere (the last one being Zumanity this past November) and at every single one they have been adamant about no photos allowed under any circumstances!

 

I have been to only 2 shows that allow cameras - no flash - Zarkana and then Mike Hammer downtown. Vinnie Favarito became very angry with someone who he caught twice with their cell phone out - I don't think she was taking pictures but texting - and he got pissed. At the beginning of KA they have a routine in the play about cell phone/cameras - pretty cute.

For a person who is paying $100-200 for a show you don't want the person next to you to constantly have a camera or a cell phone out -- it would be disrespectful. We sat next to a couple during KA a few years ago. She was not using a camera or cell phone - She just talked through the whole show -- Every single acrobat feat she would yell out in delight -- I mean every single one - which is almost the entire show. At first it was kind of cute but after about 10 minutes of constant awwing and cooing I was wishing I had a sock - I could tell they were somewhere from the south - deep south - I'm from Texas so I know a redneck when I see/hear one.

Unfortunately you can't ban annoying behavior from the shows.

 

I hear ya! I know it's a neat trick, but to scream after every one gets old and deafening!

 

But you can notify an usher. If someone consistently makes noise (or light or whatever) they are hampering your enjoyment of the show. Most theaters I've been in are vigilant about asking people to stop, but they have to be made aware of the issue first.

As for cameras, years ago I was taking pictures of my friends (facing away from the stage) at our seats in 'O', 15 minutes before the show started. And the usher got UGLY with me. I understand not wanting to disturb actors. I even understand not wanting photos of your set/stage/engineering to be released. But photos of people with no theater in screen? The usher's response was a little out of proportion to my infraction.

 

Yes, fairly new. I saw Zarkana back in November and it was allowed then. I saw KA in February and May but I don't remember if photos were allowed in February. I can't imagine Zumanity would allow photography because of the nudity. Maybe they figure that its going to happen anyways, might as well tell people to not use their flash. To be honest, not too many people were taking pictures around me which was nice.