Free Theatre/Concert Tickets Discussion Thread

[canadian_turtle]

Taking photos in the theatre is frowned upon and most of the time not allowed for a whole variety of reasons. Before/during the show it's disruptive for fellow audience members and the actors alike. And even at the curtain call there are things like copyright infringement of the set and costumes and even the theatre itself to take into consideration. I've been to Q/As that happened to be held in a room with part of a set on it that even didn't allowed photography for these copyrigh issues.

[canadian_turtle]

On a different note. I found out yesterday about a VERY limited run of Spring Awakening in London (only 4 shows over 3 days, yesterday until Sunday) and while it is a student production and as such not all voices were very strong or confident (yet) it was fantastic to see this amazing production (and possibly my all time favourite musical soundtrack) back on stage again.

It's playing at the Pleasance Theatre in Islington and tickets are only £10/£15:

http://www.pleasance.co.uk/islington/ev ... -awakening

[nathankw]

Taking photos in the theatre is frowned upon and most of the time not allowed for a whole variety of reasons. Before/during the show it's disruptive for fellow audience members and the actors alike. And even at the curtain call there are things like copyright infringement of the set and costumes and even the theatre itself to take into consideration. I've been to Q/As that happened to be held in a room with part of a set on it that even didn't allowed photography for these copyrigh issues.

Before/during the show - of course it should be banned.
But I still don't understand the issue at the curtain call.

Just saying copyright is meaningless unless there's some harm that comes to the theatre. If I record a whole performance I guess there's a small chance someone will watch the recording and not come to the play (though unlikely). But if I tweet a pic of the curtain call that's free advertising. Taking pics is almost always a sign that someone loved the play - they'll tell their friends and promote it on social media. Banning it is shooting themselves in the foot.

[canadian_turtle]

I'm not making it up, more than once I was in an audience where all we saw was someone doing a talk on stage where we were told that photography wasn't allowed for copyrigh issues of the theatre and set.

[Rainey]

As well as the Copyright issue C_T has mentioned I think it's just probably easier for the Theatre staff to police a blanket ban than have the general public have to follow rules they can only have the camera's out at certain times, they will only then try and bend the rules and get them out that bit early and argue the toss.

[canadian_turtle]

I just looked into the issue online trying to find some more information and time and time again it is mentioned that sets are protected by copyright rules and also that due to equity the actors aren't allowed to be photographed in costume. Theaters are not making this request to make more profit by keeping the performance a secret from outsiders who do not p*y for a ticket, but they are respecting copyright laws that allow the creator of the performance to maintain control of their creative works and make a living with their creativity.

This is a really good article on why no photography is allowed, even at curtain call: http://www.playbill.com/features/articl ... ay-Theatre

Some quotes from the article:

We're instructed in some theatres that the actual curtain of the show is copyrighted.

In some cases, there are security reasons for it [photography ban in the theatre].

Penn suggested that the moratorium on pre-show photos might also be the theatre's way of enforcing a uniform, easy-to-understand policy.

[nathankw]

I'm not making it up, more than once I was in an audience where all we saw was someone doing a talk on stage where we were told that photography wasn't allowed for copyrigh issues of the theatre and set.

I wasn't criticising you or saying you were making it up - rather saying that theatres blaming copyright is a bit meaningless in this context.

Thanks for the playbill article - that gave me more of an understanding of their mindset. I still think its bonkers though.

Theatre is going to have a tough time as it is - making it difficult for your audience to promote you through social media will just hasten the death of the theatre. Still - it's their (curtain) call.

[filmcat]

The Sunshine Boys (tonight) is showing as available again.

http://www.showfilmfirst.com/pin/684506


I'm going again!!! (coincided with my friends birthday week so good all round!)

[filmcat]

The Sunshine Boys @ The Savoy audience were much more vocal this time. Lots more clapping and shrieks at some of the comments.

Although I could pre-empt some of the lines it was good to watch over again. [spoiler]Especially the Saucy / Black nurses.[/spoiler]

[canadian_turtle]

Free understudy run of the Sunshine Boys

The Sunshine Boys Understudy Run- Friday 22nd June 2.30pm! All welcome: free,no booking required just turn up at The Savoy!