Rat Patrol: Coming To A Theatre Near You?
Rat Patrol: Coming To A Theatre Near You?
As you may recall, I've just about had it with rude behavior ruining my theatre experiences. And I know from your responses that I'm not alone.
While technology exists to block transmission of radio signals to cell phones, federal law currently prohibits the practice (Communications Act of 1934, section 333). But according to a report by WCBS-TV (New York), technology now exists to enable audience members to effectively rat out offensive fellow patrons.
The Regal Cinemas chain is rolling out its "Regal Guest Response System" in 114 movie theatres across America. The system is described as "a virtual remote control to mute that annoying patron who's ruining your silver screen sanity." According to the news report:
Theatre employees at Battery Park Stadium now handle that duty without patrons missing a second of film. A hand-held pager is given to a random member of the Regal Crown Club Loyalty Program who's attending each movie."If any situation does arise they can just press a button which goes directly to the pager which the manager will have and they'll signal it and they'll go right into the theater and handle the situation," theater manager Heather Dematteis said.
One would think that if the program works, it could very well mutate and spread to live theatrical venues as well faster than that uncontrollable TB strain. The best part is that "Regal Cinema says its never pinpoints the guest reporting the problems."
Is it overkill? Personally, I'm not opposed to the idea, and frankly, it's much easier for the theatre to deal with rude patrons than vigilant (or is that vigilante?) audience members. Sign me up for the device!
This is Steve On Broadway (SOB).
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Labels: Broadway, Musical, Play, Regal Cinemas, Theatre Etiquette
posted by Steve On Broadway (SOB) @ Wednesday, May 30, 2007
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