Published November 6, 2026
Today, I’m breaking from my usual pattern to discuss something important to our performing arts scene; an issue that comes up at nearly every performance.
Before most shows, a representative from the venue or event will announce that audience members should silence or turn off their cell phones. Depending on the event, photography, whether with or without flash, and video recording may also be strictly prohibited.
It is always important to follow the house rules given by the venue or event staff. These guidelines are often put in place not only to enhance everyone’s viewing experience, but to show respect for performers and sometimes to follow copyright protocol.
I occasionally see audience members who choose to disregard the stated rules, ultimately distracting everyone around them. Every time it happens, it is terribly awkward and, dare I say, cringeworthy.
Every once in a while, however, an event takes a different approach. For example, when my dad and I attended Liverpool Legends at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts, no announcement prohibited photography or videography.
In situations like these, audience members have freedom to decide whether to take photos or record portions of the performance, as long as they remain considerate of those around them.
The audience at Liverpool Legends was relatively courteous, but I did witness something else that was very discouraging. This leads to our discussion.
Even when a performance explicitly permits audience members to take photographs or record videos, I still encourage you to keep one important sentiment in mind: just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
The Main Discussion
At one point during the concert, I looked up and noticed three people of different generations holding up their phones: a young child, a fully grown adult, and an elderly community member. They appeared to be taking pictures or possibly texting a loved one. It was quite a sight, and it immediately inspired the conversation I’m having with you.
I knew I had to capture the moment. Unfortunately, I could only capture the child and the elderly audience member without drawing too much attention to myself or distracting others. Still, the age contrast here offers an interesting perspective.
Have you ever heard the song “Children Will Listen” from Into the Woods? I’ll let you guess what it’s about. Children pay attention to what’s happening around them, including the behavior of adults of all ages. An adult might tell a child to put their phone away, but what happens when that same adult has their own phone out? What message does that send?
Even if nobody has a direct conversation with a child about cell phone etiquette, children learn by observing the people around them. If they see adults taking pictures or video, texting, or scrolling during a performance, they may naturally assume that doing the same thing is perfectly acceptable.
Maybe you think that is fine, but I do want to make you aware of a risk you will inevitably run into:
When we become so focused on capturing the moment on camera, our attention suddenly becomes focused more on the phone than the performer. We watch the performer on our phone screen rather than right in front of us. That’s a shame, isn’t it?
That brings us back to the question I raised earlier: Just because you can, does it mean you should? You can guess my answer: no.
That doesn’t mean I’m a Scrooge or a Grinch who wants to deprive people of photographs for their scrapbooks or memory banks. Quite the opposite! I value those memories so much that I want to do everything I can to protect them, and that is why I believe we should be more intentional about how we capture them.
My suggestion is simple: take pictures in the lobby or in your seats before the show, then put your phone away during the performance. If you feel it is necessary to photograph or video, and it doesn’t break the house rules, limit yourself to one or two photographs and/or short videos.
You can often find higher-quality photographs through the performers' social media accounts or official websites. You may be able to save or download those to preserve the memory, which would likely be a far better quality than what your phone could capture.
You can also buy memorabilia in the lobby or online for another tangible reminder of the experience. Sometimes, a program, souvenir, or other keepsake can be just as meaningful as a photograph.
As the holiday season approaches, I encourage you to put your phone away and allow yourself to be fully engaged with your surroundings and the people you love.