PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WHDH) — A Rhode Island performance arts theater is designating specific seats for Twitter junkies out there.
“It’s important to us to get the word out to as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. And Twitter’s the perfect vehicle for that,” said P.J. Prokop, Providence Performing Arts Center.
The Providence Performing Arts Center launched its "tweet-seat program" during a performance in April during the production of “Bring It On.” Since then, the theater has allowed tweeting during four other performances.
“The tweeters are seeing the show right at this moment, and they’re enjoying it and it’s a first reaction,” said Caitlyn DiPompo, Providence Performing Arts Center.
“We see a broad range of tweet-seaters so it’s not just a younger person or an older person. Really run the gamut in terms of interest level,” said Prokop.
A show’s producer decides whether or not tweeting is allowed. Sometimes it’s done during a performance, other times only during intermission.
“It does engage people. And it gets someone to be part of the process,” Prokop said.
Concerned patrons should know PPAC is taking precautions to limit distraction. Tweeters can’t take pictures or video.
“They have to be quiet so not to distract the other patrons. Also, we ask that they not reveal any crucial plot lines from the show,” said DiPompo.
The theater says there’s never more than 20 tweeters in the audience. Participants will receive a complimentary ticket.
The theater estimates the average tweet-seater sends 12 or more tweets per performance.
The “Tweet Seats” are in the very back of the theater.
Tweeters are also asked to reduce the brightness of their phone or tablet so it's not as noticeable.