Thanks to everyone who enjoyed this year’s theatremonkey April Fool.
Just so you know, the physics on the blocking lights is real – only problem is the Infrared may cause skin issues. Still, it could work, oddly enough.
Great (and maybe not so great) news potentially, for those hoping to catch Ariana Grande in “Sunday In The Park With George” next year at the Barbican Theatre.
Startup tech company Showstarfix GMBH are launching a new app and lighting system to help manage the whole fan experience both inside the theatre and at the stage door afterwards.
Their new app “Showstarfix” is being tested this year on a number of theatre productions, in readiness for its possible full debut at “Sunday In The Park With George” in 2027.
A fully integrated solution, it solves both how to control fan meetings at the stage door safely, and also how to prevent unauthorised photography and filming during the show.
For those coming to the show and wanting to meet a cast member after, it will end the problem of both the stage door squash, and also crushed dreams when the stars don’t appear to meet and greet fans.
This new system lets arriving audiences scan a QR code in the foyer to download the “Showstarfix App” to their phones.
At the interval, the app will display the cast members who will be available to “meet and greet” fans after the performance.
Stars will be able to specify a “signing fee”, the number of fans they are willing to meet, and the length of interaction (typically 3 minutes) each fan is entitled to for the payment.
All members of the cast, company, musicians and even backstage and front of house team will be able to make themselves available, and it is hoped audience members will take the opportunity to choose to chat to technical team members and learn more about the jobs and possible careers available beyond acting.
Fans will be able to book their slot and pay using phone wallets or card. While limited to only one slot per performer, they can select to meet any number of the cast and crew – the app will allocate sensible time slots to allow it.
The theatre will provide a safe “meet and greet” space – either in one of the theatre bars or foyers, sometimes in the main auditorium or even on the stage itself. The app will provide instructions once the booking has been confirmed.
Showstarfix GMBH also go a step further, by making the show experience itself even better for everybody watching in the audience.
Their “Starseefix” system is a clever new rubber-enclosed strip of LED lights, installed around the entire proscenium arch and across the front of the stage, unobtrusive and without disruption to the show’s design.
The LEDs emit light at “Near-Infrared” (700nm to 1000nm) frequencies. When switched on, it disrupts camera phone censors – creating a purple haze should anyone attempt to film or take a photograph.
This ensures that interaction with performers is now entirely in control of the production. No troublesome filming, and safer and assured meetings for the public in far more enjoyable conditions.
The monkey for one finds the idea rather Grande, to coin a phrase, and looks forward to using the system itself in its first trials and maybe even on the big day next year.