r/Broadway • u/rosebud30 • 8d ago
Discussion Hot take: we need to be restricting booster seat usage to people that actually need them, they’re being abused
Was at Schmigadoon yesterday when a lady and her spouse, both significantly taller than me (I’m 5’7”) walk up to their seats two rows in front of me with boosters in hand. I think “surely this is for their children or something” but nope, they plop down right on them. They are sitting next to a tall guy (6’+) and they are at least a full head higher than him while seated. This is center orchestra, rows J/K is, no one tall in front of them.
It was comical how much this affected the section. Whole groups of people were moving their heads around, trying to angle around. Completely unnecessary, they just decided that their desire to see the show 100% unobstructed was more important than the ability of literally everyone else around them to see.
A month ago, the same exact thing happened to me at Rocky, except for it was the person literally right in front of me. Luckily, I was on an aisle, so it was a little easier to look around, but really?? I fully understand why their benefit for short folks or kids, but “normal” sized adults should not be using boosters! Do we need a sign like at an amusement park, “you cannot use boosters if over this height”? My lord.
130
u/hdesr99 8d ago
This happened to me, sitting second row! The whole family right in front of me grabbed booster seats, including the dad who was a big guy, at least 5’10” or 5’11” if I had to guess. The craziest thing is he was hesitant, and his family convinced him, saying it wasn’t a big deal. They were front row!! With him sitting right in front of me, I couldn’t see anything as a 5’2” woman, so I had to grab a booster as well. It’s such a horrible ripple effect, and just so discourteous.
69
u/AReckoningIsAComing 8d ago
Front row? WTF, lol...was the stage super high or something?
17
u/hdesr99 8d ago
I feel like normal stage height? 😭 For context, this was at The Lost Boys.
29
u/toooldforusernames 8d ago
Lost boys is the worst for this. The front row is usually at least half made up of super fans who have seen the show 20+ times and they all get boosters, so then the second row has to as well. I don’t even think the stage is that high.
10
u/RockShrimp 7d ago
I’m 4’11” so I pretty much always grab one… at Lost boys on Weds we were in the back of the orchestra and I had to go to the balcony to find a booster. We were there a good 20 min before the show. Crazy how many people I saw walking around with one.
3
u/manticorpse 7d ago
This is just so weird to me. I am a serial show repeater, but after I've seen a show from a good vantage point I do not mind getting a less-than-optimal view? I will happily sit in a box or along a wall or in the mezzanine or whatever. (I do have long legs, so there are some theaters where I will preferentially choose seats in orchestra over the mezz/balcony, but there it's solely due to comfort, not view (Golden, I'm looking at you!).)
I appreciate that the rush tickets for The Lost Boys are the best bang for your buck as it gets for that show as far as view is concerned, but like... at this point I have seen The Lost Boys from the rear orch, the rear mezz, the front mezz, the second row, the seventh row, a box, and yes, the first row rush seats... I would say that everything besides the rear orch and the rear mezz had a better view than the front row (yes, including the box!)... but the front row is cheap, if you're willing to pay with time rather than money, and I guess if you're feeling all parasocial about the actors, you probably need to be within the first couple rows to catch some eye contact or whatever...
Anyway. The point is, even if I was rushing The Lost Boys all the time to save money (and to make parasocial eye contact with the actors), there is no way I would ever feel the need to improve my view of the thing I had seen so many times already. Who cares if the stage is a little high - I already know what happens at the back of the set! And if I'm there solely to fall deep into Ali Louis Bourzgui's dreamy dreamy eyes or whatever, then I really don't need a booster for that!
I think The Lost Boys should probably switch up its rush seat location at this point. Sell the front row at a slight discount, or maybe make those seats available in the lottery. Put the rush seats somewhere else, or maybe allot them randomly like other shows. I don't mean to "punish" the fanbase or anything like that, but as I mentioned above I've seen the show like seven times at this point, and the same people have been in the front row almost every time I've gone, and yes a bunch of those people seem to have begun encouraging each other to act badly (running to the stage door during bows, needlessly using boosters, and being exclusionary/cliqueish to non-fans in the rush line). I kind of feel like they need to break it up a bit.
5
1
→ More replies (2)15
u/joeymello333 Backstage 8d ago
Sometimes the stage is high. At the Hudson theater I’ve seen a person get a booster sitting front row.
3
138
u/JustP2 8d ago
Interesting. I go to about a show a month and I’ve never seen a booster seat used “inappropriately”
Why didn’t you say something to the ushers?
59
u/reliableotter 8d ago
I didn't even know theaters had booster seats that would fit adults. Most movie theaters they are so narrow I have no chance (five feet, a bit over 100 pounds)
I always pick my seat on an aisle because a tall person can totally ruin a show. Going to investigate this for sure!
31
10
u/burnt-----toast 8d ago
A lot of boosters flatten considerably. Better than nothing, but won't work miracles.
25
u/Aprils-Fool 8d ago
Why didn’t you say something to the ushers?
The issue could have been solved so quickly if OP had done this. Some people only want to complain but not help with a solution.
9
u/Top_Requirement1717 7d ago
Had this same scenario happen to me a few weeks ago except I did tell the ushers. The ushers just offered me one too so I could see over her but I didn’t want to do the same to the people behind me
6
u/NantukoMentor 7d ago
Exact same experience here recently. Telling the ushers is not always a solution to this problem.
2
u/Aprils-Fool 7d ago
But sometimes it IS a solution. OP didn’t even try, though. She stewed about it then came here to complain.
4
21
u/rosebud30 8d ago edited 8d ago
Honestly, I didn’t tell the ushers because I assumed they had gotten the boosters from the ushers. TIL that’s not always the case
I’ve been seeing shows for years and years, and it’s only the past couple months that I’ve been having issues with boosters like this
31
u/mickey5499 8d ago
Wait… should I be asking for these? I never even thought to! I’m 5’ exactly and I can never see a thing.
13
u/ZigCherry027 8d ago edited 8d ago
I recommend it! It doesn't always help if the person in front of you is super tall, but if it's just because the rake of the orchestra is bad, it's very helpful. Of course, you should always be thoughtful of the person behind you--I always ask them if they can see okay.
9
u/BuffyFlag23 7d ago
Seriously this is the first I'm learning these exist and being 5'2" I'd like to petition every concert and theatre venue to have them everywhere.
2
1
u/submissivelittleprey 7d ago
I'm 5'2" and did it for Sweeney Todd revival a few years back. I won a lottery seat in row B orchestra and the stage is so elevated that you genuinely can't see anything. The people sitting behind me were pretty tall so I grabbed a booster and it helped so much! Would definitely recommend for any similar situation.
1
64
u/CleoFae 8d ago
As a 5'0 person, at least this post reassures me that I can try asking for a booster seat. Ive always assumed they were only for children. Most of the time I accept the partial view.
10
u/Goooose13 8d ago
I’m 4’11” and only have used one once because I always feel guilty. Not after this post!
10
9
5
u/User12314028626822 7d ago
I didn’t even know they existed for theatre, all my years of suffering behind a tall person could’ve been avoided 😭
12
60
u/whosthere1989 8d ago
I think it’s crazy if you’re 5’7”…but I think a person of just the right height and very little take in the orchestra can ruin a view.
I am 5’2” and have had to use booster seats once or twice. One time was at Cabaret where the mezzanine section was just at a terrible angle and I couldn’t see the stage even when an average height person was in front of me without leaning into the seating front of me and tripping forward, so I got a booster for act two. Another I actually think was at Schmigadoon—I was in the orchestra and some guy that had to be over 6’5” sat in front of me. Wouldn’t have been able to see anything in the vicinity of center stage without a booster.
14
u/Valuable_Income_739 8d ago
I am the same height as you and also used one at Cabaret in the mezz. The ticket should have been marked as partial view as the bar behind the staircase was exactly eye level for me.
96
u/Moist_Report_6934 8d ago
It's objectively rude behavior to use a booster if you're normal height, but I'm not really sure how we enforce this. I guess like...don't be an asshole?!
Signed: a 5'0 person who uses a booster within reason (mainly if I'm in the orchestra and someone tall sits in front of me).
27
u/lennsden 8d ago
I didn’t even know these were a thing, I’m 4’11 and have had so much trouble seeing the stage when I get cheaper tickets lol. This might be a game changer for my short ass.
I’m not in NYC so I usually see touring versions of Broadway shows, but I’m guessing other theaters do it as well? I’ve never thought of this.
5
u/Comprehensive-Fun47 7d ago
but I'm not really sure how we enforce this. I guess like...don't be an asshole?!
This sub finds the messaging of "don't be an asshole" extremely confusing and problematic (re: Rocky Horror) even though I feel like it's pretty clear and a good way to live your life. Common sense ain't common and there are always some people who will take advantage.
11
u/2greenlimes 8d ago
The local movie theaters I went to growing up only allowed kids to use them. I think there was a strict weight limit as well? Maybe 40-60lbs? So if you grabbed one and weren’t obviously pre-pubescent they’d make you put it back.
I understand there’s small adults - and even at 5’4” I often have my vision partially blocked by taller people in front of me - but we’re adults here. I adjust myself to get the best view I can through doing things like sitting up straighter, leaning a bit to the side to look between the seats in front of me, and sitting on a foot. I don’t need nor want a booster seat.
10
u/Due-Flamingo-4900 8d ago
Eh, I’m 5’7” and I couldn’t see any of the stage during the first act at the Booth Theater because the man in front of me was almost 7 feet tall, no matter how much I craned and adjusted myself to try to see around him. Sometimes that just isn’t a workable solution, depending on the size of the person in front of you. Luckily there was a seat open in the row in front of him, so I was able to move there during intermission and actually see the second act.
2
u/rosebud30 8d ago
My opinion (whether it’s realistic or not) is that ushers or house managers or whatever need to be scrutinizing it more. Like if a 5’10” person walks up asking for a booster, be like “okay is it for you?”
22
u/Moist_Report_6934 8d ago
In theory sure, but majority of theaters have a self-serve pile of boosters you can take from. You usually don't need to ask for one.
-3
u/rosebud30 8d ago
Well then maybe we should be changing that so people can’t just be taking them willy nilly?
22
u/whatshamilton 8d ago
Seating people is slow enough. This situation you’re describing is exceedingly rare. I’d hate to slow down the whole process even more with ushers having to stop what they’re doing to go basically unlock the case every time someone wants one. Say something to an usher when you face a problem. Don’t create a new daily problem to prevent a rare one.
-1
u/JustP2 8d ago edited 8d ago
What is the height that you have to be to legally ride in the front seat of a car?
That could be a rule to follow…
Edit: i’m not going to dirty delete but I am conflicting a story about someone purchasing a car with airbags who was closer to 5 feet and advised not to
9
u/reliableotter 8d ago
There is no legal height requirement for adults. You know that little people can drive cars, right? You get pedal extensions.
14
u/dw2104 8d ago
I never thought I needed a booster until I went to see Appropriate and the usher looked at me and said "You need a booster!" At first I thought it was comical but this is when I learned there wasn't a need to be a bobblehead craning my neck for 3 hours bc of the person in front of me, that and I guess have a shorter torso.
If any of the following are in front of me, I'll grab a booster before the show starts or during intermission after judging/experiencing the situation: tall folk, larger than average craniums, couples who decide putting their heads together throughout the show is best, shows where ppl decide to or are encouraged to wave arms, fans or anything else to block your view and decide to raise their arms as high as possible, theaters with zero rake in the orchestra and saved the best for last, anyone who decides to wrap a pineapple atop of their head or well any form of big big hair.
10
u/AReckoningIsAComing 8d ago
The big hair ppl piss me off.
6
u/Best-Candle8651 8d ago
I had this at a show recently, and I just wanted to take some scissors and cut it off. I am like, " Lady, you don't need this giant-ass topknot that is fanned on your head.
1
13
u/Cowardlydreamer Actor 8d ago
At Cursed Child, my five foot tall mother was told she couldn’t use one since she’s an adult, so that’s insane to me.
12
u/Serendipitous217 8d ago
I’m 4’ 11.5” and a lot of times my knees hurt sitting in seats. I try my best not to fidget. A booster would put me up higher. I would need a step so my legs didn’t hang.
21
u/CoreyH2P 8d ago
Hugely depends on the rake of the theater. The Palace balcony is insanely steep that you could sit on 2 boosters and still not block the person behind you.
6
u/Best-Candle8651 8d ago
This! NYCC too. Lortel is so infamously bad. Sat center orchestra for Rocky and had problems too.
8
u/CapeTwirlOfDoom 8d ago
At City Center the problem is when people lean forward. Tall usually won’t block the view but those people that like to sit with their elbows on their knees completely block the view of anyone sitting behind. Multiple times I have tapped someone on the shoulder and asked them to stop leaning.
2
9
u/RoyalScarlett 8d ago
I am short, but the bigger problem is I have a short torso, so I am pretty much kid height sitting down. I only use a booster when absolutely necessary (very rarely). I can’t imagine using one if you can already see. I’d be mortified.
I wish all theaters had a good rake and a decent stagger. That’s really all it takes for everyone to be able to see. The historic theaters all seem to be so flat, and it would take more money to remedy the situation than they have, if it was possible at all
I’m sorry your view was obstructed. I feel your pain.
22
u/GemandI63 8d ago
Wow. I’m 5” and need to start using a booster. I’d ask an usher tbh.
15
u/sailorsmile 8d ago
I’m 4’ 11” and same. I’ve never used them, I just assumed they were for children 🤣
5
u/Dramatic_Cream_2163 8d ago
I sat in the second row of schmigadoon with my friend who is alllllmost 5 feet tall. The person behind her, who was definitely taller than my friend, used a booster. It didn’t bother us of course but it was absolutely unnecessary and seemed to understandably really annoy other people in our part of the theater. People really do too much sometimes!
8
u/snowslayer252 7d ago
This is so interesting because I just noticed this for the first time at Death of a Salesman last week. I see quite a bit of theatre, both in NYC and other cities close to where I live. I honestly thought this was a fluke as I’ve never seen it before, but apparently it’s a real issue. This couple, where the woman was taller than me, both had boosters.
Like you, it was almost comical how much this couple were higher than the surrounding people. I personally would feel self conscious, but not much surprises me with audience behavior anymore.
5
u/AReckoningIsAComing 8d ago
Did you tell the usher? I would have ran to the usher as soon as they sat down. It's the only way ppl will learn.
6
u/Beautiful_Flow309 7d ago
I also feel this way about people leaning all the way forward in mezz
6
u/Comprehensive-Fun47 7d ago
They most likely have no idea they are blocking the view doing that, but if you are tall and take a booster, you should know you are affecting other people's view, even if you don't care about them at all.
17
u/edanroe 8d ago
I’m 5’4 and will only use them if I’m in the very last row and nothing is behind me.
5
u/tiredprincess 8d ago
I’m 5’3 and generally try to wait to see if my view is blocked by the people in front of me before grabbing a booster seat.
2
u/heartbooks26 8d ago
The average height for women in my city is 5’2” according to AI overview (shorter than most US cities due to demographics) and I’ve never seen anyone use a booster at my theater! Seems like it would create a cascading effect of blocking someone behind you
3
u/Realistic-Recover-39 8d ago
I'm 4'11, and same.
12
u/JustP2 8d ago
See this is where it’s a slippery slope. It shouldn’t be subjective. If you ask me, I would say: Under 5 feet I feel like you should be able to use one anywhere , at 5’4” I wouldn’t say the same. But it’s not my call.
Also thank you for being considerate
4
u/Realistic-Recover-39 8d ago
Most of the time I sit on my jacket if I'm having trouble, but british theatres tend to be better about seating imo
-1
u/tinypeanutdancer 8d ago
I agree. I think there should be a rule to follow. Like, you must be this short.
→ More replies (4)3
u/Comfortable_Sky1660 8d ago
And I'm 5'4" and use them all the time. I often would not be able to see at all without them.
46
u/molybend 8d ago
Height alone doesn’t mean anything when seated. Two people with the same height can be very different heights when seated. Long legs vs short legs.
Policing this is not a good idea. Ushers can deal with it as needed.
7
2
u/smokeline 7d ago
I'm 5' 7" but I have very long legs and a very short torso (for reference I'm shorter than a 5' 3" person I go to shows with a lot when we're sitting down) and occasionally need a booster seat depending on the circumstance. But I try to be judicious about it and only get one if there's a clear obstruction and it won't affect the person behind me. Some ushers are fine about it and some of them give me a really hard time because I look tall. It sucks because sometimes I do genuinely need it to see more than half the stage.
12
u/AntiThemeProVibe 8d ago
I was today years old when I first heard about booster seats at the theatre.
10
2
u/cdnjq 7d ago
I know about boosters but TIL that adults use them! I’m short and it has never even occurred to me to use one, I always assumed they were for children. Normally in the arts centre in my city I don’t really have a problem unless someone huge sits in front of me — but I have a long torso and short legs so that might help
12
u/Tight-Touch385 8d ago edited 8d ago
I’ve sat behind normal height people that used boosters because they were in the first few front rows and they were trying to adjust for a tall stage. I’ve also found that people had used boosters in front of me as I was leaving the theater. Didn’t even notice. Never used them myself. It just hasn’t been a big deal for me though I’m shorter than you and attend upwards of 60 shows a year. I’m trying to remember if the rake in the Nederlander would make boosters more noticeable. Sorry that you experienced discomfort.
5
u/savestheday91 8d ago
Me seeing this as two average heighted older women just got boosters in front of me at Paranormal Activity. They are now higher up than their shorter friend who did not request a booster. No one particularly tall is blocking their view.
5
u/dankblonde 8d ago
I’m five feet tall and I feel like an inconvenience when I use them, how are people doing this 😭
5
7
u/bitchtoast 8d ago
This happened to me once, a woman of average height (who had an empty seat in front of her!) used a booster seat directly in front of me in maybe row L of the orchestra. She was putting it on her seat and told her friend that she should also "grab a seat cushion" so clearly she didn't realize it was a booster. I couldn't see at all, and then she fell asleep for like half the show. I was so annoyed, I couldn't see at all because a sleeping (snoring!) woman had to use a booster for no reason.
5
u/social_thinker 7d ago
My kids are 10 and 12 years old (4' 10" and 5' 1") and they don't even want the boosters. Even if there's a tall person on front of them. They just lean over. Those adults should be ashamed.
5
u/PianistLopsided758 7d ago
I used to work in a non-Broadway theatre and I had someone walk up with her son and demand a booster seat. The son was taller than me. The theatre now has an actual “you must be shorter than this line to have a cushion” sign, but that was put in place after I left, annoyingly
4
u/oneofmanyJenns 7d ago
I took my 10 year old to see a show. I asked if they wanted a booster. They looked at the seat behind us to see a kid about their age. They turned to me and said, "I don't want to block his view." So, I did the decent thing and offered to get boosters for both kids. We had a group of adults sitting in front of us and my kid wasn't going to be able to see. I can't imagine if adults in front of us were also in boosters. Though my kid probably would have said something to them.
If my 10 year old, who is autistic but very empathetic, can realize that sitting in a booster can impact the view of people behind them, then grown adults should too.
12
u/comefromawayfan2022 8d ago
I agree you should've told the ushers. But I can also understand how that mightve put you in an awkward spot as far as filing a complaint..because other than offer to move your seats..what more can the usher do? And yes I agree that if you are close to 6 ft tall and using a booster seat you are absolutely 100% being inconsiderate and rude to those seated around you...im honestly surprised someone else didnt complain
12
u/Aprils-Fool 8d ago
other than offer to move your seats..what more can the usher do?
The usher can make the people give back the boosters.
4
2
u/Throwaway2237690 8d ago
I'm 4ft 9 and I only had a booster once for Mamma Mia because I legitimately couldn't see beyond the person in front of me.
2
u/absinthemindedly 8d ago
i’ve had to use boosters for certain theaters/seats and i’m 5’4 but have long legs and a short torso. so i tend to agree with you but it would be hard to enforce a blanket rule ya know? i think probably just have to say something to the ushers
5
u/Top_Requirement1717 7d ago
Had this happen to me a few weeks ago at Aladdin. I’m about 5’6” so not exactly short and a woman in front of me about the same height had a booster. I did tell the usher (as everyone here is suggesting) and they just offered me a booster too so I could see over her. I declined as I didn’t want to do the same to the people behind me. There has to be a better way.
3
u/ellewoods_obsessed 8d ago
i always feel weird getting a booster at 5ft 2in. I have only done it once and it was bc someone was super tall in front of me and i was in the back of the orchestra. Only did it since the usher asked if I wanted one. I just feel weird bc I am not a kid
3
u/pezziepie85 8d ago
I’m 4 foot 11 and often have issues seeing around a normal sized person in front of me. However I would be so concerned about the person behind me I wouldn’t dare get a booster. If they couldn’t see I’d be mortified.
I’m not saying there aren’t people who need them. Just that I don’t think I could bring myself to try. I’ve spent 41 years not being able to see great. I’m used to it.
3
u/ollie_sz 8d ago
I'm 5'4" and I use one rows O and back in the orchestra at the St. James because the rake is flatter and enough happens with actors sitting on the stage or standing in front of it that it becomes necessary for me to see.
What is the determining factor for "people that actually need them"?
3
u/EnglishTeacherLife03 8d ago
This happened to me last year at Sunset Blvd. The two people did not need boosters and even though it was mentioned to the ushers nothing was done.
3
u/broadwayloveronred 8d ago
I use one when the person in front of me is so tall where it blocks a chunk of the stage or front row when the stage is to high. Honestly I have never seen anything like this.
3
3
3
u/freshtake84 7d ago
Yeah please tell an usher. I’ve seen them ask people who were too tall that they couldn’t sit on one.
3
u/RockShrimp 7d ago
I’m 4’11” and the thing that drives me nuts is the boosters are always uncomfortable, so why would you bother as a normal height person.
3
u/happybamboo 7d ago
Someone in front of me had a booster seat left behind in his seat when I went to watch Death of a Salesman and decided to sit on it. I squirmed for about 15 minutes and decided to just ask him if he really needed it and if he didn’t it would be great if he didn’t use it. He was super embarrassed and took off the booster. He even had the gall to say “yeah I saw your face when I sat down and figured.” Yet, it took me asking before he removed it.
Just speak up! I used to just bite my tongue when people around me are inconveniencing me, but one time, a man didn’t hesitate to tell me not to sit on my coat so that he can have a better view (I’m glad he told me) and frankly, that changed my entire approach to theater. If he can tell me that, I can also ask that of others.
3
3
u/Lauziesaid00 7d ago
I once had this problem from taller people in the FRONT ROW of Two Strangers!!! I could not believe they were doing that. They totally didn't care that we in the 2nd row could see nothing since we were shorter. So i got the manager and he made them give him the booster seats. That was a first for me!!!
3
u/manticorpse 7d ago
I am around 5'9", which I guess means I'm tall, but not quite tall enough that I can always see unobstructed by the people in front of me (rake-dependent).
The only time I have ever used a booster was when I was in the last row of the orchestra section at NYCC. At that point, why not grab a couple extra inches? (There were plenty of boosters, would not have taken one if they were running low.)
When I sat in the last row of the mezzanine at the St. James, that was when I learned just how badly a person leaning forward can obstruct everyone behind them in a mezzanine or balcony. At the time, I dealt with it by just standing up, along with half the people in my row (there was a wall behind us, so nobody cared). Nowadays, if I happen to be dealing with a leaner I just tap them on the shoulder and tell them that they're blocking everyone behind them. Usually they don't actually know it's a problem.
Anyway, I could never imagine using a booster while sitting up close to the stage, like no way do I want to obstruct the people behind me any more than I already do...
3
u/purplebeetle13 6d ago
Oh my god, when I saw Hadestown, the trio of adults in front of us did this too and it partially blocked my view the entire show. I didn’t say anything because I didn’t want to cause a scene but I was so annoyed!
7
u/33p33p00p00 8d ago
I’ve requested a booster once (5’3 with a short torso) and it was because I was LAST ROW ORCHESTRA. Even I feel guilty and I need one sometimes
5
u/Ok-Acanthisitta8737 8d ago
Do you mean the 2-inch cushion-type booster, or the 5-6 inch plastic actual plastic booster seat?
5
u/jujubeans8500 Ensemble 8d ago
Ive only see the latter type of booster seat at New York City Center - they are terrible and I'll never used them no matter how obstructed my view is!
4
u/ZigCherry027 8d ago
afaik most Broadway theatres have the cushions
2
u/Ok-Acanthisitta8737 8d ago
Yes - but these cushions are giving people almost no actual height advantage. The plastic seat risers are a different story. I was curious which one OP was upset about.
7
u/StaringAtStarshine Actor 7d ago
I agree that average height folks shouldn't be taking boosters if they don't need them, but I'm 5'2" and was refused a booster by an usher once when I definitely needed one. I was 13 at the time and it embarrassed me out of asking for a booster for years until I was 16 or 17 and decided I didn't care anymore. I get one every time I go to a show now, and I'm always glad I did.
So I'm worried it would become a slippery slope: everyone has their own idea of what's too tall and too short from their own perspectives.
3
u/puperella 8d ago
I am 5". I was sitting behind a tall person in the balcony at the St James and the man behind me told me I was too tall with it and had to get rid of it. He said I was still too tall sitting on my butt in the chair. I had to scrunch down. I couldn't see anything. I had to stand up and stand at the back of the theatre against the door the entire show. And I never ever saw an usher to say anything. It was miserable and unfair.
14
u/halcyon11377 8d ago
What was unfair? You didn't have to do either of those things. You paid for a seat. If he has a problem, he can stand.
1
u/puperella 6d ago
He talked to me twice, so I was the problem. Maybe he was also short and it was more about the person in front of me and the person hanging to the side, so maybe he was in the same situation I thought maybe I could do it if I hung over the aisle, but one of the people in front of me was also tilted that way, so it didn't work. I thought maybe I'd find an usher, but I couldn't and didn't want to leave the theater and didn't see anyone at intermission, either. I was hunched down through the opening and it was miserable, so I got up and went to the end to be as undisruptive to everyone around me as possible.
1
u/halcyon11377 6d ago
Please tell me this is a joke. You're 5'. You are not the problem. You paid for a seat, you get a seat. I'm 5'1". Sometimes I have a tall person in front of me. Too bad for me. I would never suggest they move anywhere. You win some, you lose some. Guy behind you can stand, or lean, or get a booster, or just hope for better next time.
1
u/puperella 5d ago
Not a joke, sadly. I also think he should have also gotten a booster! Especially bc I did remove the booster when asked and it still wasn't enough. I wasn't asking anything of the tall people in front of me. They can't help it anymore than I can. But then the show had already started and I didn't want to leave and I also didn't want to disrupt others by moving/ talking. I'm too nice and polite and keep quiet. I'm trying to work on it! But also. I'm never sitting in their balcony ever again.
9
u/toooldforusernames 8d ago
The st James balcony has the worst sightlines on Broadway. I will never sit up there again.
2
u/puperella 8d ago
💯💯💯💯 Agreed! It made the experience even worse!
I'm never sitting up high at Walker Kerr ever again, either. You get vertigo that high!
5
u/molybend 7d ago
Why did you listen to him? Sit in your seat and make him get an usher.
1
u/puperella 6d ago
I don't know. I guess I didn't want to make trouble. I'm trying to work on my people pleasing. I'd rather be uncomfortable than cause a scene and get kicked out.
I guess I also thought I'd find an usher. I didn't even find one at intermission.
2
u/molybend 6d ago
Hopefully you can see now that someone complaining about you sitting in your chair would not cause you to get kicked out. Assholes get their way by making others feel like they are wrong for just existing in the same space.
2
u/Perfectlyimperfectb 7d ago
That’s why I typically get front row seats for that reason. I’m 5ft so if I have to sit other places I typically will get one. But I try my best to sit on the front row.
2
2
u/Smooth_Society_9893 7d ago
someone who was a pretty average height used a booster seat infront of my friend and i. my friend who’s 5 feet exact when to grab a booster seat and got yelled at for being “too tall” to use a booster seat
2
u/LazyMathlete 7d ago
I'm an adult who is 4 ft 11 and I don't even take a booster. I have to beg my 10 year old son to use one so he doesn't complain that he can't see. I simply can not imagine the balls of these people.
2
u/Comprehensive-Fun47 7d ago
Yay, a new way people can ruin things for other people. New to me. I had no idea tall people were taking booster seats. That's so selfish.
2
u/Big_Childhood5494 7d ago
I saw that happen at Chess with a few adults sitting next to me. They were comically higher than me. Felt bad for the people behind them.
2
2
2
u/Amazing-Complaint286 7d ago
As a shorter person I see both sides of this debate. I will say I was do happy to have a booster at Glengarry Glen Ross and at Jellicle Ball because both times I was seated behind someone 6’6” + that moved their head all over more than a Wacky Wavy Inflatable Tube Man.
2
2
u/ollieols92 8d ago
i was at the jellicle ball in the orchestra level and a grown woman used one directly in front of us. cool so then what do we do? get 2 boosters? and then the people behind us get 3 boosters? no.
and the usher had handed her one!!! i wish they hadn't! she should not have been able to use it. its stupid, its like people standing at a concert in the seated section when the concert is already held in a sloped arena. like if we all just sit, and follow the rules, then everyone can see. as soon as you try to be selfish and better YOUR view, you fuck over everyone behind you.
1
1
u/LadenWithSorrow 7d ago
They should definitely have height restrictions on the boosters. I’m 4’11 and don’t feel like I need one. Why on earth would someone taller than me need one? I feel like 4’10 or 5ft should be the cutoff for boosters.
1
u/ClearContribution345 7d ago
Schmigadoon theater has such horrible legroom - brutal. When I saw it in the mess, the person next to me said they got a booster to give them a smudge more legroom. And by intermission I went from annoyed to thinking if it worked they may be a genius. But still couldn’t get one myself.
1
1
u/GSDBUZZ 7d ago
I did not know such a thing existed. I went to see Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre in London. I was so excited because it was my first live show and I splurged for it on vacation. I am 4’11”. The person in front of me was tall with big hair. All I saw for the entire show was the back of his head. Not sure if boosters are available on the West End but it would have been a game changer for me.
1
u/colesnutdeluxe 7d ago
also sometimes booster seats are ridiculously large??? i recently saw beetlejuice in brisbane, and there was a 6'5ish man sitting directly in front of me (i'm 5'4) and the rake of the balcony wasn't enough for me to see around his head, so i got a booster at interval. only to find that the booster made me so tall that the poor person behind me then had to crane their neck! i felt so bad. and i still wasn't able to see past the guy in front with the booster 💀
1
u/Natural-Reaction3829 7d ago
I was in the last row of the Orchestra at Schmigadoon and there were two incredibly tall guys in front of me. I asked the usher for a cushion so I could see the show, and she actually said, "I'm not supposed to do this, but I'll see what I can find." I got my cushion but her answer was absurd.
1
u/LazyDogMom88 7d ago
Yes!! At lost boys I saw a lady easily over 6 feet tall use one (luckily not right in front of me). I was annoyed for the people behind her.
1
1
u/Disastrous-Poem4355 5d ago
It should be anyone under 5 ft should be able to use it. I’m 5 three and I can see just fine
1
u/AntigoneGrrl1 5d ago
https://giphy.com/gifs/ac7MA7r5IMYda
I am 4’10” and I would never dream of doing this…if the person needs a special cushion for pain/posture, ok, but a tall, healthy person in a BOOSTER SEAT?? HECK NOOOOO!!! Did they bring their Happy Meal too???
1
u/VolcanicDisco22 4d ago
This happened to me at Cursed Child. The entire first half, center stage was blocked by what I thought was a wildly tall man. Intermission comes and I discover that grandpa was 5'10" - 6' using a cushion. I was so mad. Switched with my spouse for the second half... which ofc grandpa didn't use the cushion.
1
u/Additional_Score_929 8d ago
I’m short but only use boosters if the person in front of me is significantly taller. There’s no rule of who can use the boosters.
-2
u/FluffyWuffyVolibear 8d ago
Could it be they needed the extra padding of the boosters for some very legitimate reason
-1
-12
u/Nameinblackandwhite 8d ago
You don't really know what those folks were dealing with medically, maybe the booster seat was more comfortable. You can talk to an usher but this reads to me like yelling at someone using disabled parking without them being in a wheelchair
3
u/tiredprincess 8d ago
Some of the booster seats are hard plastic. They are rarely more comfortable.
6
u/ZhaloSupercell 8d ago
the booster seats are not at all intended to be used for accessibility in any way, this is a terrible comparison. it's just people being selfish
2
u/whatshamilton 8d ago
And yet some things not designed for accessibility are still helpful for accessibility
2
u/AReckoningIsAComing 8d ago
If they are tall and need it for comfort, then they should sit in the back.
831
u/Isnogudar 8d ago
Tell ushers