The Babysitter’s Backstage Pass: Staying Connected When You’re at the Theatre (Without Missing a Beat!)
Picture this: the house lights dim, the overture swells, and you sink into your plush theatre seat, ready to be transported. Then, it hits you. A tiny, nagging thought pierces the magic: “What if the babysitter needs me?” Suddenly, the villain’s monologue is competing with visions of toddler tantrums or minor kitchen mishaps back home. Sound familiar? You deserve to enjoy that performance without the background hum of worry. The key? Establishing crystal-clear, reliable ways for your babysitter to reach you, even when you’re immersed in the drama unfolding on stage.
Here’s how to craft your backstage communication plan:
1. The Classic: The Pre-Show Chat & The Written Briefing
This is non-negotiable groundwork. Before you slip into your evening attire:
Discuss Expectations: “Sarah, we are heading to the theatre. The show starts at 8 PM and runs until about 10:30 PM, with one intermission around 9:15 PM. We will be silencing our phones, so here’s exactly how to reach us…”
Define “Emergency”: Be specific! “Only call or use the emergency method if it’s truly urgent – like someone is hurt, sick, or there’s a safety issue. For questions about bedtime routines or finding the extra snacks, please text the non-emergency number after the show or during intermission if it can wait.”
The Physical Cheat Sheet: Type or neatly write this info and place it prominently (fridge is classic!):
Parents’ Names & Child(ren)’s Names
Full Home Address (in case emergency services are needed)
Primary Emergency Contact Method: (e.g., “Call Dad’s Pager Number: 555-1234”, “Text Mom on Smart Watch: ‘EMERGENCY'”, “Call Theatre Box Office: 555-5678 and ask for Mr. Smith in Seat B12”)
Secondary/Non-Emergency Contact Method: (e.g., “Text Dad’s Phone: 555-8901 – Phone silenced, check texts at intermission/after show”)
Neighbor’s Contact Info (Trusted neighbor willing to assist if needed)
Pediatrician’s Number & Nearest Hospital Address/Phone
Any crucial medical info (allergies, medications).
2. Embracing Modern Tech (Without the Ringtone Ruin)
Smartphones are a blessing and a curse in the theatre. Silence is mandatory, but you can leverage tech smartly:
The “Intermission Check-In” Text: Agree with the sitter: “Feel free to send a quick text at any point, but know we will only see it and potentially reply during the intermission. We will check our phones the moment the lights come up.” Manage expectations clearly.
Smartwatch Savvy: If you wear a smartwatch connected to your phone:
Enable Critical Alerts: Ensure calls/messages from specific contacts (like the sitter’s number) bypass “Do Not Disturb.” Vibrations on your wrist are far less disruptive than a ringtone.
Pre-set Messages: Have quick replies ready: “At theatre, in show, ok?” or “Emergency? Call now.” allows a fast response if you feel a vibration.
Know the Range: Watches connected via Bluetooth need your phone nearby. Cellular watches offer more independence.
Wi-Fi Calling: Many theatres have public Wi-Fi. If you have Wi-Fi calling enabled on your phone, a call might come through even with weak cellular signal inside the building (though silence it! Use vibration/watch alert). This is less reliable than dedicated methods.
Old-School Cool: The Pager: Believe it or not, pagers are still used in some professions (like medicine) precisely because they are reliable and only vibrate. Renting one for the evening might be overkill, but it’s an option! Give the pager number exclusively to the sitter.
3. The Theatre’s Own Resources: Your Secret Weapon
Don’t underestimate the venue itself! They deal with patron needs all the time.
The Box Office is Your Lifeline: Provide the sitter with the theatre’s main phone number (easily found online). Instruct them: “If it’s a true emergency and you cannot reach us via our primary method, call the theatre. Ask for the House Manager or an Usher Supervisor. Tell them it’s an emergency contact for patrons [Your Last Name] seated in [Your Section, e.g., Orchestra Left, Row G, Seats 10 & 11]. They can discreetly locate you.” This is a powerful last resort.
Finding House Management: Often, the Box Office can connect the sitter directly to the House Manager’s office backstage.
4. The Human Touch: Leveraging Your Companions
Going with friends or another couple? Strategize!
Designated Phone Holder: “Hey Jen, since you don’t mind missing a minute, could you hold onto your phone on vibrate? We’ll give the sitter your number only for emergencies tonight. We’ll do the same for you next time!” Make sure they understand the “emergency only” rule.
The Buddy System: If sitting together, the person on the aisle can subtly slip out more easily if a watch buzzes insistently.
Special Considerations:
International Sitters/No Cell Plan? If your sitter uses a foreign SIM or no cell, ensure they have access to your landline (if you have one) or a pre-paid phone you provide. The Box Office contact becomes even more crucial.
Theatre Dead Zones: Some older theatres or basement-level seats have terrible signal. Test yours during previews or when you arrive. If it’s non-existent, emphasize the Box Office method and perhaps a smartwatch with cellular if it works, or rely heavily on the “Intermission Check-In” plan.
Double-Check Numbers! Seriously. Test the emergency contact number with the sitter before you leave. A quick call to the theatre box office (from your home phone) to confirm they accept such messages is also wise.
The Payoff: Pure Theatre Magic (Minus the Worry)
By putting this simple plan in place, you transform your night out. You’re not just giving the sitter instructions; you’re giving yourself permission to truly unwind. Knowing you’ve created a secure, reliable line for genuine emergencies means you can fully surrender to the storytelling, the music, the spectacle. You invested in the tickets, the outfit, the babysitter – now invest in peace of mind. Lay the groundwork, communicate clearly, leverage the theatre’s resources, and then relax. Let the curtain rise, knowing you’ve got your own backstage communication network perfectly choreographed. Now, sit back, silence that phone (except for the crucial alerts!), and enjoy the show. Your well-deserved intermission (and beyond) awaits, blissfully interruption-free.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » The Babysitter’s Backstage Pass: Staying Connected When You’re at the Theatre (Without Missing a Beat