DPAC Ambassadors at Hasan Minaj

by Mia Liu 

On Thursday, February 18th, 2022, DPAC welcomed the great comedian Hasan Minaj into Durham, NC. However, this was no ordinary show as it was labeled a no-phone event. For a bit of context, a no-phone event means that guests are advised to leave their phones in their cars or check them in special bags as they enter the building. Precisely for this show, though, was to ensure that no one would record any of Hasan's sets. 

The special bags that the phones were checked into were Yondr bags, a little pouch that locks when it is closed and allows the guests to carry it with them throughout the show without it being used. After the show, there were designated stations in which DPAC staff helped unlock the guest's pouch to allow them access to their phones once again.     

As this was the very first no-phone event I had been to, I wanted to ask guests about their experiences of having "no-phone," as I can imagine how hard it is to be locked away for a period of time without it.  

The first person I had questioned was the outstanding volunteer I got paired up with during the pre-show, Janet Tice. A fascinating fact about her is that she has been a part of DPAC since the performing arts center opened back in 2008. With her past knowledge about no-phone events, she described it as "people are kind of at a loss, not mad, but just confused," as well as that the guests "get a little caught under the collar but come around." Also, although we had two shows planned for the night, which might make things a little hectic, she says that "DPAC has always managed and handled big crowds really well."   

The next group I had interviewed was of three friends, Jenna Smith, Hillary Hsu, and Melat Woldentensae. They described their experience without having access to their phones as "feeling a little weird" and "bare" as they couldn't take any videos or pictures but also mainly because "there was no indicator of time." However, Hillary Hsu mentioned that "it was a pretty cool experience overall," and Melat Woldentensae said that "being able to converse and connect with one another without the interference of technology was truly beautiful."

In conclusion, everyone was a lot more talkative and didn't mind not having access to their devices. The overall show was also fantastic and had kept us laughing while showing us priceless images of Minaj's journey, which was an excellent addition to his comedic skit. 

Thank you for reading my blog about yet another incredible show experience as a DPAC ambassador, and I hope you have a nice day!  

Mia Liu 

Guests being more interactive 

Lovely volunteer I got paired up with for the pre-show, Janet Tice

Yondr Bag check in stations 

 

Jenna Smith (left), Hillary Hsu (middle), Melat Woldentensae (right)