In what looks to be a new advance in technology and comedy, we found out that Hannibal Buress is making sure fans at an upcoming show will pay even more attention to his jokes. Buress has teamed up with tech-company Yondr to ensure a cell-phone free comedy show. With the use of a special cover everyone’s cell phone who attends the show will be locked and unable to use unless they exit a designated zone. We were able to catch up with the company as they explained working with Hannibal and the benefits they see in a cell-phone free comedy show.

Comedy Hype: How does the lack of cell phone use impact comedy shows?

Graham Dugoni (Yondr): I actually think comedy benefits most from using Yondr out of any vertical, and we’ve got a bunch of very major shows scheduled in the next few months. However, believe it or not, this is our first major comedy show. Not because of a lack of interest, but because we wanted to break in at the right time, with the right person. Besides being one of our favorite comedians, Hannibal really just fits the bill of exactly who we want to be an initial flag-bearer. He’s got an incredible buzz right now and he’s experienced first hand the issues of phones at shows, so we couldn’t be happier to be working with him.

Comedy Hype: What are the benefits of creating this type of environment?

Graham Dugoni (Yondr): Creating genuinely phone-free shows, not just “banning” them and slapping people on the wrist when they break the policy (or having to kick them out!), brings forth a number of benefits for both the audience and performer.

Performer Benefits

– Maintains control of all content / media released from show

– No need to self-censor or worry if something will go viral on the internet

– Can test out new jokes without fear of repercussions

– Fully engaged audience

– Material is new to the audience (they haven’t seen it on YouTube already)

– Shows are more exclusive / mysterious / desirable because if you aren’t

there, you aren’t getting anything

– Creates a throwback to the old days of Comedy. Much more personal.

Audience Benefits

-Distraction free experience. Allows you to fully lose yourself in the

performance

-Increased “shared vibe” / collective experience of the audience. Comedy is

like a spell being cast by the comic over the audience, and the power of

the spell is made up of each individual’s level of engagement. When

everyone is fully tuned in, it has an exponential effect – increasing the

overall rapport between performer and audience; making for a better

experience

– Going to a Yondr show is a socially acceptable way to go “off the grid”

or “unplug” for a period of time.

– Can heckle all you want without fearing you will end up on Youtube or in

your boss’ inbox (kidding)

Hannibal’s Yondr collab show is set for May 16th at Uptown Theatre Napa in Napa, California. Could this be the future of comedy?