What happens to you if you use your camera during a broadway show?

I recently watched the Broadway show, Phantom of the Opera, in New York. There were signs that while the show is going on, picture taking is not allowed. They gave a short reminder before the show that flashes distract the actors and actresses on stage.

I was just wondering, what do you get if you break this rule?
Is is illegal punishable by what?

If the "flashes" are the problem, cameras now have options to shoot without flash.

I keep thinking of what "they" (security) will do since if you sit in the middle of the aisle, getting to you and asking you to leave would create more "distraction" for everyone inside.

It would probably be taken off you if you are in an isle seat but yeah it would create more of a distraction if they were to come to you. I know the feeling it does distract you on stage. With the flash thing, they do come with flash off options but you wouldn't be able to get a clear shot because it is all dark around you.

They all say that in every show, not just Broadway. What is distracting are the flashes from the cameras. I dont think that taking pictures is banned. Ask.

Everybody who knows cameras/lighting know that you just have to use a different technique to take this kind of pictures. No flashes, thats all.

If they say NO to all types of picture taking, then do not take pictures. What do you need the pictures for anyway?

Certainly valid answers so far, BUT,,,, ANYONE, considering they heard/saw the request, would essentially be breaking that "law" even without flash. Not to sound preachy, and I know YOU do 65 in a 55 MPH zone, but does that make it OK???

DICTATING that you leave is their job, as it is your obligation, moral or not, to HONOR the request for NO SHOTS.

I have traveled often and in so many places have seen signs, "Take nothing but Photos, Leave nothing but footprints"

Would anyone who might be able to read the sign, feel that it only applies to everyone else. GEEEZ.

Copyright law is the problem with photos and videos and such. The publisher is giving the theatre company the right to do the show and take pictures and advertise it, not the people seeing it. I don't know what the punishment is, but it is a violation of copyright.

Billy is correct-If an usher sees you taking pictures they WILL ask you to stop immediately.If they catch you again you may be asked to leave.

It's a matter of copyright and respect. You didn't write the lyrics, you didn't build the sets, you didn't sew the costumes. They're not yours to redistribute. If you want to remember them, buy the program.

The flash is distracting not only to the actors, but to those around you who paid for tickets. Even with it off, I don't want to see your LCD screen, I dont want to see you raise your hands in the error to get the shot, etc.

The punishment is usually an usher coming and taking the camera until the performance is over. They may ask you to delete the images (or give them the film if this is 1994). They may also ask you to leave at intermission.

It's a rule. Have respect for the art and don't break it. What are you REALLY going to do with a blurry pic of a broadway show anyway?