Dave Chappelle is revolutionizes the comedy world once more.
The comedian has partnered with tech company Yondr to create a way to stop fans from using smartphones at his live shows, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
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The company creates small pouches that lock smartphones shut with a wireless signal once they're brought into a "no-phone zone." If users want to unlock their phones, they'll have to leave the zone. Say "bye bye" to glowing blue screens popping up during -- and interrupting -- a comedy set.
Chappelle will be handing out the pouches to attendees at his upcoming 13 performances at Chicago's Thalia Hall. The deal "came together pretty quickly," Yondr founder Graham Dugon tells the Hollywood Reporter.
Attempting to prevent fans from recording shows has become a big concern for comedians and performers in general. Yondr hopes to change all that, providing a method that doesn't force fans to give their phones up entirely when entering a venue.
"People just don't want to give up possession of their phone," Dugoni says. "It's like an extra arm."
Thus far, Yondr can accommodate up to a 20,000 seat arena. Comedian Hannibal Buress previously used the service for a show last June, which is how it came to Chappelle's attention.