Sadie Sink criticizes phone use during live theater performances

Sadie Sink says audience members using their phones during live theater performances can take away from the experience.

In an interview with Nylon, the 24-year-old actor recalled seeing audience members turn on their phones before the end of Romeo and Juliet, in which she played Juliet on London's West End.

“The lights go off, and then I just see all these faces in the audience because everyone is turning their phone on,” Sink said. “Guys, give it a minute. Take it in for a second!”

She added that seeing multiple phones in the audience during a performance makes her “filled with so much rage.”

At the same time, Sink acknowledged that she watched unofficial recordings of stage productions while growing up in Texas because live theater was not easily accessible. She said those recordings inspired her but believes audiences should wait for an official filmed version, or “pro-shot,” when one is available.

Sink joins other performers who have spoken out about phone use in theaters. At the 2026 Tony Awards, Julia Louis-Dreyfus urged audiences to stay off their phones, and actor Matt Rogers has also encouraged theatergoers to switch them off during performances.

After finishing Netflix’s Stranger Things, which ended its five-season run in 2025, Sink is preparing for her next major role. She will appear alongside Tom Holland and Zendaya in Spider-Man: Brand New Day, scheduled for release in theaters on July 31.

Sink said joining the Marvel franchise felt intimidating because of its large fan base, but praised Holland and the production team for making her feel welcome.