MiLeZ
|
A discussion on FanGirlsOk, I think it's time I respond to the issue of "fan girls"...
Some of you might know that I am an Equity actor. I was in Disney's Beauty and the Beast and continue to act and audition for union roles. I hope that you all can see a different side of "fan girls".
1) First of all - STOP BITCHING. The bitching over fan girls is almost MORE annoying than the fan girls themselves. The reality of it is that as long as there are shows that are open to the public and cater to any age (Wicked, Beauty and The Beast, etc.) then there will be so called "fan girls". Get over it.
2) Next, "fan girls" help shows strive and survive. Yes, there are many, many patrons who don't act like fan-girls and and many fan-girls who don't act like veteran patrons, guess what? That's OK! It's theater - that means diversity, too. How boring would it be if there were just one extreme?
3) For the most part, performers like fan girls. Yes, there are times when people might get a little overboard, but when the shows over...we love making people love what we do. Everyone shows their appreciation differently, and it's actually quite rewarding and fun knowing there are fan girls in the audience.
4) Last thing (for now) is this. I think theater is at a very volatile point. My generation (I am 19) seems to lack the passion for the arts in general compared to other generations. One of my fears is that Broadway will struggle to survive when I am 40 years old. We need fan girls to help us make professional theater survive.
My suggestion? Have a little patience. Teach fan girls the ins and outs of theater while they are present. Don't mock them or be caddy (sp?) to them...it's unbecoming.
I hope this hasn't rubbed anyone the wrong way, but I encourage everyone to think about and respond to my post.
|
SuperKabob
|
Re: A discussion on FanGirls | MiLeZ wrote: |
2) Next, "fan girls" help shows strive and survive. Yes, there are many, many patrons who don't act like fan-girls and and many fan-girls who don't act like veteran patrons, guess what? That's OK! It's theater - that means diversity, too. How boring would it be if there were just one extreme? |
I'd have to disagree with that last bit. I would find the theatre to be much more interesting and enriching if everyone there was a "veteran patron", that is, was knowledgeable about theatre and could have intelligent discussions about it. Not saying that that would ever happen or we should try to make it so, but it would be fantastic.
|
mastachen
|
Let me respond to your points with a couple of my own.
a) I think you think very highly of yourself because a) you create a thread announcing that you would tell us your opinions rather then write in another thread that's already discussing fangirls and b) your mentioning of yourself being an Equity actor has nothing to do with your argument. It's not like it lends your opinions any more weight or anything. Bigger actors than you have posted on these boards and they don't seem as self-absorbed.
b) People bitching over fangirls is only annoying to the fangirls. That's understandable though. If people constantly bitch about me, I'd be annoyed, but the person doing the bitching won't find themselves annoying. However, the fangirls are in a minority on this board, so that is something they'll just have to put up with, and I have to say, most of the fangirls on the Wicked forum handle it quite maturely, regardless of their age. I don't bitch about them. I just laugh, sometimes at their expense. Only at the ones who go overboard though. You will never hear me say "Why are there so many fangirls here, I wish they weren't here!"
c) In regards to point (4), you do know that most of the 15000 members on this board fall under your generation, right? I think our generation is as strong as ever, thanks in part to.. fangirls. lol
d) Point #3 - I don't doubt that. I do/say things that can be considered fan..boyish also because I like to show appreciation. There's a line you have to draw though, and when they cross the line, the results are often funny.
e) I don't want to sound elitist, but the shows that the fangirls help strive and survive are mostly considered by a great percentage of the theatre community to be.. uh... crap. I usually come on here to discuss Wicked's flaws.
This place isn't the Wicked fanclub, although some people treats it like it is. This is a place where people of all opinions can come and discuss the show, whether they like it or not.
|
MiLeZ
|
Thank you for your replies. All are very interesting!
To mastachen: In defense of myself, the only reason I announced that I am Equity is so that the forum can see that I'm writing it from a performer standpoint and not an audience member. I'm not trying to be self-absorbed and I apologize if I came off that way. There are at least a couple of people here who know that I am not a conceeded jerk in real life.
Also, I started the topic so that I would'nt hijack another's thread.
Keep the responses coming! 
|
^Defying_Gravity^
|
I agree with MiLeZ. As much as I find fan girls annoying, they bring another side to the theatre, and at least then the actors can feel that their performance was enjoyed when fan girls make them stuff. As much as we hate them, I still think that we need them, to make the theatre what it is if nothing more.
|
Joshua
|
Conceeded jerk?
|
MiLeZ
|
| Joshua wrote: | | Conceeded jerk? |
Why the question?
|
Belle
|
Conceited, I think was the word being searched for!
It's a matter of moderation. Enthusiasm is wonderful, the creativity and passion is great. But I was at the first preview of Wicked in London - I'd say 75% fangirls/ Teenyboppers, as a non-gender-specific term, and 25% broader theatre fans such as myself. The screams and adulation for Idina's performance completely drowned out her voice. All of "Dear Old Shiz", all the big notes, drowned out by teenyboppers. That ruined the show, scream and cheer, sure - AFTER the song! Not during it!!!
I think the trouble is when you get a big group of fans, it becomes about making the most noise, being noticed by the cast being the most OTT to get attention. It's not about the show anymore, and the normal patrons suffer because of the teenyboppers.
|
Joshua
|
| Belle wrote: | | Conceited, I think was the word being searched for! |
'Twas indeed. I was trying to provoke thought...
|
ActingDude17
|
| MiLeZ wrote: | | To mastachen: In defense of myself, the only reason I announced that I am Equity is so that the forum can see that I'm writing it from a performer standpoint and not an audience member. I'm not trying to be self-absorbed and I apologize if I came off that way. There are at least a couple of people here who know that I am not a conceeded jerk in real life. |
You could have just said that you're a performer. I know you probably didn't mean to sound self-absorbed, it just was taken that way.
But that's very good that you're Equity! 
|
Set_Buildin_Dad
|
| Belle wrote: | Conceited, I think was the word being searched for!
It's a matter of moderation. Enthusiasm is wonderful, the creativity and passion is great. But I was at the first preview of Wicked in London - I'd say 75% fangirls/ Teenyboppers, as a non-gender-specific term, and 25% broader theatre fans such as myself. The screams and adulation for Idina's performance completely drowned out her voice. All of "Dear Old Shiz", all the big notes, drowned out by teenyboppers. That ruined the show, scream and cheer, sure - AFTER the song! Not during it!!!
I think the trouble is when you get a big group of fans, it becomes about making the most noise, being noticed by the cast being the most OTT to get attention. It's not about the show anymore, and the normal patrons suffer because of the teenyboppers. |
Rude theatrical, movie, and concert behavior is not just imited to fangirls. I have seen it in many young adults as well. It has become much more prevalent than it was just a few short years ago. In those days it seemed that people went to the theatre and respected both the performers and their fellow patrons. It seems that nowadays many people just cannot refrain from making a spectacle of themselves. I don't really understand why this is. Are they trying to impress their friends? Who knows. All I know is that I have had to ask more than one rude clod to please be quiet during a show so that others could enjoy their expensive theatrical experience.
|
MiLeZ
|
Hah...thanks for the spelling correction. Even worse that I didn't even notice it when I was called out!  ActingDude17 (are you mastachen, too?) - glad we cleared things up!
That IS annoying about the noise in the London show. I agree I would have been irked by this too. Those who commented about this have a right to bitch!
Keep the discussion coming, and I do encourage fan girls to comment too!!
|
Joshua
|
LOL Alex and ActingDude aren't the same person. 
|
Kerry_ROCKS!
|
laaIn many cases nowadays i think there is a VERY fine line to what you would class as a fan girl or not.
I mean, i make the cast things (i draw pictures) which they really appreciate and that does NOT make me a fan girl.
They have a genuine passion for the show and the actors love it (the one's i've spoken to anyway, obviously i can't speak for everybody.'
I don't see why people can't just leave them alone, thy aren't hurtign anybody! is it really necessary to be nasty to them and about them when they're just a bit excited!
However, i do agree, there are certain boundaries that should be observed, like screaming when the actors come out of the SD is a no-no. Screaming/loud cheering whatever you want to call it i find is perfectly acceptable as long as it's not in someone's ear and it's AFTER the song has finished.
I almost KILLED my friends the other day when we saw Wicked, they started screaming when Kerry rose up on the Defying Gravity Machine, i was not impressed. I mean, how rude can you get!! the woman is trying to sing. sorry, mini rant over.
A lot of the time 'Theatre Patrons' can be so much worse than fangirls. I know a fre REALLY rude Theatregoers who think that because they have seen it so many times etc, have a wide knowledge that it's ok to talk all through the performance, constantly get up adn go to the toilet half way through songs, adn openly glare at the overexcited teen girls. But, at least they're not rude!! i've seen a few 'veterans' who think it's ok to slag off teh actors throughout the show!
lol anyway, My point after this longwinded message: When i get onto the West End i will totally wave at the fan girls!
|
mastachen
|
| MiLeZ wrote: | | ActingDude17 (are you mastachen, too?) |
*amused*
|
MiLeZ
|
Kerry_ROCKS! - Good points! I agree.
mastachen - only reason I thought that was because he answered my comment to you.
|
nickhutson
|
Actually - some cast members dislike the fangirls' behaviour during a show. One cast member was telling me how annoying it is that they sit in the front row, make a lot of noise, distract the cast and laugh at entirely the wrong parts of the show. Sometimes the fangirls forget that there are other people in the theatre that have paid £60 a ticket and won't get to see the show again next week - and are just plain rude for the other audience members. And they try to put the cast members off by making silly faces and being overly loud.
I think they should be fangirls after the show - certainly not during and usually not before.
|
DB9
|
| nickhutson wrote: | Actually - some cast members dislike the fangirls' behaviour during a show. One cast member was telling me how annoying it is that they sit in the front row, make a lot of noise, distract the cast and laugh at entirely the wrong parts of the show. Sometimes the fangirls forget that there are other people in the theatre that have paid £60 a ticket and won't get to see the show again next week - and are just plain rude for the other audience members. And they try to put the cast members off by making silly faces and being overly loud.
I think they should be fangirls after the show - certainly not during and usually not before. |
Absolutely true Nick, well said, although I would change 'some cast' to 'most cast'. 
|
Belle
|
Ohhh yes, the fangirls who try to distract the cast and make them corpse need a slap! They lose perspective (If they ever had it) that the show is not being put on just for them. that's where a bold cast member can make quite the difference by having a word with them after - will also earn the fangirls' undying hatred, but if one of these holy beings that are onstage tells them off, it will get through.
|
MiLeZ
|
| nickhutson wrote: | Actually - some cast members dislike the fangirls' behaviour during a show. One cast member was telling me how annoying it is that they sit in the front row, make a lot of noise, distract the cast and laugh at entirely the wrong parts of the show. Sometimes the fangirls forget that there are other people in the theatre that have paid £60 a ticket and won't get to see the show again next week - and are just plain rude for the other audience members. And they try to put the cast members off by making silly faces and being overly loud.
I think they should be fangirls after the show - certainly not during and usually not before. |
Yeah, I completely agree with this. I don't even know if I would classify these people as fangirls but rather just ill-mannered people. As someone stated earlier, there is a fine line between fan girls and rudeness.
|
wicked_boy
|
I think it's acceptable to cheer / clap when the cherry picker takes flight. You're showing your admiration / suprise / excitement for the effects, plus it's also as if you're showing you appreciation for stage hands, rather than screaming at the Elphaba.
|
MiLeZ
|
Agreed. Good point.
|
star2ballie
|
| mastachen wrote: | | b) your mentioning of yourself being an Equity actor has nothing to do with your argument. It's not like it lends your opinions any more weight or anything. Bigger actors than you have posted on these boards and they don't seem as self-absorbed. |
I don't think he sounded self-absorbed...and the fact that he is an Equity actor (and was in a professional Disney show, no less) adds weight to his argument. I think it is interesting to hear his take on it, as opposed to a random theatre-goer/amateur performer's take on the situation. I appreciate hearing everyone's opinions, but just because he said he was Equity doesn't mean you have to call him self-absorbed. Chev has said she's Equity but we don't yell at her for being self-absorbed, do we?
That is all. Alex, I love ya you know that, but I think we can cut this dude a little slack.
|
MiLeZ
|
| star2ballie wrote: | | mastachen wrote: | | b) your mentioning of yourself being an Equity actor has nothing to do with your argument. It's not like it lends your opinions any more weight or anything. Bigger actors than you have posted on these boards and they don't seem as self-absorbed. |
I don't think he sounded self-absorbed...and the fact that he is an Equity actor (and was in a professional Disney show, no less) adds weight to his argument. I think it is interesting to hear his take on it, as opposed to a random theatre-goer/amateur performer's take on the situation. I appreciate hearing everyone's opinions, but just because he said he was Equity doesn't mean you have to call him self-absorbed. Chev has said she's Equity but we don't yell at her for being self-absorbed, do we?
That is all. Alex, I love ya you know that, but I think we can cut this dude a little slack. |
Thank you I'm glad you see why I said the things I said...thank you!
|
musikal_geek
|
| wicked_boy wrote: | | I think it's acceptable to cheer / clap when the cherry picker takes flight. You're showing your admiration / suprise / excitement for the effects, plus it's also as if you're showing you appreciation for stage hands, rather than screaming at the Elphaba. |
About the last statement- I really think it's almost magical when people applaud when an actor makes his/her first entrance. It's exciting! I love hearing people do that in a show.
|
Timmy_Wishes he was Quast
|
I'm NOT a big fan of people applauding an actor on their entrance...wait until they've done something worth applauding before you do. They might be shocking. You're applauding them for their reputation NOT what you're about to see. Let them prove themselves. I think it belittles the other performers who might work twice as hard to win the audiences appreciation but don't get it, because they're not the star.
|
nickhutson
|
Yes. I never clap when an actor comes on stage. I don't believe in applauding them for walking and standing there whilst the action is broken, the direction is distorted and the story suspended. I don't care how famous they are.
The Japanese have an interesting, and polite, way of watching a show. They clap in unison at the end of every song - completely silent when the cast and crew are working and then at the end of the production, they show their appreciation.
|
Timmy_Wishes he was Quast
|
| Quote: | | The Japanese have an interesting, and polite, way of watching a show. They clap in unison at the end of every song - completely silent when the cast and crew are working and then at the end of the production, they show their appreciation. |
This should be adopted as the worldwide theatre etiquette.
|
wicked_boy
|
| musikal_geek wrote: | | wicked_boy wrote: | | I think it's acceptable to cheer / clap when the cherry picker takes flight. You're showing your admiration / suprise / excitement for the effects, plus it's also as if you're showing you appreciation for stage hands, rather than screaming at the Elphaba. |
About the last statement- I really think it's almost magical when people applaud when an actor makes his/her first entrance. It's exciting! I love hearing people do that in a show. |
In response to this and the above posts:
I think if it's an actor's last night or something, it would seem cool. It will let the actor know that the audience love them for the part they've played in making the show happen for the past 6 or so months.
|
Catherine
|
^ or in Kerry Ellis' case, two or so years.
|
MiLeZ
|
Thanks for keeping the thread alive while I was in Chicago. I got to see the show and kept this thread in mind while watching.
I saw it last night, Wednesday, and being a night with less attendance, I couldn't get the full effect of the fangirl atmosphere, but, I did get some.
Yes, they did clap when Erin and Dee came onto stage, but it wasn't distracting because of the nature of their entrances. It is funny how the fan girls/boys sit in the same general area (or at least it seemed like it). In Chicago, it was the upper Balcony area. Since attendance was low, the house manager allowed this section to move to which ever seat they chose in the upper Balcony area. When he announced it, it was chaos - Screaming and people going over the back of seats...kinda interesting... 
Anyway, hope everyone is doing well, and keep posting!
|
Timmy_Wishes he was Quast
|
| Quote: | | I think if it's an actor's last night or something, it would seem cool. It will let the actor know that the audience love them for the part they've played in making the show happen for the past 6 or so months. |
You see this bugs me too. What about the people who've be unfortunate enough to be going to th e show the first time that night? Would they assume that this applause is part of the set up? A custom perhaps? This ranks alongside changing of lines or scenes...i detest it.  If you wish to show your appreciation give a standing ovation at the end or send them a card. OR catch them at the stage door. I'm sure they'd appreciate a face to face thanks.
Maybe i'm just too old fashioned for "modern" theatre?
|
wicked_boy
|
If a person claps at an entrace, oh well. It's live theatre.
|
mastachen
|
| Timmy_Wishes he was Quast wrote: | | Quote: | | I think if it's an actor's last night or something, it would seem cool. It will let the actor know that the audience love them for the part they've played in making the show happen for the past 6 or so months. |
You see this bugs me too. What about the people who've be unfortunate enough to be going to th e show the first time that night? Would they assume that this applause is part of the set up? |
There were hella entrance applause the first time I saw a Broadway show, but I didn't assume it was part of the setup. I only clap now when other people do.
|
BroadwayQueen19
|
OK So I know I'm New on this site but I Completely Agree with MeliZ. and as odd as it sound I think "Fangirls" are awesome sure they can be annoying but Everybody gets annoying plus their just fans like Everybody else so why do you guys dislike them cause of that, Sure they say stuff like OMG I LOVE WICKED, but i say that kinda stuff all the time, so does that make me a "fangirl" No it just makes me a person who really loves wicked..And I do
...I don't mean to be rude or insult anyone, i'm just simply stating my opinion
|
mastachen
|
I can only take so many "Kristin vs. Idina vs. Shoshana vs. whoever the hell else played Glinda and Elphaba" threads before I want to shoot somebody, and trust me, I am wayyy past that threshold. That is one of the main reasons people get annoyed by fangirls. It's not about how they act in front of performers, although there are people here who have been in more shows and talked to more performers than MiLeZ has that say that performers also do get annoyed by their fangirls. So it's not just the audience who gets annoyed. I bet Idina secretly rolls her eyes every time you ask her what it was like working with Kristin and if they're still best buddies for life.
I personally think entrance applause is fine. In some shows, like Young Frankenstein, the characters' entrances are all set up for applauses.
I don't think it's acceptable to cheer when the cherry picker takes flight though. It's just rude, because she's in the middle of her song.
I saw David Copperfield live once, and he flew without a cherry picker or any form of supporting device, to the best of what I can see. Beat that, Elphaba!
|
wicked_boy
|
I think, you go through these stages:
Just starting to like Wicked.
Seenig the show.
Researching the show.
Fan Girl.
Full on Fan Girl.
Normal Fan.
|
Catherine
|
| wicked_boy wrote: | I think, you go through these stages:
Just starting to like Wicked.
Seenig the show.
Researching the show.
Fan Girl.
Full on Fan Girl.
Normal Fan. |
For me it was
Just starting to like it
Reading the book
Listening to a million different recordings (on youtube)
Fangirling
Full on fangirling
Joining this site.
Seeing the show
Normal fan.
|
wicked_boy
|
|
musikal_geek
|
| mastachen wrote: | | I don't think it's acceptable to cheer when the cherry picker takes flight though. It's just rude, because she's in the middle of her song. |
I think it's totally appropriate. If something is awesome enough for spontaneous applause, then it deserves it. It seriously makes the actors onstage feel SO good, even if it's in the middle of a performance (generally speaking, that is. I'm sure it varies from actor to actor).
When I was in Brigadoon, we had an intense Scottish wedding dance that took months and months to learn. One night during the show, the audience burst into applause in the middle of it- the feeling was indescribable. One of the best moments of my life. Applauding in the middle of the song was the farthest thing from rude, IMO.
|
wicked_boy
|
When she rises, she's yelling "It's MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE" and then when she goes into song, the audience usually hush up.
|
Kerry_ROCKS!
|
DG | wicked_boy wrote: | | When she rises, she's yelling "It's MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE" and then when she goes into song, the audience usually hush up. |
which, i think is definitely a good thing, in the climax of the whole first act you want to be totally in the moment and actually hear the song, instead of having screaming in your ear so you can't hear ANYTHING.
|
Nightwish
|
I'm probably the farthest thing from a thespian you'll find on this site, but from what I've observed, theatre is a LOT like femme metal, and "Wicked" would be the Evanescence or Lacuna Coil of theatre. Enjoyed by the newer fans, but (usually) hated by the older ones.
I think we have to remember that it's the bigger shows that keep newer fans entertained, and then when they want more variety, they look into other, less popular shows. "Wicked" was the first musical I saw that I really appreciated (I saw the Lion King once, but I was like... 7), and while I didn't go all crazy fangirl like some people might, I was still a fan.
However, I should probably add that obnoxious screaming during a show is annoying and certainly uncalled for. If there are other people around you who actually want to enjoy what they paid for, PLEASE, just shut up and watch the show.
|
Smkndofpnutdssrt
|
I must say that I agree with MiLeZ. When I first came on this forum, I was surprised and somewhat appalled at some of the things that went on here. For example, in one topic, someone simply said that they loved Idina Menzel and that she was the best Elphaba blah blah blah, and she got made fun of for it. I never see that kind of conduct on other forums.
So guys, if any of you think that you are somehow above other people here, keep it to yourself. And if fan-girls get out of control, then at least be polite.
And to the people who don't even like Wicked who come on to this section of the forum just to make fun of it...Now that's just plain immature and shows that you have nothing better to do with your time. Go get a hobby.
|
wicked_boy
|
^ This is an open forum; anyone can come on here. This is a board to discuss Wicked, whether people like it or not.
If someone doesn't like it, they have their right to explain and discuss why, no-one here really "slags" it off without backing up their reasons.
|
Set_Buildin_Dad
|
Discussing the merits of a show is one thing, but ridiculing people for their views is quite another. Site rules preclude personal attacks BTW. If you feel someone is making a personal attack on you because of your views that is what the blue button is for.
As I have said many times, different people go the the theatre for different reasons. Most go to be entertained. Wicked is a highly entertaining show for a majority of the people who see it. I thoroughly enjoyed the show as good family entertainment. It is not as nuanced as many other shows around, but that's OK. Even one the show's biggest detractors here on the boards has admitted that it can be a "guilty pleasure".
I think the real focus of this thread is not, however, an attack on people who enjoy the show, but is instead a commentary on the inappropriate behavior of some of those people. It is great that you are having a good time at the performance. However, screaming and yelling during the performance is simply not good manners. It diminishes the enjoyment of many other patrons. I don't have a problem with spontaneous applause as long as it is not accompanied by screaming.
|
Felix Felicis
|
| Set_Buildin_Dad wrote: | | Even one the show's biggest detractors here on the boards has admitted that it can be a "guilty pleasure". |
Quoted for posterity.
|
Matthew
|
lol wuznt me!
|
