[abandoned_memory]

I saw it again today and I waited forever for them to come out, and they didn't.

But then again, my parents dragged me out of there after about five minutes...

I mainly just wanted to get Angie Smith's autograph. Will they pay attention if I write her a note to her next venue?

I know she's leaving after this year and I'll never see her as Griz again, which made me sad.

[MrsJemimaMistoffelees]

With my experiences going to the stage door, they usually come out...especially since they have too, because that's the exit most [if not all] take.

I've read a lot of people writing to the venue to get autographs, some of them reply and some don't.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help...but good luck in getting her autograph!

Veel Liefs,
Jemima ^_^

[Nemi]

If you go to a matinée, and they have an evening show, they all bolt out of there as quickly as possible and don't stick around to chat. You have to be pretty darn quick to get to the stage door to see any of them... which is hard when you don't know where it is.

I managed to meet the Jennyanydots when I saw CATS in 05 with Rahlee in Louisville. So neat.

[*asterix*]

(Mayhaps a little late for the most part, but note worthy for next time?)

If you have the luxiury to be able to visit the venue ahead of time (even earlier in the day that you'll be seeingthe show), take a walk around the theatre. Don't linger or stare in obnoxiously, do keep an eye out as you'll likely spot the stage door with ease once you've gone around and do casually observe the manner in which any encounters with obvious theatre staff (or even cast, if you should recognise them in plain clothes) are met. Be polite at all costs.

If encounters are strained or seem to be putting someone out, consider that this theatre's "back stage" extends to the non-public entrances (stage door, loading areas and so on) may not be the most comfortable setting for encounters crossing the 4th wall.

If you still want to hit the stage door to say your thank you's or obtain an autograph, try to hit the box office (or closer to show time, the front of house staff) as thepeople working there expect to deal with the public and are more accustomed to answerring (polite) questions. Even if you already know where it is (maybe having spotted it on the walk around) a casual way to breach the topic is to ask for directions to the stage door and mention that you've appreciated so-and-so's performance (if you're hitting up multiple shows - otherwise perhaps mention that you like to, respectfully, express your thanks if the show has pleased you or that you collect autographs) and you'd like to pass it along. If a particular cast member is apt to avoid stage door encounters, by a few shows in to the stop staff will usually know this and may warn you appropriately, likewise if the entire casr/crew is not doing the autographs thing or whatever, so you don't waste your and their time. if they answer you in the positive and refer correctly, assure them that you only mean respect and follow any directions they may give you.

I'm assuming you mean the current US tour? If so, after all that, my response is yes, in my experience most of the cast will exit via the main stage door. As Nemi pointed out they may be more rushed after matinees. Be respectful and considerate and the favour is often returned.

As for forwarding letters through the theatre, I have seen such correspondance passed along when I was working at a theatre locally, though sometimes delayed. I have written ahead to theatres a few times, personally, and while I've never received a response (mayhaps because i don't make a point to ask for one) i am confident that those were at least seen in time. As long aswhat you write is no less polite than you would deliver in person, and you're not asking too much (an autograpg-me-please picture or what) it should at least be considerred; I say go for it.


Best of luck!

[abandoned_memory]

Hehe. Well, they're not coming to a venue anywhere near me, so that's out of the question.

There are three cast members I'd really have loved to meet and get an autograph from, but oh well.

I saw the matinee so I probably wouldn't have caught any of them, in that case.

[Smudge]

First off, five minutes, really isnt' forever. They do have costumes and makeup to get out of, and even though they can be really fast if they want/need to be, they don't always. Also regarding matinees with an evening performance to follow, they don't always leave the theater. They will sometimes order in so they don't have to get out of makeup.

[abandoned_memory]

Hehe. I did contradict myself in my first post. Why do I always do that?

I've seen CATS on tour before, but a few times this year. I did wait forever (Around fifteen minutes) after one show, but it was a matinee.

This time my parents let me stand by the stage door for five minutes before they dragged me out.

[Belle]

Two hours is waiting "forever" - a long time - at the stage door. 15 minutes is about when the fastest cast members will start coming out, it's not at all unusual for people to take more than an hour. And has been said, with shows like Cats where they've loads of makeup, and a heavy show, they are likely not to come out between the matinee and evening, and would rather stay in the dressing rooms and rest.

If you're gonna get autographs after the show, you have to be able to wait at least 30 minutes, an hour if possible, and you really need to wait after the evening show. And you gotta be polite and considerate, the cast are under no obligation to stop and speak to you even if you've been waiting an hour in the cold and dark....

[Misto]

Usually not after a matinee. I've been to a friday evening show, when there was cast members outside sneaking a cigarette 30 mins before the show.
Sometimes, after matinees (as was the case when I saw a cats matinee in 2004) they come out for a bit of lunch. Didn't see anybody when I saw the UK Tour last Nov.
Thought: Would they come out in this weather? Bad for the vocal chords.....

Stage door memory. Stuart Ramsay (RTT) came out, and somebody, who obviously knew the cast, said
"Which cat did you play? Demeter?"
They spoke and joked for a while after that, so it was obvious it wasn't just somebody who didn't have a clue.... Plus, they said it in a jokey way...
Can't explain it, really, so i'll shut up now....

[Lady Jemima]

I'm seeing it next weekend (oh, the joy in typing those words!) and wrote a letter to the head of the theater asking if I could meet either Samantha Shafer (Sillabub) or Sara Rearson (Victoria) after the performance. I won't get a reply, but hey, odder things have happened.

...and no, I'm not going in costume/face paint.

[MsMungojerrie]

I went yesterday, and I didn't see them.

[Saffity]

When it's quite cold and snowy out I know that the cast doesn't come out as much due to the fact that the cold air is hard on their voices.

They may have gone out other doors to avoid fans feeling snubbed by them not stopping.

[Lady Jemima]