Lady Jemima
|
O/T...Meeting Broadway Performers at Stage Door. Opinions?So for those who are more seasoned theatre-goers, how do Broadway performers feel about fans who wait to greet them/request autographs at the stage door? I've heard that they are sometimes less enthusiastic about these situations than touring actors, but on the other side I've heard that they enjoy attention and that that sort of thing isn't too unusual. I'm not talking about crazy, immature fans, either--I mean mature, appreciative people who have a very real affection for the show.
I ask because I'm going to see Les Mis in mid-July and would enjoy meeting some of the cast if I have the time, but I don't want to do anything inappropriate or against proper etiquette. Nor do I wish to annoy any performer because I respect their rights as human beings, not characters on a stage.
Any advice and/or opinions are appreciated.
Purrs,
Lady J 
|
Smudge
|
I used to stop at the stage door after most shows I saw (as a teenager), and still do if there's a particular performer I would like to meet (i.e. Chita Rivera...wow, she was amazing and so sweet!). There are almost always at least a few people outside the stage door waiting for the performers to come out--tons if there is a big name in the show. I would say that if you're polite and express your appreciation of the show and performances without gushing too much, you'll be ok. Most performers, I feel like, expect to see people at the stage door, and if they don't enjoy it are at least resigned to it. Just be aware that they do have personal lives and may have plans after the show and have to get out of there quickly. There's nothing I hate more than hearing a "fan" at the stage door say something like "God, what a bitch. Did you see how she just ran out of here?" Unfortunately it happens.
|
Reeza
|
I think it depends on the actor. Some of them appreciate the attention, and some would rather be left alone.
I've gone around to the stage door a few times, but usually I only go if I know the person.
I know certain times are better to go than others. If I go to a matinee, then I don't go because I know they are in a hurry to get dinner or they need to rest for the evening's performance. That can be very tiring.
There's nothing wrong with going to the stage door if you are respectful. I know that if I were the actor or actress, I would appreciate the attention.
But being in a show takes a lot of work, and can be stressful.
Actors are people just like everyone else, and sometimes they just need a little break from all the craziness. I've known a few fans that have gotten the actors mixed up with the characters they play. There is a difference between that fantasy world, and an actor (normal person) who just needs to get some food, chill out, or rest.
|
Lady Jemima
|
| Quote: | blocking actors' route away from the stage door, either deliberately or accidentally.
- YELLING at them for autographs, then asking 'so, who WERE you in the show, anyway?'
- Following/chasing actors down the street.
- Wordlessly shoving a camera and autograph pen/paper at the actor's face. |
Good heavens. Do people truly act this way?
I would especially love to meet Lea (Solonga), but the most I would say to her--or any of the cast--is that it was a true privilage to see the show live, and what an honor it was to meet them. Then I would ask if they would have the time for an autograph (if it was appropriate). However, I am going to a matinee, so it's good to know that the performers will be more eager to leave.
Does this sound alright? Definitely eager to hear other peoples' opinions/stories.
|
Pounce
|
| Mumsytype wrote: | | And little touches like having a nice silver-ink pen to sign with on a darkish programme, and a torch if it's a dark corner, are appreciated too! |
Er...for the Americans, better to use a flashlight.  Standing at the stagedoor with a torch would really freak the actors out! 
|
Belle
|
I think the most important thing is to NOT come across as crazy. There's a certain look in the eyes that you see on crazed fans, that they don't know when their behavior is freaking other people out. Just don't do that! Come across as a normal person, you'll be fine! 
|
Reeza
|
| Belle wrote: | | I think the most important thing is to NOT come across as crazy. There's a certain look in the eyes that you see on crazed fans, that they don't know when their behavior is freaking other people out. Just don't do that! Come across as a normal person, you'll be fine! |
I agree. I think some fans are so desperate to "get in" with the cast, that they will do anything. Those are the last kind of people an actor would want to be around. I've seen plenty of actors being chased down the street. I even saw one screaming fan run at an actor, pick him up, and swing him around. As nice as he tried to be, it was obvious he wanted to be very far away from that person. He looked terrified.
|
Spatzthecat
|
Hi
I would always try to be as polite as you can-its a bit difficult for me, I am so shy and try and dress the best you can. I was when I started collecting Cats autograph a bit of a slob.
I would not like to get photos I think it is not polite I have a few but really hate trying to do it so I gave up.
In the five years of collecting autographs I have never been turned down by any one.
I watied for three hours after a show till 1am to get the autograph of the Los Angeles Grizabella- I cant remember her name
She said you waited all this time...
My reply, it takes stammaner and intelligence to be an autograph hunter, not everyone can do it.
Good luck.
|
ultra_lilac
|
I think it's fine so long as you're polite and remember that they've been working all day and they're probably tired and wanting nothing more than a break.
It's the fans who think they're owed special attention and get all annoyed if the cast don't stay around and entertain them for ages who annoy actors I think.
|
Luc
|
MY GOLDEN STAGE DOOR RULE:
Don't do anything that a typical Wicked fan would do.
There is a thread in the Wicked forum dealing with Stagedoor Experiences, and one girl asked Idina for her email address. Another one asked her for her script and score. The next one asked to go for coffee.
They all got the same answer.... I'll let you put two and two together. 
|
EarlCarpenterFan
|
I always go to the stage door now. I'm pretty sure that I'm polite and I don't gush too much (however much I might want to!).
I usually ask for an autograph, and if they are particularly friendly or don't seem to be in a rush I ask for a photo.
I've never been turned down. All the performers I've stopped were friendly and seem genuinely pleased to be stopped. Even if there was one who was obviously very tired (this was after a matinee) and a couple who were in a rush, they were still fine about giving their autographs.
In my experience, London casts have come out after matinees. I was at Les Mis the other week and I saw pretty much the whole cast come out. It is true that they are in much more of a rush though.
|
Lady Jemima
|
Thank you all so much.
| Quote: |
Now, about matinees. Maybe it's different on Broadway, but in the West End you'll hardly EVER see anyone coming out the Stage Door after a matinee, because they'll be staying inside, in makeup and sometimes costume, as the break between shows isn't all that long. They have to rest up for the evening performance, so actually after a matinee is not a good time to wait to see people. |
Oh wow, I'm really disappointed to hear that. Is there...any way to meet performers after a matinee?
Typically how long would you wait before assuming they were staying in?
|
Smudge
|
I don't usually wait more than 10 or 15 minutes, esp after a matinee, unless there's someone I really want to see (like I said before). I would say you've got about a 50/50 chance of people coming out after the show. Probably worth your time to stand around for a little while. You'll never know if you don't stand out there, and then you'll be trying to contort enough to kick your own ass for not just staying to see.
|
EarlCarpenterFan
|
| Lady Jemima wrote: | | Typically how long would you wait before assuming they were staying in? |
After the Les Mis matinee in London the other week, John Owen-Jones took half an hour to come out. However, others seemed to come out in about 5 minutes, but in my experience, the average time seems to be 15/20 minutes. Its well worth the wait!
|
RTTugger1977
|
I just try to be as low-key as possible. If I'm among friends who are a bit more forward, I let them do most of the talking. If they are like some of the CATS alumni that have been cool enough to post on this space in the past, usually I give them a copy of some CATS fanfic that their character is prominently featured in, since I used to hype it up a great deal. More times than not they seemed amused.
Just don't crowd the stage door and act like a gushing teenager backstage at a (fill in the trendy band of your choice) concert...it does overwhelm the actors and WILL scare them off.
|
RTTugger1977
|
A few other things......Mumsytype, what you said about Clive Carter just changed my opinion of him. The only knowledge I had of him beforehand was that he sang "Mr. Mistoffelees" on a budget ALW compilation I got my hands on, and after hearing his version, I said some things at the time that weren't so nice, being the music snob that I was. I hereby retract those statements. 
Another piece of stage door etiquette---separate the actor from the character they've just played (or any other character they've played for that matter). A friend of mine saw "Spamalot" when Tim Curry and David Hyde Pierce were in the show, and because she was polite and didn't scream out "NILES!!!!" when David came out (which it seems like a lot of people were doing), he signed her program first! As far as Tim Curry goes, she ran into him later on in her trip, and as long as you don't mention "Rocky Horror" to him, all will be good. (He's quite annoyed by the whole Rocky Horror cult thing, as is Peter Hinwood--but that's another can o' worms altogether.)
|
Rumpleteazer4760
|
I agree with RTTugger, just act normal and kinda low-key. I once went with my sister to a concert where there was a very popular band playing. This band happens to be my sister's most favorite band on earth, but both she and I were far from behaving like the screaming fangirls described here. While we stood in line everyone around us was acting like that - asking silly questions and asking the band members to sign unusual body parts and the like (which they earned my respect by not doing). We were among the last in line, and while one particular band member was signing our autographs fangirls (who had already got autographs I might add) were coming up to "talk" to him. The band member answered them politely and I just stood there and waited like any sane person would do. The man appreciated our courtesy enough to sign not only autographs for both of us but for several of our siblings who had been unable to attend. He was one of the most charming people I've met to this day. So I think when your polite it improves both their experience and yours.
My... *looks at post* ...well, a lot more than two cents. 
|
RTTugger1977
|
Which band, if I may be so bold to ask?
I've noticed that jazz musicians (more so than rockers) are usually very outgoing and some of them truly enjoy meeting the fans. I used to work at our local jazz festival (representing the CD store I used to work for) and as a result, have a few signed liner notes from those who performed. Stefon Harris (a great vibraphone player) in particular was really nice, and stayed for at least an hour to sign autographs and talk.
|
Roller Boy
|
Re: A few other things...... | RTTugger1977 wrote: | | As far as Tim Curry goes, she ran into him later on in her trip, and as long as you don't mention "Rocky Horror" to him, all will be good. (He's quite annoyed by the whole Rocky Horror cult thing, as is Peter Hinwood--but that's another can o' worms altogether.) |
Man If I ever meet Tim Curry, I will totally shake his hand and say "SIR, You are an amazing actor, and I appreciate the great effort you put forth in Legend, as Darkness. That Costume was amazing, and you carried that character off splendidly. May I also add that Your voice acting for animation is phenomenal. Fern gully was masterful, and I adored you in Muppet treasure Island. It is an honor sir."
|
Belle
|
Muppet Treasure Island is the bext Pirate movie EVER!!! Pirates of the Carribbean doesn't have the music to compete...
|
Rumpleteazer4760
|
| RTTugger1977 wrote: | Which band, if I may be so bold to ask?
I've noticed that jazz musicians (more so than rockers) are usually very outgoing and some of them truly enjoy meeting the fans. I used to work at our local jazz festival (representing the CD store I used to work for) and as a result, have a few signed liner notes from those who performed. Stefon Harris (a great vibraphone player) in particular was really nice, and stayed for at least an hour to sign autographs and talk. |
Ironically, it was the Christian rock band Hawk Nelson.
|
RTTugger1977
|
Hawk Nelson? Unfortunately, never heard of them (up until now!). Glad the lead singer was so nice to you and your sister though!
A friend of mine once met the guys in 3 Doors Down and she said all but the lead singer were nice. That's rock & roll, I guess...
|
Rumpleteazer4760
|
I guess it is, unfortunately. The guy we talked to was actually not the lead singer but the lead guitarist and backup singer, I believe. The lead singer was not able to stay very long.
|
