Locate the stage door before the show. If you can, either arrive to the performance a bit early or take a trip to the theater a few days before the show, and look for the stage door. Sometimes, this door is labeled “stage door”, especially if it is a Broadway theater, and other times it may not be. If you go to look and are still unsure, or are unable to take a trip to the theater ahead of time, call the theater you’ll be going to for the show, and ask for the location of the stage door.
Bring a marker (preferably felt tipped) with you for autographs. Although many performers have their own writing utensil, some do not. While they may go into the theater and obtain one, it may be seen as an inconvenience to them. Bring one light sharpie and one dark sharpie. This is especially important if you don’t know the color of the playbill. You’ll want the signatures to be seen on the playbill.
Make sure your camera is out and that it works. Most actors will willingly take photos with you, but it’s seen as an inconvenience if you take ten minutes to get out and set up your camera. It’s generally okay to ask a neighbor to take your photo, but make sure to show them how your camera works before the actors start coming out.
Walk at a normal pace to the stage door when the show is done. Especially if there is elaborate makeup in the show, the actors will most likely take a bit to come out. There is no need to run out the theater door, or push other theater patrons on your walk there.
Have a lot of patience. As said above, especially if the actors have elaborate makeup, they may take a few minutes to come out. In addition, the actor may need to meet with the creative team, especially if the show is during previews. They also may be giving a backstage tour, or doing a talkback. Usually, there will be a security guard at the stage door, especially if the show is really popular. If it is getting late and you’d like to meet a particular actor, politely ask the security guard: “Do you by chance know if (the name of the actor) is coming out?” They can usually find out from somebody. You can also ask another actor in the show, because they may know if the actor has to catch a train, or do something else important after the show.
Avoid obnoxiously screaming when a favorite performer comes out. While it’s great that you love the performer, there are usually others at the stage door, and they most likely won’t appreciate someone obnoxiously screaming. The actors won’t appreciate it either, and it may cause them to not want to sign autographs.
Be polite to those waiting with you as well as the actors. Similar to walking there, do not push other stage door patrons in order to get an autograph. If an actor is signing, they will try their best to sign for everyone who is there. In addition, be polite to the actors. Tell them what a great job they did, and try to get signatures from everyone who is signing at that time. This will show that you support everyone involved in the show.
Thank the performers after they sign your playbill. This may seem like a simple gesture, but it goes a long way. They’ve just performed a show, which can be exhausting, and hearing a simple “thank you” might just make their day.
Comments
0 comment