Joined: 12/31/69
I've seen people stand and wait for an hour or more to get a quick scrawl on a piece of paper. What's the point? Why do you want someone's autograph?
If I enjoy the performance, I like to commemorate it with a chance to tell the actor/actress they were great. Usually, that ends in an autograph. That's why I get them. Then, I frame them if I have the money to do so. It makes a nice sentimental keepsake.
I'm with you Joe, my memory of the show works just fine
I actually honestly don't care much for autographs. I go to the stage-door because I enjoy speaking to the performer after the performance and telling them I appreciate them, and maybe getting a picture with them too if possible. I do the autograph thing because the actors usually go down the line signing autographs, and if I don't have my playbill out they might skip by me, which has happened on more than one occasion.
On the flipside, if I enjoy the performance, I like to commemorate it by applauding the show (that's how I tell the actors they were great), then going out and discussing it with friends. If its a particularly good show, I save the program as the only keepsake.
An actual signature from your favorite Broadway star can be very special. Personally, I probably wouldn't stand in line for more than 5 minutes to get a sig, but I definitely see why people would. Especially for the tourists who only come to the city every 2 or 3 years.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
I brought my nieces to Hairspray (their first Broadway show) the Monday before it opened. That day, the CD became available in the theater lobby. I stood with my nieces at the stage door, and as luck would have it, the cast had mostly not yet seen the cd. I got all of them to sign it and it's a memento of a really fun weekend. I feel confident that I did absolutely no harm to the world in doing this.
I don't usually care about autographs but after I saw Judy Kuhn's brilliant Fosca in Passion I waited after in the lobby of CSC and she graciously signed my Playbill even asking how to correctly spell my name. I had planned my trip (from Australia) around seeing her in the show and told her so. She was chuffed. What a lovely lady she was. I'm glad I asked and may even get it framed.
It's as simple as this:
(a) If you want to get an autograph. Do so. It's a free country.
(b) If you don't want to get one. Don't. It's a free country.
But don't call the other wrong for their personal choice.
See how that works?
Also, now that I write for BroadwayWorld, an autograph can be a fun way to commemorate an interview that an artist and I did and both enjoyed.
I also do not wait for an hour or longer. I think the longest I ever waited was for Stephanie J. Block after WICKED in 2005 in Houston (30-45 minutes), and that was so she could get the green paint off.
"But don't call the other wrong for their personal choice."
So glad no one has done that yet in this thread!
No one said it was wrong; no suggested they shouldn't. Some one simply asked why.
Sheesh.
I like to get autographs after a show or performer I particularly liked because it makes a nice memento of the show. It adds to the memories.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/2/10
I don't really care about autographs per se. But it does give you a few moments to chat with the celeb, which you might not have otherwise..which is nice and the reason I might wait for one.
However, if I had a choice, I would pick a photo over an autograph.
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/9/04
I don't care very much about the signature. For me, it's the thrill of meeting the performer. I've met some amazing people, and have some great stories. Almost 45 minutes on the sidewalk talking to Anne Heche after PROOF. Nathan Lane called me adorable once and pinched my cheek. Julianne Moore kissed me on the cheek. And lots more... That's why I wait. :)
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
I wasn't belittling anyone- I am curious. I totally get the thrill of meeting a performer you like- I just have never understood the signature- is it proof you met them? Is it to sell? What is it?
And I should add- buying "autographed" stuff on e-bay an the like really baffles me.
Number of times I call anyone wrong for doing so: 0
I have a window card from every show I've seen, I think it makes it slightly more special to have them signed by the cast. As an added plus sometimes lesser known cast members become more famous later (Raul Esparza in Rocky Horror, Aaron Tveit in the tour of Rent) which is fun to mention.
For me the stage door experience is just as enjoyable as the show and if that statement angers you, your either old or high on Sondheim. It is one of the many advantages of live theater vs. film. Live Theatre gives you have the opportunity to meet the cast after a performance. It is a personal networking opportunity for performers as well. The way the actors interact influences in some way which performers I choose to support and follow onto there next projects. I feel "stagedooring" is what has keep celebrity obsessed youth interested in theatre.
"your either old or high on Sondheim. "
It's you're, not your.
Yep, old, but not a Sondheim fan.
Doesn't bother me. Whatever floats your boat.
"I like to commemorate it with a chance to tell the actor/actress they were great. Usually, that ends in an autograph."
I'm sorry, but in all of my years as a star dresser, I have NEVER seen anyone who compliments a performer who doesn't expect the autograph.
To say that it 'usually end in an autograph' is a joke. Never have I ever seen any performer just offer up their autograph.
That sounds like the most egotistical thing ever.
'Oh, thanks so much for your compliment! Would you like my autograph?'
You stand there and compliment them and then ask them to sign something. Don't lie about it.
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/31/69
No one's pro-stagedooring comments anger me but I am old AND Stephen Sondheim.
"For me the stage door experience is just as enjoyable as the show and if that statement angers you, your either old or high on Sondheim."
From your post, you're either young or high on Elmer's glue.
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