No one disagrees that it isn't best for an actor to reach out to their fans--it's the entitlement that is ridiculous. A performer can not ALWAYS sign. Tough. Come back another day.
Have either you of ever performed 8 shows a week? And then had to deal with a mob of fans after every show?
Obviously autogrpahs are going to be sold on eBay. Hell, I've bought some myself from there. But there are jobs that are a hell of a lot harder than acting for 2 hours so I don't see that extra 15 minutes as doing much harm.
Again, that's just my opinion. You are certanly free to dismiss your fans if you want to, ala Marisa Tomei. But don't be surprised when your name gets tossed in the mud.
Only in my dreams, jrb. Only in my dreams am I a lead actor in Broadway show, making at the VERY least 10x what I am now. To sing, dance and act every day! For a living!! A GOOD living. I'll sign every damn playbill you have. And all your friends' too.
wow. That's right. They only worked for 2 - 3 hours. DO YOU REALIZE how much energy it TAKES????
Yes, you say that now, but you have no idea what it is really like. 8 shows a week for months and months is tough.
I do. But it's GREAT energy. My friends who do it are completely energized after a performance, for hours. Perhaps on a two-show day it's more tiring, but damn, my job makes me tired too. And I get a helluva lot less out of it.
Yes--usually it is great. But performers get tired moments. Performers need time to rest. I will change my opinion when someone who has actually done a show 8 times a week pipes up. Ok?
Well, I know for me....when I have had that kind of opportunity...Yes I have ALWAYS stopped and said hello and gave autographs...I also find it kind of embarressing. I enjoy very much what I do....but to have someone be rude and push their way to get at someone is just wrong. It is NOT part of my job to do the autographs. Its not in my contract, its not required by my agent or my producers. Im flattered that people want that little signature...but my signature is my performance.
Jrb, you and I just had this fight last night.
And the next time any of y'all get into a Broadway show and have people waiting to praise YOU, than you let me know that you're just too tired to deal with it.
"Im flattered that people want that little signature...but my signature is my performance."
Bobby, I love it!!! That sounds like something you'd hear come from Streisand. lol
They have time to rest when they leave the stage door. Plenty of time between then and the next show. Trust me, I have friends who do it 8 times a week, in leading roles, and HAPPILY sign. They understand that these people are paying customers who make it possible for them to do the jobs they love to do.
well, let me say this.....This "Job" to me is not the performance...Thats the icing on the cake....the "Job" is the auditioning, the callbacks, the dance calls, the agent talks, the callbacks again....the reading......THATS THE JOB...Where are the fans then??? Its the "job" that wears me out!
All our jobs are wearing. But we all still have to treat paying customers like paying customers. That's how life works. In every other profession, people have to deal with it. Why not stage actors? What makes them more special than the rest of us average Joes?
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/20/04
Guess who does it eight times a week and happily signs?
<---- see pic at left
You're absolutely right. But I think you've got to look at the fans as something good that comes along with finally making it. By seeing some of these people after shows, I've had some incredible experiences having very long conversations with people such as Sigourney Weaver, Carol Burnett, Sarah Jessica Parker and many others who have in one way or another really inspired me with their kindness. They certanly didn't have to take an hour or a half hour out of their time to talk to a fan, but they did. And until the day I die, I will forever praise them for being kind, generous and caring people.
well, I think we can all say SHE's a goddess.
Whatever, Rath--are you going to tell me you are happy skippy doo dah with all of your customers?
Myself--I have every desire to sign, take photos, and talk to audiences--especially youth. Education & Community Outreach is a strong part of my background and inspires this in me. But, if I need to walk on by one day for an important reason, I will. I hope it never happens, but who knows?
Dont get me wrong...I appreciate the fans very much.....but dont get angry if I dont happen to do it one night....there are 7 other performances to get one
The odd moment, like you're talking about, jrb, is perfectly understandable. And people have done that, and been nice about it - we've read instances here of actors having to run but saying to the fans that they have to leave, acknowledging them, and the fans always walk away happy just for that acknowledgement. It's about treating fellow humans as humans and showing common courtesy (and customer service, of course).
Bobby...I can't believe you wouldn't sign my Playbill when I saw you last on Broadway. So who cares you weren't in "Wicked" do you really think any of my friends would've known that???
I'll sign it, Boobs!!
Boobs, for you, Ill sign anything you want me to!
Oh Rath darling...I got something better than a Playbill for you to sign.
Oh now you change your attitude Bobby..huh??? All it took was a martini and look how you change.
hehe.....ok....so Im easy....
Boobs, you're one to talk. Ever since you and Norbert left WICKED, you've just been such a bitch to everybody. Now you have the nerve to come on here and talk about how someone won't sign something for you? Grow up.
Bobby, as far as "7 other performances to get one," most of these people asking for autographs don't live here. They've made a special trip to see a Broadway show, with all the expense and planning that entails. That's probably their only chance to meet you/get an autograph.
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