Actors are just PEOPLE

I won't say this is the first time I've thought about all this, but BrianS made a comment that just kinda sent me over the edge about actors at the stagedoor.

I know that this post won't solve the evergoing battle on the stage door "is it wrong, is it right?" question. However, to the people that want to champion how the actors need to focus on "all the things they need to do mentally and physically to put on a great show", let's consider this for a moment.

How is it if performers need this time to "focus", do we get videos like Leigh Ann Larkin's Backstage Videos for Gypsy, or for those who remember, Sutton Foster's for Drowsy, or even all the Behind the Scenes moments for the Televised production of Legally Blonde?(to name a few). Heck theres even an entire documentary on Chitty Chitty Bang Bang where they cover the backstage on the First Preview and Michael Ball, just coming off stage sweating and panting, doesn't just stay in the Potts character. He talks to the camera! These actors in no way seem stressed to have a little bit of fun with a camera while getting ready for/during a show.

Now I'm not saying ALL actors are the same. Please understand that. I'm just stating that actors are people too. I know that sounds simple, but sometimes I think a lot of people on here seem to forget that. Trust me, Patti (tho a great performer), still sh*ts just like you do..and no, it's NOT gold (tho some may disagree?)

I met Bernadette Peters outside of Gypsy - BEFORE the show (I was the only person out there) and she was AMAZINGLY gracious that I waited for her. She asked me if this was my first time seeing the show and I told her that I had seen it back a few months ago in December and waited on her at the stagedoor in a 10 degree blizzard, but she never showed up (I was foolish and waited between shows on a matinee) and she gave me this puppy dog face and apologized and even gave me a really big hug. I know she didn't have to. The way some people talk on here - she should have just walked by me, not caring I was holding my GYPSY poster, because when she steps out of the car-she's already Momma Rose. Because apparently she's not human...She's too far ahead in her career to speak to humans anymore. -- I mean come on people....

---

Updated On: 5/31/08 at 12:35 PM

"Real people have job security and benefits"

Clearly you've never been to Appalachia...



I never said actors live "glamorous" lives.

---

This thread is so wrong, in so many ways...

Better jobs?

Actors just make the choice to follow their dreams.

It's stupid and crazy but it's for the love of theatre and art. Broadway Actors are the ones crazy enough to throw away a stable financial future just to live their dreams.

It's not a "better job" by any means.

Looks like someone needs to try living in New York for a year on a standard Bway pay rate (NOT talking about what the stars are getting paid - which still isn't THAT much).

Vacation pay?
Retirement benefits?
Medical coverage for self and family when unemployed?
Sick leave?
Sabbatical?
Did I say "family"?


It's no wonder so many actors "go Hollywood" if they can. There are no guarantees. If you want security you have to do it with your own money. I see nothing glamorous about trying to find an agent, going to audition after audition (cattle call after cattle call) hoping you have exactly what they are looking for.

I agree with BrodyFosse123 here and I don't think this time he is being sarcastic.

Ok. Just checking. :) Hope your night was fun!

---

I think Krissy seems to have caught on the theme of the funny title. Maybe I should have said, "BROADWAY actors are just people with better jobs...when it's a good show"

haha. Lighten up folks, its the weekend!

---

I understand that you didn't agree with the title...what is it about the thread itself you don't agree with?

---

i think i am confused with what people are interpreting this thread as...i see it as a thread just saying how actors should be as nice as everyone else and treating us badly at the stage door is really bitchy ...am i remotely correct?

---

The problem is, actors are scrutinized more heavily then someone working a more "average" job. I know plenty of bitchy people in various fields; if they don't hang around after their jobs to chit and chat with people, they aren't targeted as an actor is who doesn't "stage door."

That's not to say that they're wrong for not doing it; or right for doing it, for that matter. Some people will say, "Hey, they're lucky enough to be living their dream, they should have no problem meeting the public that's seeing them in a show that's keeping them employed." However, their job starts and stops on that stage. There's nothing in a contract that says they HAVE to chit and chat with fans after the show. IF they do, that's sweet and wonderful of them. I've done some regional theatre where people actually wanted to meet the actors after the show; I, personally, was thrilled. Who the hell would want to talk with me after a lame ass regional production of "Annie Get Your Gun" at a dinner theatre in PA?! However, some of the cast just wanted to get the hell out of there and go drink. That's their business and choice.

I know, I'm rambling, and haven't gotten to much of a point. Bottom line is this; people can choose to be nice to fans and chat with them. If they do, great karma is going their way. If I was ever blessed enough to get into a popular Broadway or Off-Broadway show, I can never imagine being rude or bitchy. That, however, is just me. Actors are allowed to have bad days, get bad news, not feel well, etc. Hopefully you enjoyed their work on stage, and be happy enough with that.

Well done, by the by, on guilt tripping Ms. Peters! hehe

-Vincent

Updated On: 5/31/08 at 02:13 PM

I disagree with you on waiting before a show for actors. While some actors don't take too much time to get into character, others do (and that doesn't mean they are in character from the second they get to the theatre). Plus, they also have to warm up, stretch, etc. in preparation for a show. I just feel like stagedooring should be saved for after the show.

---

I think an actor is most gracious if they stop at the stage door. They certainly are under no obligation to do so.

Now as far as the poor pitiful me routine of no benefits, no security - spare us all. An actor makes a choice to act and with that comes certain realities. If you want pity for no security or no benefits or no whatever...well make a career switch into a field that offers those things and stop whining.

..... not carefully programmed androids?

Damn. :/

Srsly, what the hell point is the OP trying to make? I'm really not sure where this thread was intended to go.

---

"Srsly, what the hell point is the OP trying to make? I'm really not sure where this thread was intended to go."

It seemed to be headed in some direction at first, but by the second paragraph, I was saying WTF?

---