#26
Posted: 10/3/09 at 12:29am
If you're under 15 and James Barbour is in the show, you could probably finagle a backstage pass.
Bcakstage Passes — Page 2
#27
Posted: 10/3/09 at 12:32am
Wow! Those photos are great legally_popular. You're so lucky. However, I did think it was either illegal or unethical to take photos on stage or of the house and publish them without permission of the either the theatre, the producers or its management. That was what I was always told during a few of the tours I got. I was not allowed to take photos.
Again, congrats on your amazing experience. :)
Again, congrats on your amazing experience. :)
"The sexual energy between the mother and son really concerns me!"-random woman behind me at Next to Normal
"I want to meet him after and bang him!"-random woman who exposed her breasts at Rock of Ages, referring to James Carpinello
#28
Posted: 10/3/09 at 1:04am
Phyllis - you win this round. Hysterical.
I love how this thread has turned into a "look where I've been backstage" bragging thread. Oh, you have to know someone. Look who I know. El oh el.
I love how this thread has turned into a "look where I've been backstage" bragging thread. Oh, you have to know someone. Look who I know. El oh el.
"This table, he is over one hundred years old. If I could, I would take an old gramophone needle and run it along the surface of the wood. To hear the music of the voices. All that was said." - Doug Wright, I Am My Own Wife
#29
Posted: 10/3/09 at 1:07am
About a year ago there was a thread asking who'd been backstage and I said that I was at Les Miz but didn't say who I knew. I got a PM asking who I know. Um, hello...if I wanted you to know I'd have posted it in the thread.
"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".
#30
Posted: 10/3/09 at 1:50am
Yeah I knew someone in Les Mis as well and have been backstage countless times. It was pretty cool! haha
and BettyBoy, technically you really aren't supposed to take pictures onstage/in the theater but most of the time it doesnt matter if you're back there with a friend in the cast/crew
and BettyBoy, technically you really aren't supposed to take pictures onstage/in the theater but most of the time it doesnt matter if you're back there with a friend in the cast/crew
http://two-sails.blogspot.com/
#31
Posted: 10/3/09 at 2:26am
Taking pictures of any set is considered illegal unless you get written permission.
The design is protected under copyright laws.
And whoever let that kid try on costumes could be fired, so thanks for posting his picture as well.
The design is protected under copyright laws.
And whoever let that kid try on costumes could be fired, so thanks for posting his picture as well.
"TheatreDiva90016 - another good reason to frequent these boards less."<<>>
“I hesitate to give this line of discussion the validation it so desperately craves by perpetuating it, but the light from logic is getting further and further away with your every successive post.” <<>>
-whatever2
Updated On: 10/3/09 at 02:26 AM
#32
Posted: 10/3/09 at 2:29am
Any time I've taken pictures on stage it was always with the person taking the picture facing the audience. So you'd only get seats in the background
"All our dreams can come true -- if we have the courage to pursue them." -- Walt Disney
We must have different Gods. My God said "do to others what you would have them do to you". Your God seems to have said "My Way or the Highway".
#33
Posted: 10/3/09 at 2:31am
That's all your allowed to do.
"TheatreDiva90016 - another good reason to frequent these boards less."<<>>
“I hesitate to give this line of discussion the validation it so desperately craves by perpetuating it, but the light from logic is getting further and further away with your every successive post.” <<>>
-whatever2
#34
Posted: 10/3/09 at 6:29am
During the Hair finale they allow everyone to take pictures. In fact while they were telling folks to put away thier phones/cameras pre-show, they were TELLING folks they could take them at the end and on stage.
When I was backstage at Hair in August, we were asked why we WEREN'T taking any since one of us HAD our camera.
When I was backstage at Hair in August, we were asked why we WEREN'T taking any since one of us HAD our camera.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.
#35
Posted: 10/3/09 at 8:04am
The person who showed me and my family around told us we could take as many pictures as we want. And of all the other people we met or passed by - the stage manager, crew, staff, cast, security guys - not one person said we weren't allowed to. Obviously if someone objected or told us to put the camera away we would have. Plus, I see people in the audience taking pictures of the set all the time, sometimes the ushers say something, sometimes not.
#36
Posted: 10/3/09 at 9:01am
I went to see Marvelous Wonderettes last week and someone wanted to take a picture of the set after the show, and the usher would not allow it because of the copyright. Yet when I was backstage at Avenue Q in June no one had a problem with me taking pictures of their set.
.
.
Updated On: 10/5/09 at 09:01 AM
#37
Posted: 10/3/09 at 12:51pm
"Plus, I see people in the audience taking pictures of the set all the time, sometimes the ushers say something, sometimes not."
The ushers are extremely busy trying to seat people and can't possibly catch every single person with a camera. I've seen people take pictures of the stage before, but an usher never said anything because no one was looking.
The ushers are extremely busy trying to seat people and can't possibly catch every single person with a camera. I've seen people take pictures of the stage before, but an usher never said anything because no one was looking.
"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611
#38
Posted: 10/3/09 at 2:57pm
I find this thread to be charming, in a naive, extremely self-centered sort of way.
Why yes, you can take photographs if you want to, as long as you can "get away with it". Whoop-dee-doo.
All THAT shows is that you place your own selfish desires above your alleged respect for the creatives involved in the theater industry.
So, make your choice, - but at least be honest about it.
If you never post or sell your photos, I suppose there's no monetary damages done. However, if you believe you have principles, then I think you all need to rethink your case that:
"well, every-buh-dee else doz it! soze it must be Oh-KAY!"
Several years ago I had an online back and forth with an apparently young B'Way fan who was thrilled to brag that her dad had burned her copies of the CDs released by various B'way singers. Back then, burning CDs was not the easiest thing in the world to do, so I guess it gave her some sort of cachet.
Anyway, I pointed out to her that on this level, every CD sold makes a difference to the performer - not only in terms of direct money to the performer but also every unit sold gives the record company more incentive to release more CDs in the same genre - etc. etc.
She refused to acknowledge that by burning copies of her favorite CDs she was disrespecting the artists that she claimed to hold in such high esteem. I called her out on that and she literally said she would have her "producer daddy" (I hope literal father, not sexual weirdness) track me down and make sure I never worked in show biz again.
Well, so far, he hasn't found me...
Bottom line -
My opinion, as a Broadway and touring vet -
Yes, when you get a BS tour from a cast, management and/or crew member, that is a special treat. My opinion is that you should respect that artists who worked very hard to create everything that you see and avoid taking photos.
If you absolutely feel that your momentary desires are so much more important than the rights of the artists you pretend to respect, at least do NOT ever post our photos - If for no other reason than whomever gave you carte blanche to try on a costume can indeed be summarily fired. As they should be.
Seriously - who ever allowed somebody else to try on a costume should be canned. No questions. I know several B'way company managers, producers and stage managers who regularly read these boards.
Above all, use discretion. I know it's tough when you're trying to be an "insider", have super secret inside connections that make you feel special - but the fact is, everyone needs to actually THINK about the consequences of their actions, and act accordingly.
Why yes, you can take photographs if you want to, as long as you can "get away with it". Whoop-dee-doo.
All THAT shows is that you place your own selfish desires above your alleged respect for the creatives involved in the theater industry.
So, make your choice, - but at least be honest about it.
If you never post or sell your photos, I suppose there's no monetary damages done. However, if you believe you have principles, then I think you all need to rethink your case that:
"well, every-buh-dee else doz it! soze it must be Oh-KAY!"
Several years ago I had an online back and forth with an apparently young B'Way fan who was thrilled to brag that her dad had burned her copies of the CDs released by various B'way singers. Back then, burning CDs was not the easiest thing in the world to do, so I guess it gave her some sort of cachet.
Anyway, I pointed out to her that on this level, every CD sold makes a difference to the performer - not only in terms of direct money to the performer but also every unit sold gives the record company more incentive to release more CDs in the same genre - etc. etc.
She refused to acknowledge that by burning copies of her favorite CDs she was disrespecting the artists that she claimed to hold in such high esteem. I called her out on that and she literally said she would have her "producer daddy" (I hope literal father, not sexual weirdness) track me down and make sure I never worked in show biz again.
Well, so far, he hasn't found me...
Bottom line -
My opinion, as a Broadway and touring vet -
Yes, when you get a BS tour from a cast, management and/or crew member, that is a special treat. My opinion is that you should respect that artists who worked very hard to create everything that you see and avoid taking photos.
If you absolutely feel that your momentary desires are so much more important than the rights of the artists you pretend to respect, at least do NOT ever post our photos - If for no other reason than whomever gave you carte blanche to try on a costume can indeed be summarily fired. As they should be.
Seriously - who ever allowed somebody else to try on a costume should be canned. No questions. I know several B'way company managers, producers and stage managers who regularly read these boards.
Above all, use discretion. I know it's tough when you're trying to be an "insider", have super secret inside connections that make you feel special - but the fact is, everyone needs to actually THINK about the consequences of their actions, and act accordingly.
"It's never too late to have a happy childhood. "
- Tom Robbins
#39
Posted: 10/3/09 at 11:11pm
Um, wow. No one giving backstage tours at Wicked is allowed to touch anything, including the costumes. I suppose that might be the actor's own costume (yes, I recognize who he is from the photo), in which case there's probably not much to be done about him letting someone try it on, but otherwise that's distinctly against the rules.
And yes, it is a copyright violation to take pictures of sets. Looks like management needs to send a memo to the actors and crew at N2N.
And yes, it is a copyright violation to take pictures of sets. Looks like management needs to send a memo to the actors and crew at N2N.
#40
Posted: 10/3/09 at 11:27pm
Can anyone please let me know what exactly is wrong with trying on the costumes? I can see why it is illegal to take photos of the sets and costumes, but what is wrong with putting on a costume?
By the way, I would never expect to do that if I were to go backstage to a show. Just curious if there is a reasoning behind it or if it is one of those "that's just how it is" rules.
By the way, I would never expect to do that if I were to go backstage to a show. Just curious if there is a reasoning behind it or if it is one of those "that's just how it is" rules.
"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611
Updated On: 10/3/09 at 11:27 PM
#41
Posted: 10/3/09 at 11:47pm
^Trying on costumes and wigs is probably a big no-no because of hygiene issues among other things.
Okay, proptart, thanks for your insight. First, I am not self-centered or disrespectful. I was very appreciative that the person gave us a tour and was very respectful of the property and people. I had a good time learning about everything behind-the-scenes, it wasn't all about ME, ME, ME or "OMGz let's take a picture of this, this and this!" Second, I am not trying to brag that I went backstage or that I know someone at that theater. It was a special experience for me that I wanted to share with fellow theatre lovers. I love hearing about other people's experiences and looking at their picutres. I felt I had a cool story to tell from my night, so I said it. I didn't think it would turn into such a big deal. Please forgive me if you are just rolling your eyes thinking I'm merely bragging.
Above all, I do not want to get anyone in trouble for posting my pictures. Since I've seen other backstage photos posted on forums, facebook, and other sites, I figured it was ok for me to do so. If the pictures are not allowed to be posted then I will take them down. I will ask the people I know.
Okay, proptart, thanks for your insight. First, I am not self-centered or disrespectful. I was very appreciative that the person gave us a tour and was very respectful of the property and people. I had a good time learning about everything behind-the-scenes, it wasn't all about ME, ME, ME or "OMGz let's take a picture of this, this and this!" Second, I am not trying to brag that I went backstage or that I know someone at that theater. It was a special experience for me that I wanted to share with fellow theatre lovers. I love hearing about other people's experiences and looking at their picutres. I felt I had a cool story to tell from my night, so I said it. I didn't think it would turn into such a big deal. Please forgive me if you are just rolling your eyes thinking I'm merely bragging.
Above all, I do not want to get anyone in trouble for posting my pictures. Since I've seen other backstage photos posted on forums, facebook, and other sites, I figured it was ok for me to do so. If the pictures are not allowed to be posted then I will take them down. I will ask the people I know.
#42
Posted: 10/3/09 at 11:51pm
Honestly, hon, I wouldn't stress too much about it. Don't let drama llamas ruin your buzz. :)
#43
Posted: 10/3/09 at 11:58pm
...but what is wrong with putting on a costume?
ALL Broadway dressers are part of the Theatrical Wardrobe Union, Local 764, IATSE and are the only ones who can handle or touch costumes. Its a union thing.
I can attest to the above since I have several friends who work or have worked on Broadway. They can not put on the costumes themselves -- their dresser is the only person who can handle and manipulate the costumes. Actors generally do their own make-up (yes, even cast members of CATS are taught to do their own make-up) but when it comes to the wigs (another union) and the costumes (another union), the proper personnel does that duty. They can lose their jobs if someone else does their job. Its happened.
And yes... sets, costumes, props are ALL copyrighted and those people posting their personal backstage photos can cause problems to those posing with them. If you notice, whenever a celebrity or dignitary poses for a photo with cast members of a Broadway show, the sets are NEVER shown in the photos -- they pose with them in the wings, or the bare stage or in the dressing rooms. That is why no photos are permitted to be taken during the show -- COPYRIGHTS!
ALL Broadway dressers are part of the Theatrical Wardrobe Union, Local 764, IATSE and are the only ones who can handle or touch costumes. Its a union thing.
I can attest to the above since I have several friends who work or have worked on Broadway. They can not put on the costumes themselves -- their dresser is the only person who can handle and manipulate the costumes. Actors generally do their own make-up (yes, even cast members of CATS are taught to do their own make-up) but when it comes to the wigs (another union) and the costumes (another union), the proper personnel does that duty. They can lose their jobs if someone else does their job. Its happened.
And yes... sets, costumes, props are ALL copyrighted and those people posting their personal backstage photos can cause problems to those posing with them. If you notice, whenever a celebrity or dignitary poses for a photo with cast members of a Broadway show, the sets are NEVER shown in the photos -- they pose with them in the wings, or the bare stage or in the dressing rooms. That is why no photos are permitted to be taken during the show -- COPYRIGHTS!
#44
Posted: 10/4/09 at 12:03am
In Hairspray, Link must be made part of the Musicians Union (The name of it escapes me) because he plays the guitar during 'It Takes Two'
#45
Posted: 10/4/09 at 12:28am
Thanks BrodyFosse!
"We like to snark around here. Sometimes we actually talk about theater...but we try not to let that get in our way." - dramamama611
#46
Posted: 10/4/09 at 12:31am
I have been backstage at A Chorus Line (tour) and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (tour). My friend's friend is a Broadway agent and he had clients in the show. To get backstage you have to have some kind of connection. I wish they made passes, but unfortunately they dont =[.
#47
Posted: 10/4/09 at 2:41am
*has to be the spelling bunny that points out the typo in the title. Goodness*
I wasn't able to see Hairspray before it closed, but if the actor playing Link did use a working instrument, there may have been a premium paid like there was for the actor-musicians in the Sweeney Revival.
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/94773-Sweeney_Todd_Producers_and_Unions_Strike_Deal_about_Actor-Musicians
And I've also heard about guests not being able to try on costumes. I didn't even want to touch some of them lest a bead fall off on some of the more expensive items. I think there was even a Pirate Queen video of Stephanie talking about trying on someone else's costumes and possibly getting a warning from Equity. It was playful, but there has to be some truth in it.
I wasn't able to see Hairspray before it closed, but if the actor playing Link did use a working instrument, there may have been a premium paid like there was for the actor-musicians in the Sweeney Revival.
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/94773-Sweeney_Todd_Producers_and_Unions_Strike_Deal_about_Actor-Musicians
And I've also heard about guests not being able to try on costumes. I didn't even want to touch some of them lest a bead fall off on some of the more expensive items. I think there was even a Pirate Queen video of Stephanie talking about trying on someone else's costumes and possibly getting a warning from Equity. It was playful, but there has to be some truth in it.
#48
Posted: 10/4/09 at 2:54am
According to IBDB the actors playing Link, Velma, Penny, Mr. Pinky/Principal are all considered onstage orchestra.
Onstage Guitar: Matthew Morrison; Onstage Keyboards: Linda Hart; Onstage Glockenspiel: Joel Vig; Onstage Harmonica: Kerry Butler
http://ibdb.com/production.php?id=13371
Onstage Guitar: Matthew Morrison; Onstage Keyboards: Linda Hart; Onstage Glockenspiel: Joel Vig; Onstage Harmonica: Kerry Butler
http://ibdb.com/production.php?id=13371
#49
Posted: 10/4/09 at 8:16am
That's how the producers got around the minimum at the theater.
All theaters have a minimum orchestra required. If you don't need that many instruments, you have to hire the minimum anyway and have some guys getting paid to literally do nothing. (You can apply for a Special Situation, but it has to be approved by the union. [title of show] was approved to be a Special Situation.)
For HAIRSPRAY, the producers wanted fifteen musicians. The minimum at the Neil Simon is nineteen. So, rather than hire four people to sit in the pit silently, they wrote four instruments into the script and called it an onstage orchestra. All four actors who play those onstage instruments have to join 802, the musician's union, so that the union benefits, at least, from the premiums paid, even if the rest of their members do not.
All theaters have a minimum orchestra required. If you don't need that many instruments, you have to hire the minimum anyway and have some guys getting paid to literally do nothing. (You can apply for a Special Situation, but it has to be approved by the union. [title of show] was approved to be a Special Situation.)
For HAIRSPRAY, the producers wanted fifteen musicians. The minimum at the Neil Simon is nineteen. So, rather than hire four people to sit in the pit silently, they wrote four instruments into the script and called it an onstage orchestra. All four actors who play those onstage instruments have to join 802, the musician's union, so that the union benefits, at least, from the premiums paid, even if the rest of their members do not.
Nothing matters but knowing nothing matters. ~ Wicked
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent
"He's a tramp, but I love him."
Everything in life is only for now. ~ Avenue Q
There is no future, there is no past. I live this moment as my last. ~ Rent
Updated On: 10/4/09 at 08:16 AM
#50
Posted: 10/4/09 at 10:14am
I can understand the "don't try on the costumes" rule. I wouldn't be too excited if strangers were trying on my clothes while I wasn't there. Some of the costumes have risk for damage as well.
Do all ensemble members actually have someone put their costumes on for them? I was under the impression that, in at least some cases, they put them on themselves.
Do all ensemble members actually have someone put their costumes on for them? I was under the impression that, in at least some cases, they put them on themselves.
"What was the name of that cheese that I like?"
"you can't run away forever...but there's nothing wrong with getting a good head start"
"well I hope and I pray, that maybe someday, you'll walk in the room with my heart"
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