Do you think actors are obliged to appear/sign at the stage door?- Page 3

[winston89]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 3:50pm

I have been in situations where I was in shows where people came to me either right after to tell me that they enjoyed my work or even a couple of days later. I must say that depending on what I am doing it can either be rewarding to hear and cool to hear or it can also be annoying.

When I was in Carousel for example, it was kind of cool to be stopped by someone who saw the show and thank me for an enjoyable night out when I was on the subway home. In college, it was great to walk around the campus having kids who I didn't know stop me and thank me for a job well done. It is rewarding. But, of course, that is the amateur level.

On Broadway I am sure things are different. Like it has been mentioned here before, the fans that come out to the stage door and wait are totally different then years past. As BrianS said, all it takes is a facebook friend request to get a fan to think that they are BFFs with a given performer. So, I am sure they are cautious about doing it. I remember stage dooring Xanadu during the time of Kerry Butler's stalker and she was out there with a private body guard who walked behind her from person to person and then walked her to the subway. Nothing like that would have happened with Merman or at least in that time on Broadway.

Theatrediva, you knew coming in here that this was a thread asking a question that was asked before. Clearly you have an issue if you come to A bitch and moan about something rather then taking the high road and just ignoring it if it is a question that you feel is asked over and over again. And, B insult me for no reason whatsoever.

Updated On: 4/19/10 at 03:50 PM

[Jane2]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 3:59pm

I made a commercial about 12 years ago, and it became very popular. It was nominated for funniest spot of the year in France. I started to get recognized wherever I went, and in the theater I was managing, I was pulled to the side by many patrons each night, asking about the commercial. I was even stopped on a snowy night when I had a hat over most of my face, trudging to work under an umbrella, when someone recognized me. I even had two stalkers who would email me, or post on line about every single thing I did as an actor, and where I had been lately.

I HATED IT! I realized that I could never enjoy being a really famous person. And in time, I realized that I hated acting also, so I quit that aspect of the business.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 4:52pm

"to answer your question about me waiting at the stgae door when Van Der pol came out. When the guy next to me said "good job" or something of that nature to her, she responded with an attituded filled "yeah whatever" "

Still doesn't answer the question, Winston. Did she actually say "yeah, whatever?". What does attitude-filled mean? I'm looking for specifics. Did she roll her eyes, move away too quickly, give the guy a dirty look - what specifically did you consider rude? So much of this sort of thing is all in the perception, sometimes mistakenly so.

"How many different ways can you ask the same question? It's still the same question! "

Diva, I honestly don't think anyone has asked my specific question. When I did a search, the questions commonly asked are who is nice and who isn't at the stage door, and again, that's not what I'm asking. I could have been more specific in my subject line, but I didn't have enough room to add "and if you thought they were rude, please explain what it was about them that was rude". I could have been clearer in my original post, perhaps. What qualifies as rude? I don't think anyone has come close to asking that. You yourself have admitted that you sometimes have trouble with the search function, but if you can point me towards a thread that discusses that, I would appreciate it.

Otherwise, Diva, what really is the point of continuing to post in this thread to complain about it, other than to harass me - and Winston - and even jokingly suggest that punching someone in the throat is okay when everyone knows by your own words that you prefer mace and tazers?

Again, thanks to all who have responded. I've gained some interesting insights.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 5:18pm

You asked.

I gave my opinion.

I don't need to sit here and look for all of the other threads that have asked this question, because there have been loads of them. And it always gets the same answers. Those of us who think that an actors job is done when they leave the theatre, and those of you who need to get something signed.



"And, B insult me for no reason whatsoever."

Yes, Winston, there are plenty of reasons to insult you.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 5:59pm

"I don't need to sit here and look for all of the other threads that have asked this question, because there have been loads of them. And it always gets the same answers. Those of us who think that an actors job is done when they leave the theatre, and those of you who need to get something signed."

Thanks for your response, Diva, but I don't believe you've read the thread. Your above response clarifies that. The extended question on the thread was what those who do expect a appearance/signature/photo consider rude behavior, which is a question I don't believe has been asked before. I keep getting vague answers like the actors weren't enthusiastic, that they seemed cold, that they looked like they were forced to or didn't want to be there, that they had an attitude or brushed people off, and while that may not be ideal behavior, none of it sounds rude to me.

In any case, from my very first post, it is clear we're on the same side of this issue (though I don't advocate violence), so why are you on my case over this? You yourself have admitted accidently starting dupe threads, so why should this bother you enough to post about it? Especially as I still don't see this as a duplicate thread.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 6:02pm

Because, really, how many times can you answer this question?

"Diva, but I don't believe you've read the thread. Your above response clarifies that."

See, you are wrong.

I read the entire thread. Again, it always gets the same answers. Those of us who think that an actors job is done when they leave the theatre, and those of you who need to get something signed.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 6:29pm

This is the part that you keep ignoring:

"The extended question on the thread was what those who do expect a appearance/signature/photo consider rude behavior, which is a question I don't believe has been asked before."

Now, given your stance, that question doesn't apply to you, but it does to others. Your only purpose on this thread now is to repeat yourself and harass me. I would appreciate it if you'd stop. If you think the thread is repetitive, do us both a favor and please ignore it.

[blaxx]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 6:36pm

I think that ignoring someone who is talking to you is rude.

I understand you can't pay attention to every person in a mob, but if it's a one-on-one encounter then it is not polite to treat the person like they are not there. Performers have the right to decline, but ignoring the person is rude.

I even think it's rude to ignore panhandlers, let alone people who admire your work.

This all said, there's a lot extreme fans and a few psychos out there. I don't blame performers like Sherie Rene Scott for being freaked out to even attempt signing at stage door.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 6:48pm

"This is the part that you keep ignoring:

"The extended question on the thread was what those who do expect a appearance/signature/photo consider rude behavior, which is a question I don't believe has been asked before."

That's a different question inside a thread titled "Do you think actors are obliged to appear/sign at the stage door?"


If you don't want other peoples opinion, why are you asking questions on a public board? You really need to look up the word ‘harassment’ before you use it.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 7:09pm

That's correct, Diva, as I myself have had said repeatedly, it was an extension of the original question, and yes, it was placed inside the thread, and no, I don't think it has been asked before.

"If you don't want other peoples opinion, why are you asking questions on a public board?"

Absolutely nowhere have I said I didn't want to see other peoples' opinions. It is, in fact, the reason I started the thread. I'm curious as to what people feel entitled to, and why they feel entitled to it - and what, for them, constitutes rudeness. It doesn't mean I have to agree with their opinions.

You've offered your opinion. Continuing to post here, repeating the same thing over and over while adding nothing new, is harassment. I honestly don't understand why you're making a big issue over this.

Now, I'm asking you please to leave me alone.

"I even think it's rude to ignore panhandlers, let alone people who admire your work. "

I actually feel the same way, blaxx. I rarely give to panhandlers, but unless they're really crazy-looking, I at least wish them a nice day.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 7:10pm

"You really need to look up the word ‘harassment’ before you use it."

[rachelbway1011]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 7:28pm

While I do get a little disapointed if my favorite actor from a show doesn't come out, i don't EVER feel cheated. i don't expect them to come out just because i want them to. i don't believe they have to do it, it's a nice thing that they volunteer to do. no one has to come out. if i just get to see them perform, i am happy

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 7:32pm

"Harassment is words, conduct, or actions directed at a specific person that annoys, alarms, or causes a lot of emotional distress for no legitimate purpose."

You have succeeded in annoying me, Diva, by repeating the same things over and over, for no legitimate purpose I can tell other than for your own amusement, and addressing said repetitions specifically at me even though I've asked you to stop. I am now politely asking you that unless you have something new to contribute to the thread, to please take this up with me via PM.
Updated On: 4/19/10 at 07:32 PM

[blaxx]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 7:43pm

I think some people try to match the character, the person and the performer and validate their feelings by trying to set up a one-on-one.

I've seen fans think highly (or at least better) of awful performers who are extremely sweet to them, and others instantly become less talented when their stage presence is not met with the same passion at stage door.

I truly believe that quite a few fans have dreams/fantasies or aspirations of being on a stage, or part of the production. They see the response and attention they receive nightly and the praise they deserve for their work and they want a part of that world, even for a moment. And even if not on stage or show business, they crave the attention, the look, the talent, etc. They see themselves reflected on the performer or their environment.

I think that is endearing, when not taken to the extreme and not taken out of that dream/aspiration context.

Of course, a few others just want to keep a good memory of the moment.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 8:43pm

ghost,

It's not my fault, nor do I care, about how you feel.

You aren't that important.


Are you 'harassed' every time something on a chat board bothers you?

Updated On: 4/19/10 at 08:43 PM

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 9:18pm

No, Diva, I only feel harassed when someone's harassing me. Now you're just being pointlessly mean and petty. If I'm not that important to you, why are you repeatedly responding to nearly every post I've made in this thread today, and saying nothing new? You couldn't even honor my really simple, respectfully-worded request to stop thread-jacking and harassing me. What is your motive, if not to harass? Your last post certainly has nothing whatsoever to do with the thread, and I'm the only person you're talking to. You could just as easily said that to me in a PM, as I requested.

Now go ahead and get your last word in, because I'm done trying to be nice to you and won't respond to you in this thread further.

"I truly believe that quite a few fans have dreams/fantasies or aspirations of being on a stage, or part of the production. They see the response and attention they receive nightly and the praise they deserve for their work and they want a part of that world, even for a moment. "

I believe that, too, blaxx, and I've heard many performers tell the tale of how the course of their lives were changed by a meeting with a particularly kind stage door meeting with an actor who gave them encouragement.

Updated On: 4/19/10 at 09:18 PM

[wendilin622]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 9:23pm

I don't stage door for every show I go to, but when I do its because I had a pleasant experience at the show. A nice stage door experience just adds to that memory. I don't feel cheated when someone doesn't come out, its just exciting waiting to see who is coming out. It is also a nice feeling to let an actor know that you enjoyed their performance. In a way, it makes me feel more connected to the show. Especially if its something you can talk about with them. (One of my favorite conversations was back in May of last year--before the psychos at the N2N stage door. Had a lovely conversation with Aaron Tveit about the interpretations of his character.
It also must be nice for the actors to hear from people that you did your job well. (I know I get a kick out of it when I hear it from my students!)
I've never encountered a rude performer at the stage door. But I can see how some might construe performers as rude when they don't get what they want out of them. At the La Cage SD on Saturday matinee, Kelsey Grammar could not have been any nicer. He signed, was genuine in thanking people when they told him that he did a wonderful job and wished him well with opening night. However, there was one guy next to me who must have asked 3 seperate times for a picture. He politely said that he had to go eat dinner and didn't have time for pictures, but the man kept asking. Finally he just said "Look man, I have to feed my kids, sorry".

Some people are just not happy with what they get.

[winston89]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 9:45pm

I also think that one of the major problems of stage dooring is doing it prior to the show while the actor is going into the theatre prior to the show starting. Now, this is something that I think is a no no. However, there are those that do disagree with me and think that is fine.

I read an article by Seth Redustsky awhile back. In it, he was talking about waiting at the stage door for autographs etc. And, I was shocked to see that he was okay with people doing it prior to a show.

There was also that video blog on Broadway.com where Ripley talked about how she had to say no to a fan who was asking for a picture prior to her going into the theatre.

[ghostlight2]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 10:04pm

Looking for an actor before the show at the stage door is almost universally frowned upon, Winston, and I'm surprised that Rudetsky condones it. Maybe he was talking of earlier days and knows better now.

Often an actor might be running late or is otherwise harried, and in any case, that's their time to warm up and get ready for a show. Some actors are already heading into show mode on their way to the theater, and don't want to be distracted. Before a show isn't a bad time to drop off a short note, though, if you intend to stop at the stage door after. There's no guarentee, but most actors do check their mail/notes on the way in, and will be more likely to recognize you as a result on their way out.

[winston89]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 11:08pm

Ghostlight, the sad part is that Seth was talking about present day theatre going when talking about looking out for a performer prior to a show. I believe it was his monthly column for playbill where he spoke about how it can be a fun thing to do after the show. He then went on to add a bit about how if you can't do it after for whatever reason, there is always before. Reading that, specially coming from him was something that was a head scratcher for me.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 11:13pm

How would you feel if you were trying to get home after work and had to spend and extra half hour writing your name on things or posing for pictures with strangers?

[winston89]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 11:17pm

Theatrediva, I think we get the point.

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 11:20pm

winston, I'm well aware there's a difference between the attitude of today's fans. Your posts in this thread reflect it. I don't doubt that demanding fans like you have shot themselves in the foot and ruined it for everyone.

That doesn't change the fact that legendary actors could stagedoor at the height of their careers while the 20-something actors today are "too tired".

[christian_drake]

Posted: 4/19/10 at 11:35pm

On a positive note, Corbin Bleu, I have a group of over 20 friends who saw him in In the Heights, and he stayed at the stage door with them for almost an hour taking pictures, talking, etc. They said he was a very nice guy! Also, several different group of friends did this over several days and he stayed out there every night for an hour! Even in the rain!

[Elphaba3]

Posted: 4/20/10 at 12:33am

Diva, your point makes no sense. If they don't feel like dealing with the fans, they have every right to use another exit. They're smart enough to know that if do they use the main exit, fans will be waiting, in which case it's the responsibility of the performer and the fans to be civil. I hope you're joking when advocating physical violence.

-"Hi, I loved the show and you did a great job. Would you please sign my playbill and pose for a picture with me? Thank you."
-*throat punch*

Yeah, that's an appropriate response. /sarcasm