Fan Mail
Fan Mail
#1Fan Mail
Posted: 4/17/18 at 2:23pm
Hi, I’m 14 and completely obsessed with Chess (although I have never been able to see the show) and was thinking about writing to Michael Ball. I’ve never written any letters to actors or actresses before but I would really like to write him a letter. Does anybody know if it is worth it and if he will reply? And should I write to the theatre or to his ‘fan’ address?
Ps, is it rude to ask for something back, like a signed photo or something?
Thanks in advance x
#2Fan Mail
Posted: 4/17/18 at 6:13pm
I'm not sure about the specifics of writing to Michael Ball, but from what I've learned of fan mail etiquette, as long as you're polite, there's nothing wrong with asking for the person you're writing to to sign something! If they are currently in a show, often you can ask them to return a Playbill from that show that they have signed (I've done this a few times without issue!).
If you have something specific you'd like signed, you could send it with your letter, but make sure it's something you wouldn't be devastated not to get back in the event the mailing gets lost or the person you're writing to doesn't get a chance to return it to you. I've had success sending out Playbills from another show I saw with a person, as well as headshots/photos that I've printed out myself on photo paper. (Typically stars have a limited number of free headshots, so if you want a picture, you might want to go the route of sending one yourself!)
The biggest thing is to make sure your letter is polite, as is your request. In my experience, most theatre stars love hearing from their fans (especially younger ones like yourself!). Make sure you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope big enough to fit the Playbill/photo as well, with enough postage to get it back to you!
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