Gifts for performers?

[ashley0139]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 10:22pm

A nice and touching thought? Or just tacky and stalkerish? Giving it to them at the stage door, I mean. I was thinking about this the other day... I couldn't decide whether it was a nice idea or not. I mean, everything I have read say that the performers enjoy it, but who knows what they are really thinking? If it is a heartfelt gift for a performer that you feel has really impacted your life or you have seen many times, is it a good idea? I was thinking of MAYBE doing it if I ever got the chance, but I just can't decide.

[SweetQintheLights]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 10:26pm

I think it's a bit tacky but it really depends on what you give them and for what specific reason...do they know you personally...etc...?

Like flowers for a last performance would be ok, IMO.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 10:27pm

I think it would depend on the nature of the gift and how it was presented to them. Honestly though, if their performance really impacted you, maybe just write them a nice note or something. Personally, I would think sending a gift were a little weird, but that's just me.

[Popular]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 10:32pm

If your gut is telling you it's not appropriate than it probably isn't. In general, I don't think anything wrong with giving a gift. As with all gifts you have to consider your relationship to the person your giving it to and just choose what you're giving and how/where/when you give wisely.

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 10:33pm

Flowers are the best choice...it's not too personal, but it gets your message across.

Usually I'll write a letter to them saying how much of an impact their performance has had on me...that's enough, in my opinion. I'll usually say how it's hit a nerve personally because of my life experiences, et cetera, and how I appreciate them inspiring me to continue pursuing theatre and to continuously improve my technique.

Updated On: 7/12/06 at 10:33 PM

[VonTussleGirl]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 10:34pm

A friend of mine bought goldfish crackers for Sutton Foster, ect - little gifts for performers that tie into things they've mentioned multiple times in interviews don't really seem inappropriate per say. I'd say it all depends on the seperate case.

[zzannahk]

Posted: 7/12/06 at 10:39pm

also remember idina's dressing room was all wicked witch stuff, presents from fans, so it's not unusual for stars to reciieve gifts, but always keep in mind that you may make them feel uncomfortable despending on how you do it.

[ashley0139]

Posted: 7/13/06 at 7:54am

Now, maybe I'm just crazy here, but why would it be uncomfortable? Also, what kind of gifts are a little more appropriate while others may be over the top?

[jerseyboyslover]

Posted: 7/13/06 at 8:59am

I have given gifts to the Jersey Boys and they loved them, I made and sent them a book kind of like a scrapbook and a few days later I got a thank you note from John in the mail, a note from Christian on his guest and a e-mail from Daniel.


From what i have heard from actors in intervews and stuff they like getting things from fans, just dont over do it.

[SCBWannabe]

Posted: 7/13/06 at 9:04am

I gave Julia Roberts flowers after a performance of Three Days of Rain and she thanked me and said how kind it was of me to do so.

I also gave flowers to Maura Tierney during the curtain call. She couldn't see me trying to give them to her, so Fran Drescher took them and gave them to her. When she realized she mouthed thank you and waved. I was going to give them to her at the stage door, but Some Girls stage door was a crap shoot.

[Gingersnap]

Posted: 7/13/06 at 9:37am

"Now, maybe I'm just crazy here, but why would it be uncomfortable? Also, what kind of gifts are a little more appropriate while others may be over the top?"

Well, I would say the "uncomfortable" gifts would be anything that's just too expensive or would imply there's any obligation attached. Or anything that would make a performer's eyes pop out of his or her head and say, "Um...er...yeah...this person is obsessive."

My friends got some baby items - like a blanket - for Jim Stanek when his wife had their third child the final weekend of "Lestat." He later mentioned to us how much everyone in the cast really appreciated the little gifts people had given them. Even the My Little Ponies for some of the guys, I guess.

I gave Hugh Panaro a plush wolf on the first night of Lestat previews, but it was something that tied into the source material and something he'd mentioned. And he really liked it.

Normally, I'd stick with flowers and a really nice card

[ruthiefan_felix]

Posted: 7/13/06 at 9:39am

I gave Ruthie a bouquet of Lilies on her last night in CHICAGO cuz her daughter was called Lily.
For others, I usually give them a hand-made thank you card. Which is actually a card with a cartoon of them I drew.
I think flowers are nice. And sometimes just a simply 'Thank You' or 'Well Done' is just as supportive and nice.

[broadway_show_fan]

Posted: 7/13/06 at 9:48am

I totally support giving gifts if you want to. Why not? What harm is there? How is it uncomfortable? I mean, I wouldn't say gifting a 36" flatscreen or anything, but things that are really normal (like flowers and letters and cards) is definitely fine. Also, cute stuff, or inside joke type things (like if someone mentions something in an interview, or is related to their show - ie: witches and Idina). I especially vote on anything handmade/homemade. When BKLYN closed I made a collage-type thing for the cast members of show-related pics and images and stuff, plus pics with me, etc. Lee Morgan (Taylor Collins) kept a scrapbook from the show and put my gift in it. When Lennon closed, I made cards with peace signs on the front, etc. For both shows, everyone loved their gifts. These are, for the vast majority, very gracious people. Go for it!

[Bdwy24]

Posted: 7/13/06 at 10:19am

What does it mean for a performer to have an "impact" on your life. Is that really possible?

I woudl stay away from food. Chances are they won't eat it because they don't know you and don't know what you could have done to it.

[Gingersnap]

Posted: 7/13/06 at 10:28am

Bdway24 - I guess the answer to the first question probably varies from person to person. But I'd sum it up as someone who has inspired you. And, yes, it's possible.

As for food...I've limited that to a couple of chocolate bars for Hugh Panaro. But that's because I know he likes them and it was part of a little gift bag from several friends. But I've seen cast members from a couple of shows happily munching on baked goods brought by fans. It's not something I would give unless it's a performer I've gotten well acquainted with...but it's been done.