How to succeed in autographs without really trying- Page 2

[Emutional]

Posted: 7/8/04 at 9:47pm

don't go beforehand. it's rude and creepy and they don't like it.

[GretchaSketh]

Posted: 7/8/04 at 9:52pm

ok good to know. I don't want to freak anyone out. For wicked is there a good chance of getting to see the cast? and getting autographs??
How about for Ave Q?? Anyone know?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 7/8/04 at 9:58pm

Wicked tends to be crowded, but they'll sign. The cast of Avenue Q is especially wonderful. The stage door is kind of hidden, so it's not as crowded. The cast is an incredibly fun group with a really incredible dynamic. They're all extremely down-to-earth and very, very sweet. They'll sign, take picures and chat until the cows come home. Good luck!

[GretchaSketh]

Posted: 7/8/04 at 10:06pm

Awesome, I'm glad that the cast of Ave Q is so great. I can't wait to go:) I wonder if wicked will be less crowded after cheno leaves.

[Miphba]

Posted: 7/8/04 at 10:35pm

well i guess i'm a rude and creepy freak lol...i waited before the show when i went to see "Wicked" and got the majority of the principals to sign with the exceptions of Joel Grey and Christopher Fitzgerald...Idina was quiet and signed and Kristen was great-she talked with everyone there and posed for pictures as did Carole Shelley. I got to see all the props be carried in and such and the crew members came out and talked to us and said they'd go and push the mokeys out as far as they could go so they could go over our heads. I went the day after tony nominations were announced so lots of flowers were coming in and tony talk was happening among all the cast and they asked for our opinions too. I've gone after the show before for Rent but they were in a rush to get home although they did take the time to sign..I'd say do whichever you'd like you're less likely to miss them before the show because they all must arrive as it is their job, but they may be in a rush to get to work too.. If you go after the show they may nab out another way, or go by to go home, but if someone truly doesn't want to be stopped, no matter when you go, they will find a way to elude you, so go whenever and hope you've been waiting for someone nice.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 7/8/04 at 10:52pm

I'm of the strong and previously expressed (by me on another thread) opinion that actors should be courteous and sign on their way out, however, I don't believe asking for their attention before the show is appropriate.

[Emutional]

Posted: 7/8/04 at 11:05pm

Miphba--- it probably wasn't that bad when you went, if it was right after nominations.

According to friends, they have to put up the barriers now just so that Kristin and Idina and the other actors can get through the door on time.

edit: ah, spelling. Updated On: 7/8/04 at 11:05 PM

[Miphba]

Posted: 7/8/04 at 11:35pm

Yes, they had a barrier up when I was there- to barricade the three ferocious people who were waiting- I'm sure its put to better use now, post-tony wins and such. I don't know, I just think it comes with the territory of being on the stage, you will have fans, and if they come out at any time, chances are they're really looking forward to meeting you, such as with myself, The main reason I went before was because I didn't want to risk missing Idina, I was dying to meet her since the glory days of Rent and it would have been crushing for me if I missed her on the way out, or visa versa.
-Excuse the extremley long run-on sentence with many grammatical errors.

[BWayBoy88]

Posted: 7/8/04 at 11:52pm

I think it is increadible rude to go before the show. The performer should be able to clear their heads and get ready for the show without being harased by a bunch of fans on the way in.

[tmz814]

Posted: 7/9/04 at 12:03am

Someone asked about Ave Q. I've never stayed to get autographs there but as I walked by the other night I saw John Tartaglia signing autographs and chatting with a pretty large group of people at the stage door. From what I have heard from friends the cast of Ave Q is very good with autographs after the show. Every time I walk by Wicked there is a hgue group after the show and there always seems to be a big group now before the show at wicked as well.....

[cabarethed]

Posted: 7/9/04 at 12:54am

Does anybody know if Peter Krause signs after After The Fall? My friend and I are huge fans, especially her, and I'd just like to know...best to be prepared for a possible cold response.

[broadwaystar2b]

Posted: 7/9/04 at 1:28am

Ah waiting at the stagedoor for Wicked.
My second time is probably my most memorable stagedoor experience ever. Pre-Tonies, Pre-Tony Noms, Pre-Award Session Period.
Took some digging but I finally found it.
The bruise has thankfully long since subsided.
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=157381#160035
https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=157381#160035>https://forum.broadwayworld.com/readmessage.cfm?thread=157381#160035

[JLfrom NYC]

Posted: 7/9/04 at 5:13am

All I'll say about this is that ALL the actors (from WICKED, AVENUE Q, and BOY FROM OZ) are really wonderful about signing autographs... AFTER the show. It's totally appropriate afterwards.

However, barricades should not have to be put up at 6:30pm before an 8pm show, just so the actors and the crew (yes, you're getting in the way of crew members and house staff, too, by waiting) can get to work. Pedestrians should NOT have to avoid the sidewalk and walk in the middle of the street during rush hour because 50+ fans have gathered to get autographs. An actor should NOT have to stop on the corner and call for someone to escort her down the street and into the stage door before the show because otherwise, she will get mobbed and will not make it inside by her call-time.

Of course, everyone wants to get to the stage door at the best time (when they think it won't be so crowded and they KNOW the actors will have to be there) but for some shows, the whole "going before the show" thing has gotten out of hand. I would have to say... perhaps, before you go to the stage door before a show, stop and think about whether you'd appreciate the mob (BEFORE work) if YOU were on the other side of the barrier. I know if it was me going to meet my favorite actor, I'd want to be appropriate about it, so that the actor would have a positive opinion of me; isn't that half the reason for the autograph in the first place? To have pleasant interaction with someone you admire? Updated On: 7/9/04 at 05:13 AM

[EddieVarley]

Posted: 7/9/04 at 8:39am

SCREAM at them as they leave the theater and if that doesn't work follow them on the subway home, works like a charm.

[GretchaSketh]

Posted: 7/9/04 at 1:24pm

Good point JL. That is the point of the autograph. I don't want one if they have a horrible opinion of me.

[Rathnait62]

Posted: 7/9/04 at 1:29pm

JL and Eddie - both excellent points made. hee.

[ShineOn]

Posted: 7/9/04 at 4:45pm

Ah, follow Eddie's advice, children. Then instead of comparing autographs on your playbills, you can start comparing the autographs on your restraining orders. Moving on up in the world!

[Musetta1957]

Posted: 7/10/04 at 2:38am

IMO, it can be seen as rude and/or pushy to stage door before a show if you don't know anyone in the cast. The only times I've done that WERE when I knew people in the show, and usually I keep further away from the stage door than I do after the show, and just say hi.