Pre-Show SDing at A Chorus Line?

[Show Off]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 2:51pm

What is the best time to catch Chryssie Whitehead, Jessica Lee Goldyn, Mara Davi, or Heather Parcells before a 2:00 show? I have some gifts for them and I would really like to catch them before they go in. Thanks.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 2:54pm

Stage Dooring BEFORE a show is rude.

[KQuill]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 2:56pm

That might be a little extreme...it's safe to say that its generally not recommended. To each his own if you think it's rude or not.
Updated On: 4/15/07 at 02:56 PM

[Show Off]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 2:57pm

I may not be able to stay after, so I'm taking my chances. I have gifts for them.

[KQuill]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 2:59pm

I don't think anyone is going to know exactly when they get in..just show up at least an hour before the show..probably more to be safe.

[Show Off]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 3:00pm

Thanks!

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 3:07pm

They all tend to get there between 12 and 1 (I often see some of them at lunch prior to the show). They're very nice, don't be afraid.

[Show Off]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 3:13pm

Thank you!

[BDavis0092]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 4:21pm

Good luck. Hopefully they are very nice. Many actors/actresses will be annoyed if people show up before the show.

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 4:51pm

I know it always annoys me when nice people show up bearing gifts.

[BDavis0092]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 5:42pm

What you don't understand is that they have to be at the theatre at a certain time. Many of them are running late and many of them have A LOT to do before a show. So stopping them as they are trying to get in is a burden to some people.

[Show Off]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 5:52pm

Obviously if they are in a hurry I'm not going to stop them.

[fiyero8132]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 5:57pm

I believe that post-show stage dooring is acceptable as long as you are not pushy and do not gush too much. However, I think pre-show stage dooring is wrong. It's a nuisance. The only time I ever found myself in that situation was when I saw Miss Saigon at the Broadway Theatre a few years ago. I was early so I had a snack and stood against the side of the theatre. I started seeing LOTS of asians entering the theatre through the door right beside me. Little did I know this was the stage door. I asked one of the people because I was curious and they simply brushed me off without answering, so I left. Obviously actors do not appreciate this. I would never do it again. It's enough that they are giving us a great performance (usually). It's ultimately your decision but I wouldn't reccommend it.

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 5:57pm

Why can't you just do it after the show?

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 5:59pm

Actually BDavis you underestimate my ability to understand. Just like an actor, I have to be at work a certain time everyday too. As a teacher, I often have much to do before my day starts as well. I am somewhat sick of the idea that seems to permeate this board that acting is some type of special, rarified profession. Actors work just like the rest of us. Sometimes our routines can be disrupted by well-meaning people. I have a great deal of respect for the theatre, but it is a profession, just like education, medicine, law, or social work.
Updated On: 4/15/07 at 05:59 PM

[Show Off]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 6:02pm

Because I might have to leave right after the show gets out.

I'm not planning on staying outside of the theater for 10 minutes talking with them, I just want to give them their gifts and tell them I am looking forward to the show and such. I'm not trying to be a nuisance.

[JsnWse]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 6:14pm

Between 12 & 1 - They have an extensive warm up that begins an hour before each show, so make sure you are there before 1:00 if its a Matinee, because by that point they will all be inside on stage warming up.

[Show Off]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 6:15pm

Thank you for the info!

[fiyero8132]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 6:19pm

Sorry if I was a little bit harsh. I'm sure they will appreciate your gifts. Maybe try just knocking on the door and dropping it off with whoever answers. Just give the actors space.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 6:29pm

Oh, please. Everyone constantly talks about this topic as if you're committing murder. "It's rude," "they don't like it," "they're preparing for the show," blah, blah, blah.

I hate to break it to you, but a lot of actors actually do enjoy getting recognized, especially the very talkative cast of A Chorus Line (who will stop and sign if you recognize them, before and after). They couldn't be more friendly.

Of course, there are those who won't sign (usually celebrities who have to outrun photogs - Denzel and Julia come to mind), but are very gracious about saying they'll do it after the show.

Stop putting forth the fear of anger and embarrassment. Actors are just people, whose popularity stems from their interaction with fans. I know if someone wanted to give me a gift, I certainly wouldn't turn them down. Updated On: 4/15/07 at 06:29 PM

[KQuill]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 7:39pm

This thread just became another way for people to rant about what they think about pre-show stage dooring. I don't recall Show Off asking for anyones permission.

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 7:41pm

Thanks for weighing in Yankeefan. Couldn't agree more.

[BDavis0092]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 8:20pm

Yes being an actor is a profession, just like being a teacher. But two completely different professions. You don't have people swooning over you 8 times a week when you get off of work. And believe it or not, not all actors enjoy this. Especially when someone is in the way of them being on time. Lets say you have a huge fan base as a teacher. Your running late to school in the morning and on your way in somebody stops you and wants to take your picture and get an autograph. Something you've done millions of times before and will have to do again in 3 hours. It's a burden to many of them. Yes there are lots of actors who enjoy being recognized. And many of them would love to talk to you before a show. All I said is that many performers get annoyed at people who stop them before a show.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 8:25pm

While I do somewhat agree with you, I've seen people arrive at 1 minute-to-call and STILL sign autographs and take photos with whoever is waiting.

But yes, it's a matter of the person. And the people of Chorus Line couldn't be happier. Updated On: 4/15/07 at 08:25 PM

[BDavis0092]

Posted: 4/15/07 at 8:27pm

Which is extremely possible. But there are also the performers who come 30 minutes early and will tell you to wait till after the show. It just all depends on the person.