Question about gift giving to a cast member- Page 2

[StarStruckGB]

Posted: 5/1/07 at 11:51pm

I remember on the night a bunch of the Les Mis cast was leaving 2 girls brought Aaron Lazar flowers, which he thoroughly enjoyed.
But well, that's him.

I'd go for something simple like that.

[Shakespearean]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 12:32pm

I talked to one of the Altar Boyz on tour, who said some members of the original off-Broadway cast received ipods from their fans... he said it though with awe, *not* in the spirit of, "Isn't that creepy?"

Jochang, those were the new CIA-issue iPods with the GPS units and cannisters of sleep gas installed to make stalking easier, right?

[Jonny boy]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 12:53pm

personally I think bringing gifts to the stage door is a bit stalker.... unless you have a personal relationship with the person outside the stage door...

[broadwayjim42]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 3:17pm

My daughter made a scrapbook for John Tartaglia that we delivered to the stage door last month (he was out that week, scheduled time off).

I've probably gone into overkill mode, since I'd sent him a note in late March that said what days we'd be there (after which he sent us--my daughter and I--a very sweet note and two signed pictures saying that he was sorry he missed us) and I may drop him another line just to make sure he got the scrapbook. Fellow poster CurtainPullerDowner said he did but since John made no mention of it in his note to us, I just want to be certain. She put a lot of work into the scrapbook.

Wow, there is a thin line between admiration & stalking, isn't there?:) And that thin line is apparently me!
Updated On: 5/2/07 at 03:17 PM

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 3:42pm

I second the stalker-ish vibe. I think that if you are a cute grandma or a fangirl you can get away with gift giving to actors. Gifts without a depth of the relationship can create discomfort. Honestly, the actor recieving the give must think "why" since you do not know them. Also, oftentimes the giver is expecting that this creates a bond or will create a deeper relationship. While there instances of flattery, I think the majority might think it odd. If it is truly a selfless thing, then send it along with the doorman or mail it to the theatre and let the actor enjoy it without expectation. If you need to give it to them in person, then you are probably expecting something from the actor and I say don't do it.

[gymdudeva]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 3:53pm

I gotta agree with BettyBoy. I say it's fine to give gifts to friends, especially on opening night or some such, but this person, to put it bluntly, is not a friend....in fact, is barely an aquaintance. If you must give something, then I think flowers would not be too far out of line since they are a pretty standard all-around theatre gift.

[BroadwaySinger2]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 3:54pm

I would suggest a gift card, a letter, flowers, or a scrapbook - nothing too crazy. Food can be dangerous and the actor will almost definitely throw them out. I would only send the actor something once as to avoid a bad vibe.

[WonderBoy]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 6:01pm

I have been in shows where people have brought me and other cast members gifts and while it is very kind it is a bit creepy when someone in a large crowd walks up to you and hands you a gift and you don't know them from jesus.

[The_Jackal2]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 9:50pm

I would say that certain gifts are a little over the top to give to an actor who you aren't friends with. But maybe something handmade and simple like a card would be nice.
...or go with the people who said money. Everyone likes money

[The_Jackal2]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 9:51pm

I would say that certain gifts are a little over the top to give to an actor who you aren't friends with. But maybe something handmade and simple like a card would be nice.
...or go with the people who said money. Everyone likes money

[B3TA07]

Posted: 5/2/07 at 9:59pm

The PQ fans sure think it's fine and dandy.

[jochang621]

Posted: 5/3/07 at 3:49am

"Jochang, those were the new CIA-issue iPods with the GPS units and cannisters of sleep gas installed to make stalking easier, right?"

ooh great idea!!

jk :)

[Shakespearean]

Posted: 5/3/07 at 8:52am

I was kidding of course. Everyone knows there are no such thing as CIA-issue ipods with GPS units. Or lapel mics built into 'I Love NY' buttons. Or phones small enough to fit in your pocket.

There. Will you please let my gramma go now? Thanks!