Question about playbills/mailing

[rkzero96]

Posted: 9/21/18 at 8:59am

Hey All -

New on here. Unsure if this fits here, so I apologize if it does not. But here's my question.

 

I recently discovered one of my favorite actors is in a play up in NYC! I read on other topics on the steps regarding how to ask for a playbill/autograph:

1. Make sure to write a letter- asking for a playbill/autograph

2. In the letter, include a SASE + postage.

3. Hope I get something back

 

I didn't realize the preview night of the show is next week (like Thursday) and the opening night is actually mid Oct. 

I was wondering if I sent in my letter too early? I sent it earlier this week. I live in the southern states - so mail might take 3-5 days to get up there. I just sent my letter in without thinking about the timeline. I assumed they were in rehearsal mode.... then I instantly remembered the playbills probably aren't open to the public till opening night? Wonder if I should send another letter in mid Oct if I don't receive anything back due to me sending my 1st one too early? My main question is if the playbills are already printed and give out on preview nights prior to opening night...

Thanks for the answers!! 

Updated On: 9/21/18 at 08:59 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 9/21/18 at 9:51am

I'm sure you'll be fine, yours will likely be one of the first to get answered.

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 9/21/18 at 11:12am

Once a show has confirmed its home/theatre, you can send anything to anyone involved with that show regardless if the show has begun performances. Just state the show title on the address and the stagedoor/theatre personnel will make sure to give it to the recipient. They have a log of every person (cast, creative, crew) involved with the show.  This also applies to shows that have closed.  Mail is still forwarded to recipient.  

Example: mail addressed to Sarah Jessica Parker and sent to the Neil Simon Theatre is still forwarded to her though the theatre is no longer called the Alvin Theatre and ANNIE closed over 30 years ago (she last played Annie in Summer 1980).  A friend sent her a birthday card 2 years ago and she actually received it (thanked him via DM on his Instagram).  

[taylortrensch]

Posted: 9/21/18 at 10:45pm

BrodyFosse123 said: "Once a show has confirmed its home/theatre, you can send anything to anyone involved with that show regardless if the show has begun performances. Just state the show title on the address and the stagedoor/theatre personnel will make sure to give it to the recipient. They have a log of every person (cast, creative, crew) involved with the show. This also applies to shows that have closed. Mail is still forwarded to recipient.

Example: mail addressed to Sarah Jessica Parkerand sent to the Neil Simon Theatre is still forwarded to her though the theatre is no longer called the Alvin Theatre and ANNIE closed over 30 years ago (she last played Annie in Summer 1980). A friend sent her a birthday card 2 years ago and she actually received it (thanked him via DM on his Instagram)."

That's a very rare occurrence. Last year, I sent a letter to Ben Platt just a few days before he left the show and it did not make it in time. They sent it back to me. This happens with most casts and shows, and it's better to assume that the receiver will not get the mail if you send it when they are already gone. Somebody that I know sent a letter to Christina Sajous of Spongebob even after the show was closed as they saw she was still going to the theatre to take home her belongings & take down her dressing room. The letter was returned to sender even though she's at the theatre.