The wait time at the stage door depends on the show you're seeing, and who is in it. The location of the stage door also depends on the theatre-they are usually around the corner, behind the theatre, or next to the main entrance. But again, it depends what theatre you're at.
Many stage doors have barricades next to them for the "stage-doorers" to wait at, and the actors move down the line. At the ones that don't, you usually have to approach the actors on your own. Respect the security guards-most are pleasant, but there are some who can get nasty. Don't pester them about when the actors are coming out or complain about the wait time. And do not, DO NOT, try to go into the theatre if you have no valid reason to be there. I've seen people use their little kids to be pitied and get through the stage door...honestly...if you know some one in the cast, talk to the security guard, but don't intrude if you have no connection to anyone involved with the show.
As Lady said, don't take pictures without the actors knowing. That's just disturbing, like you're stalking them. If you want a picture, most actors will gladly take one with you if you bring a camera and ask for one.
I can't stand crazy fans either. I love getting autographs, and it's great to tell the actors how much you enjoyed their performance, but the fans that get out of control and crazy-gushy are often disappointed. It depends how many people are there, but when there are a lot of people waiting, actors usually don't tend to stop and chat for ten minutes.
The chances of meeting actors at the stage door between shows is also a lot smaller than meeting them after the last (or only) show of the day, because they often stay in the theatre and rest between shows or they need to go somewhere and don't have time to go out the stage door.
In terms of the Wicked stage door: when you leave the theatre go up to 51st St and turn left. The stage door is on the lefthand side of 51st and says "Stage Door" above it, so you can't miss it. Take luvtheemcees advice and get there fast-it's always better to be as close to the front of the line as you can. As to who you might see-Kristin is one of the nicest performers I have ever met, but has not been coming out lately due to the weather and sickness. Idina almost always comes out, but she has to take all the green off and is usually the last one out of the theatre. From my experience she takes about 30-45 minutes after the show ends to come out, so if you really want an autograph you'll have to be patient. She's very sweet, but shy, and she also needs to conserve her voice, so don't be upset if you don't have a huge conversation. Michelle and Norbert also come out the stage door a lot, and they're both very pleasant. There are barricades at the Wicked stage door, so again, try and get a place at the barricades and not in the mob that waits at the back. The security guard there is not the nicest I've met, so again, don't complain to him about the wait time. Good luck!
Updated On: 3/21/04 at 04:34 PM
