Stage Door Experiences - What's That All About?

Can I ask...what is the whole "stage door" thing about? I'm guessing it's when people wait outside the shows for the actors to come out so they can get an autograph, right? I guess I just assumed that the actors preferred to be left alone. Is it more of a younger crowd scene? Mostly tourists? Do the actors get huffy or are the accomodating?

I'm seeing Sweeney in a few weeks and was told to stop by to say Hi after the show. I don't want to do that if it's a mob scene or a fangirl thing.

The Sweeney Todd stagedoor is very civilized, not too crowded, and not at all a "fangirl" scene. The fact that some people actually believe this is very amusing to me.

The actors are gracious, and more than happy to sign autographs, pose for pics, answer questions, etc.

Moxie- "stage dooring" is for everyone. Most stars enjoy it, expect it and particpate when they can- which is often. They love to meet the fans and sign and talk.

Just be sure to respect any special rules the backstage doorman may announce and have It's fun!

Only when stars like Hugh Jackman, Hugh Panaro, ect are there or there is a BIG schoolgroup at WICKED is it "fangirly."

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You'd put Hugh Jackman and Hugh Panaro on the same level? Hugh Panaro is hardly a big star, let alone one as big as Hugh Jackman.

Depends on the actor. What you get out of it depends on how you act. The crowd size, honestly, often depends on the weather.

How crowded Sweeney gets varies, but even if it gets crowded, I don't think I've ever heard of mass chaos. The cast is extremely accomodating and kind, and you'll see all kinds of people at the stage doors -- from kids to old ladies.

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Updated On: 6/13/06 at 08:24 PM

Michael Cerveris feels bad when he takes too long to come out of the theater b/c people have been waiting outside.

He's precious!!!

Usually actors like to talk to the public after a performance.

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Updated On: 6/13/06 at 08:35 PM

The Rent stage door can get pretty fangirlish, and I always spot actors fleeing from there as soon as possible. But the ones that do stick around are usually incredibly nice and will sign whatever you have and snap some pictures.

There were only...7-8 people at the Sweeney stage door on Sunday, and everyone except Patti came out, despite the fact that the awards were just a few hours away. Some of them were even half dressed.

"Only when stars like Hugh Jackman, Hugh Panaro, ect are there or there is a BIG schoolgroup at WICKED is it "fangirly.""

Well, I've been at the stage door to see Hugh Panaro very often in the ten months since I've been doing a web site for him and I really haven't seen much "fangirly" behavior. The people getting autographs for "Lestat" were SLIGHTLY more "fangirly" than the people who'd wait for him at the Majestic...but, honestly, I can only think of one group that was fangirlish...it was a large group of girls on college break and I think they'd have behaved that way over any actor they found remotely attractive.

And Pecas and Richie always did a great job with the line at "Lestat." I'm going to miss those two now.

The "Sweeney" stage door was very nice. The cast was very friendly and my friends and I had great little chats with Mark Jacoby and Lauren Molina.

I guess views on the stage door scene vary from actor to actor and from fan to fan. I've never stagedoored just for the sake of it, unless I was stuck with a group of friends who wanted to when I didn't. I've only bothered if it's a performer I enjoyed seeing and wanted to thank or compliment honestly. I hate gushing.

A friend who worked on a show last season told me that the guys stareted to joke about the woman who waited at the stage door. Called them "groupies" etc. and that one of the guys used to make a habit of hooking up with girls he met at the stage door. I'd just hate to be perceived as someone like that.

Well, if it's your first time going to the stage door, I don't see how you would be considered a "groupie".

Whatever floats your boat.

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Exactly, Liz. I don't think they do much judging in those two minutes you chat with them; nor do they really care.

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I've had nothing but great stage door experiences but one of my favorites has got to be a few weeks ago at Jersey Boys. All of the guys were so incredibly nice. They gave me big hugs and took pictures with me. And they definitely pay attention to who is the audience because Daniel said "I saw you in the second row." I think they are so incredibly appreciative of their fans.

Other favorites are Kristin Chenoweth, Norbert Leo Butz, Bill Crudup, Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, Mary Testa, Mark Kudisch

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"and that one of the guys used to make a habit of hooking up with girls he met at the stage door"

ummmmm sign me up!

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A friend who worked on a show last season told me that the guys stareted to joke about the woman who waited at the stage door. Called them "groupies" etc. and that one of the guys used to make a habit of hooking up with girls he met at the stage door.

That's an extremely sophmoric attitude. Frankly I wouldn't give much worth to the opinion of such people. Every performer I've gotten to know (that is, have a better than passing acquaintance with) has told me how much they appreciate having fans wait for them outside the stage door. The performance itself may exhaust them, but the stage door experience acts like a tonic. It re-energizes them. One fellow I know said that no matter how tired he might feel as he goes out that door, once he meets the fans he can't help but smile.