Stage Dooring Standards and Protocol

[LindaTNo1]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 12:17pm

I was curious to know what exactly is the protocol and the standards regarding stagedooring? Is there anything written on the issue of Standards and Protocol in stagedooring? Some actors will stage door and others are in a hurry right after a performance and maybe do not even come out to meet and greet. Some are really great and have a 100% attendance ratio when signing autographs and taking quick pictures. Do actors have a silent understanding of their roles in stagedooring for the production that they are in? What is proper etiquette and courtesy with respect to stagedooring for fans? Are there any rules or guidelines in which to gauge in terms of timing, who' first, etc? I was just wondering, that' all. Any thoughts, comments welcomed.

Have a wonderful "hump" day (that would be today Wednesday)

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 12:28pm

There IS no protocol for which actor leaves first or 2nd, etc. The ONLY basic protocol is regarding the fans -- respect the actors. Period.

Some actors leave quickly, some take their time... and this applies to anyone in the show. Some prefer to leave other exits while others leave thru the stage door. There isn't a policy or rule they follow. All sign autographs though some headliner/star may refuse to pose for photos (so as to not upset others refused), but will allow you to take photos OF them.

The reported problems at stage doors is never with the actors, its always the freaks and weirdos waiting at the stage door who create the problems.

[Katurian2]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 12:45pm

There is a noticeable rend that the "bigger" actors tend to leave toward the end of the night. Unless they are people shy and decide to run out before the crowds come. You should remember to bring your own Sharpie, though many times, the actors have their own. Don't shove, don't be rude, it's all pretty much just behaving in a civilized manner.

[jordangirl]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 1:09pm

I'd agree with what everyone else has said. And add to the "have your own Sharpie or pen" to just generally be prepared. Have the playbill facing towards the actors if you want the cover signed or turned to the picture page already if you want that signed. Ditto a souvenir program if you want that signed in a certain place. If you are going to request a picture, have your camera ready to go (but if it's going to kill the battery, just out will be enough. If you are alone, ask someone close by ahead of time if they're willing to take a picture for you. But be aware that not every performer will take pictures.

And follow that wonderful acronym KISS. Say how you enjoyed their performance and maybe another sentence or two. Not more unless they make the effort to engage you in conversation.

Above all, remember that no actor HAS to stage door. Your ticket cost entitles you to nothing more than a performance on stage.

[WOSQ]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 1:29pm

Some actors are very shy and will find another way out of the theatre. Christopher Walken left via the front door of the theatre many more times than through the stage door for instance.

Be polite. Smile. No hints of stalking.
Do not assume that the actor wants a new friend.
Do not try to get inside the theatre. It doesn't matter if it is raining.
The actor has somewhere to go even if it just home alone with a good book. Do not be offended if they cut time short.

Years ago, I was a stage doorman and I saw all types.

[ljay889]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 1:32pm

Do not try to get inside the theatre. It doesn't matter if it is raining.


- The gracious Chita Rivera took the crowd of us at the stage door waiting for her inside the lobby of theatre when it was raining. This was during her tour in Philly.

[LePetiteFromage]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 1:34pm

Updated On: 5/2/09 at 01:34 PM

[jordangirl]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 1:52pm

Do not try to get inside the theatre. It doesn't matter if it is raining.

Agree. If the doorman or an actor invites you in, that's one thing. After Alice Ripley and Emily Skinner's concert at The Kennedy Center in April, this freak monsoon came up and was dousing us. The doorman let us all (including Alice and eventually Emily when she worked her way through the crowd) into the little indoor waiting area. But he didn't have to do that. And he voluntarily did it. No one asked him to let us in.

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 1:58pm

s there anything written on the issue of Standards and Protocol in stagedooring?

Sorry your naiveté is just...just...cute and charming. No sarcasm intended.

[Becky2]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 5:23pm

I think it's most important to remember that actors are people: They have bad days when they're cranky and will snap at anyone, they have lives outside the theatre and things to do. I know when I leave work, I'm focused on getting home. And if it's been a bad day, I'm not the most agreeable person. :)

[winston89]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 5:31pm

If you want to stage door a show often that is fine. However, don't do it with the mindset of if you go often and the actor sees you a few times that you and the performer will become friends in the end.

[Kalimba]

Posted: 7/16/08 at 6:13pm

Leave the red track suit at home and don't try to engage the actors in conversation. A simple, "I enjoyed your performance" will suffice.

[Kate-Monster]

Posted: 7/17/08 at 1:14pm

Along the vein of respect the actors, that goes for EVERYONE that exits the stage door. I witnessed some very rude things being shouted at orchestra members at the Spamalot stage door this spring. Fortunately (or unfortunately) the crowd was comprised of mostly Claymates, who nearly ripped the hecklers limb-from-limb.