Why do people stage door?- Page 4

[snl89]

Posted: 2/16/08 at 10:09am

For me, stagedooring is a big part of the experience of going to see a show. Granted if I went to see a show multiple times within a short time frame, then I probably wouldn't stagedoor every time, because I DO think that gets to be a bit much. But in general, when I go to see a show, I stagedoor afterwords. I make it a point to remain respectful of the actors, and I'll only ask for pictures if I see that they are clearly up for doing it. Otherwise, I'm good with autographs. I just love getting to meet the actors and tell them how much I appreciate what they do, and generally they're very appreciative in return :)

It's all just a matter of respect I think. Some people stagedoor over and over and over for the same show, and it gets to the point where they seem to think they're BFFs with the cast. And that's like... crossing the line just a bit, for me. haha.

[RoseStopnikCooks]

Posted: 2/16/08 at 10:15am

In defense of myself and other posters who are being accused of fabricating the details, there are a great deal of us who ARE friends with them and have both been asked to come back and also to just wait. Not going to namedrop, but there are times when a friend has simply wanted to get out of there, and I would meet her at a different exit because she's had a rough day, and we'll walk to the subway together to chat.

But, also, everytime I stage doored THE WOMAN IN WHITE, the five times I saw it, it was because every performance was different/with understudies, usually. I developed a great relationship with a lot of the cast and, not claiming to be friends with Maria Friedman, she always remembered me and was an absolute doll to chat with. Now, though, my relationship with Lisa Brescia has grown and we stay in touch even when she's not working on a show.

I don't stagedoor to make friends. I stagedoor because I like to congratulate them on a job-well-done. But a lot of times, the performers seem thrilled to see familiar faces and are absolute sweethearts and often get to know you very well!

[postergirl]

Posted: 2/16/08 at 3:40pm

Gee, I read the whole thread and didn't notice anyone being accused of fabricating details. But Brava on your decision not to namedrop.

[broadwayfan7]

Posted: 2/16/08 at 3:55pm

I like to tell the actors what a great job they did, and get pictures and autographs with them! That's why I stage door.

[HeddaG]

Posted: 2/16/08 at 4:17pm

I stage-doored a lot when I was younger. Especially after something incredible - like Zero Mostel in Ulysses in Nighttown. Or someone I had a teenage crush on like Anthony Newley in Roar of the Greasepaint (Gah - I'm old!). Sheesh - Tommy Steele . . . I saw Half A Sixpence at least 5 times! As I've gotten older - I haven't really done it much. Did it for John Malkovich the first time I ever saw him in Burn This - and Joan Allen (brilliant!). Also did it for Kevin Kline, Raul Julia and Gleanne Headley who were fabulous in Arms & The Man. But lately, no - not because of any serious reason. Just usually because I want a drink. Now that I'm thinking about how great it was to say thanks to some of these performers - I think I'll start doing it again!
Updated On: 2/16/08 at 04:17 PM

[worrell4077]

Posted: 2/16/08 at 4:49pm

I stage door because it's fun to be able to talk with and get autographs from the cast of the musical I just saw and maybe even a picture with them. It's a cool experience and it's something you can't do at a movie theater. I also like doing it when a celebrity is in the show and it's one of my favorites and getting to me him or her is just so thrilling.

A reason for a multiple visit to a stage door might be that when the person was first there, maybe not everyone came out or maybe they were out sick or on vacation. I know that's why I do it.

[SamIAm]

Posted: 2/16/08 at 4:57pm

I have never heard of a production ruling and it would be hard to enforce in any case. Typically, the actor makes the decision and some of the actors have grown tired of seeing their signatures appear on eBay when they take the time to sign for 'fans' after a show and are tired, hungry and just want to get home. Most actors are perfectly happy to offer an autograph out of respect for the fan's attendance and appreciation, but not to line the pockets of the mercenaries though it is, at best, very hard to avoid this problem.

[BroadwayBelle2]

Posted: 2/16/08 at 9:13pm

I enjoy going to the stage door, it makes the broadway experience unforgettable, a great memory! I look at my autographed playbills or pictures and it brings a smile to my face.

Updated On: 2/16/08 at 09:13 PM

[amoni]

Posted: 2/17/08 at 12:27am

"I'm going to stagedoor this summer when I'm in NYC, just because I've never been there and it just seems like I should... or something.

I'm kinda scared though. lol"

Scared? For Heaven's sake, why? They are just people. In all my years of theater going, I never saw one bite, at least not on purpose.

[sgv123]

Posted: 2/17/08 at 1:37am

im sure this has already been answered (i didnt read the whole post).has anyone stagedoored a show they havent seen?

[GHOSTLIGHT2]

Posted: 2/17/08 at 9:40am

I would not do it.
I am of the opinion it that distance displays greater respect, but I can understand the compulsion to do it.

[jv92]

Posted: 2/17/08 at 9:56am

I don't stagedoor often. I feel like I'm bothering the actors and I can't stand some of the morons that stagedoor. I only stagedoor at shows I really love or if I like a certain actor in a show.
Here's my question. Whend did stagedooring start? I would fathom the early 70s, but if people here have stories about meeting Lansbury at the stagedoor of Mame, was it the mid 60s?

[HeddaG]

Posted: 2/17/08 at 12:09pm

I don't know when the practice came into being but we wouldn't have had All About Eve without stagedooring - and that movie was from 1950!

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 2/17/08 at 3:24pm

So, now I have to ask...

I've seen several posts where people have gotten autographs and pictures of performers, and they don't even know who they are.

Or the threads asking for help identifying who a particular person is.


If you saw the show and truly cared for the performance, why don't you know who you are asking to sign your playbill or get a picture with?

Updated On: 2/17/08 at 03:24 PM

[misschung]

Posted: 2/17/08 at 4:02pm

cute avatar, Diva!

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 2/17/08 at 4:19pm

Thanks!

Megan was a doll.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 2/17/08 at 7:19pm

"When did stagedooring start?"

Honestly, I think there has been "stage dooring" to some extent for as long as there have been theatres. Hammerstein wrote of "stage door Johnnies" in "Life Upon the Wicked Stage" and that show was first produced in 1927. When stage dooring became what it is now I'm not sure but I would have to imagine there were always people waiting at the stage door after the show.

I also read a book once called "Oh Those Harper Girls" that took place in 1860's Texas and there was talk of people waiting at the stage door for the Harper girls.

I'm sure other posters can think of references to stage dooring that predate even All About Eve.

Updated On: 2/17/08 at 07:19 PM

[TomMonster]

Posted: 2/17/08 at 8:35pm

There has always been stagedooring. Just not with so many celebrity seeking teens and young adults.

The current "enmasse" stagedooring started with RENT and the invention of rush tickets which allowed for younger audience members to attend the theatre. (Love the fact that affordable tickets are available for younger people--wish I still fell into that category!)

However, we now live in a celebrity obsessed society.

I'm thrilled that "unknown" Broadway actors are being recognized and admired for their work. I'm not so thrilled that reality TV stars are being recognized as celebrities and make some people just as nervous as meeting an actually talented performer.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 2/17/08 at 8:39pm

I'll ask again:

I've seen several posts where people have gotten autographs and pictures of performers, and they don't even know who they are.

Or the threads asking for help identifying who a particular person is.


If you saw the show and truly cared for the performance, why don't you know who you are asking to sign your playbill or get a picture with?

Updated On: 2/17/08 at 08:39 PM

[TomMonster]

Posted: 2/17/08 at 8:44pm

I think, Diva, some people don't care WHO they are just that they're "famous"...

[alliez92092]

Posted: 2/17/08 at 8:45pm

I feel like the identification is more for ensemble members. I'm not saying it's right, but most people don't know who the ensemble members are exactly.

As to the question about stagedooring a show you haven't seen, went to the Wicked stagedoor once in Boston on a day I didn't see the show, and after Spelling Bee in NYC I stopped by the Gershwin stagedoor just to see Julia Murney.

Posted: 2/17/08 at 9:53pm

Personally, I prefer to stage door shows I didn't particularly care for and give the actors tips: "Take that first act exit a little slower and shoot Tony a look just as you clear the wings- it'll add drama and make the audience wonder what you're up to!" I think every actor appreciates my input. I paid for my ticket (usually) so I can tell them EXACTLY what I think.

And I get EVERYONE'S autograph! What if they are somebody? I don't know 'em all- so I push a pen and several programs at 'em and put them to work. And I'm not afraid to say "Who are you?" Those actors get swelled heads. I take hundreds of photographs. What if someone gets famous later? Don't you wish you had your picture taken with that Paris Hilton when she was nobody? Think how much that would be worth now she's a big Broadway star!
Updated On: 2/18/08 at 09:53 PM

[suicidalmickeymouse]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 10:35am

Well, we stagedoor because idolize these people! I agree with JoeKv99, who knows where they'll be a few years from now? Get your picture taken with a future Broadway Legend!Not to mention, its pure fun!

Updated On: 2/18/08 at 10:35 AM

[WithoutATrace]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 11:29am

"When did stagedooring start? I would fathom the early 70s, but if people here have stories about meeting Lansbury at the stagedoor of Mame, was it the mid 60s?"

My friend Walter stagedoored Dear World in 1969 and he was one of only THREE people waiting for Angela Lansbury at the stage door. So, I think stagedooring is much more popular now...

I wonder what the stagedoor scene was like after the performances of CARRIE...

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 2/18/08 at 12:09pm

In "Showboat", there's a lyric that Ellie sings in, "Life Upon the Wicked Stage" that refers to "stagedoor Johnnies", so I have a feeling that as long as there have been theatrical productions, people have been seeking autographs.