Why do you want autographs?
Why do you want autographs?
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#1Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:43pmI've seen people stand and wait for an hour or more to get a quick scrawl on a piece of paper. What's the point? Why do you want someone's autograph?
#2Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:47pmIf I enjoy the performance, I like to commemorate it with a chance to tell the actor/actress they were great. Usually, that ends in an autograph. That's why I get them. Then, I frame them if I have the money to do so. It makes a nice sentimental keepsake.
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#2Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:49pmI'm with you Joe, my memory of the show works just fine
#3Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:51pmI actually honestly don't care much for autographs. I go to the stage-door because I enjoy speaking to the performer after the performance and telling them I appreciate them, and maybe getting a picture with them too if possible. I do the autograph thing because the actors usually go down the line signing autographs, and if I don't have my playbill out they might skip by me, which has happened on more than one occasion.
#4Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:51pmOn the flipside, if I enjoy the performance, I like to commemorate it by applauding the show (that's how I tell the actors they were great), then going out and discussing it with friends. If its a particularly good show, I save the program as the only keepsake.
#5Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:53pm
An actual signature from your favorite Broadway star can be very special. Personally, I probably wouldn't stand in line for more than 5 minutes to get a sig, but I definitely see why people would. Especially for the tourists who only come to the city every 2 or 3 years.
FindingNamo
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/22/03
#6Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 4:58pmI brought my nieces to Hairspray (their first Broadway show) the Monday before it opened. That day, the CD became available in the theater lobby. I stood with my nieces at the stage door, and as luck would have it, the cast had mostly not yet seen the cd. I got all of them to sign it and it's a memento of a really fun weekend. I feel confident that I did absolutely no harm to the world in doing this.
#7Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 5:03pmI don't usually care about autographs but after I saw Judy Kuhn's brilliant Fosca in Passion I waited after in the lobby of CSC and she graciously signed my Playbill even asking how to correctly spell my name. I had planned my trip (from Australia) around seeing her in the show and told her so. She was chuffed. What a lovely lady she was. I'm glad I asked and may even get it framed.
#8Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 5:05pm
It's as simple as this:
(a) If you want to get an autograph. Do so. It's a free country.
(b) If you don't want to get one. Don't. It's a free country.
But don't call the other wrong for their personal choice.
See how that works?
#11Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 5:17pm
Also, now that I write for BroadwayWorld, an autograph can be a fun way to commemorate an interview that an artist and I did and both enjoyed.
I also do not wait for an hour or longer. I think the longest I ever waited was for Stephanie J. Block after WICKED in 2005 in Houston (30-45 minutes), and that was so she could get the green paint off.
#12Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 5:17pm
"But don't call the other wrong for their personal choice."
So glad no one has done that yet in this thread!
dramamama611
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/4/07
#13Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 5:19pm
No one said it was wrong; no suggested they shouldn't. Some one simply asked why.
Sheesh.
#14Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 5:53pmI like to get autographs after a show or performer I particularly liked because it makes a nice memento of the show. It adds to the memories.
KathyNYC2
Broadway Legend Joined: 12/2/10
#16Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 6:03pm
I don't really care about autographs per se. But it does give you a few moments to chat with the celeb, which you might not have otherwise..which is nice and the reason I might wait for one.
However, if I had a choice, I would pick a photo over an autograph.
iluvtheatertrash
Broadway Legend Joined: 11/9/04
#17Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 6:06pmI don't care very much about the signature. For me, it's the thrill of meeting the performer. I've met some amazing people, and have some great stories. Almost 45 minutes on the sidewalk talking to Anne Heche after PROOF. Nathan Lane called me adorable once and pinched my cheek. Julianne Moore kissed me on the cheek. And lots more... That's why I wait. :)
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#18Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 6:50pm
I wasn't belittling anyone- I am curious. I totally get the thrill of meeting a performer you like- I just have never understood the signature- is it proof you met them? Is it to sell? What is it?
And I should add- buying "autographed" stuff on e-bay an the like really baffles me.
Number of times I call anyone wrong for doing so: 0
jonartdesigns
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/04
#19Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 7:43pmI have a window card from every show I've seen, I think it makes it slightly more special to have them signed by the cast. As an added plus sometimes lesser known cast members become more famous later (Raul Esparza in Rocky Horror, Aaron Tveit in the tour of Rent) which is fun to mention.
#20Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 8:11pmFor me the stage door experience is just as enjoyable as the show and if that statement angers you, your either old or high on Sondheim. It is one of the many advantages of live theater vs. film. Live Theatre gives you have the opportunity to meet the cast after a performance. It is a personal networking opportunity for performers as well. The way the actors interact influences in some way which performers I choose to support and follow onto there next projects. I feel "stagedooring" is what has keep celebrity obsessed youth interested in theatre.
#21Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 8:44pm
"your either old or high on Sondheim. "
It's you're, not your.
Yep, old, but not a Sondheim fan.
Doesn't bother me. Whatever floats your boat.
TheatreDiva90016
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/10/04
#22Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 8:54pm
"I like to commemorate it with a chance to tell the actor/actress they were great. Usually, that ends in an autograph."
I'm sorry, but in all of my years as a star dresser, I have NEVER seen anyone who compliments a performer who doesn't expect the autograph.
To say that it 'usually end in an autograph' is a joke. Never have I ever seen any performer just offer up their autograph.
That sounds like the most egotistical thing ever.
'Oh, thanks so much for your compliment! Would you like my autograph?'
You stand there and compliment them and then ask them to sign something. Don't lie about it.
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#23Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 9:30pmNo one's pro-stagedooring comments anger me but I am old AND Stephen Sondheim.
#24Why do you want autographs?
Posted: 7/18/13 at 10:07pm
"For me the stage door experience is just as enjoyable as the show and if that statement angers you, your either old or high on Sondheim."
From your post, you're either young or high on Elmer's glue.
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