Will The Stage Door Come Back - Page 3

[HogansHero]

Posted: 6/14/21 at 6:46pm

BroadwayRox3588 said: "1.) I would personally argue that we will never be 100% out of the woods. We're not out of the woods with the flu. There are still outbreaks (albeit isolated) of measles, in under-vaccinated areas. We even still see scatterings of mumps in the US (again, at very low levels)."

What does out of the woods mean? If you mean biologically, then we will never be out of the woods because we know that the virus will never be eradicated. There are 7,000 TB cases in the US every year FCS. But no one (save a few poor souls with serious mental disorders) adjusts their theatre-going on that basis. If you mean epidemiologically, then we are, in New York at least. pretty much out of the woods. Which does not translate to throwing caution to the wind. 

On paragraph 2, I think I will resist comment other than to say res ipsa loquitur. On paragraph 3 I won't even say that lol.

Posted: 6/14/21 at 8:15pm

HogansHero said: "What does out of the woods mean?... There are 7,000 TB cases in the US every year FCS. But no one (save a few poor souls with serious mental disorders) adjusts their theatre-going on that basis."

This is the exact point BroadwayRox was making by offering the flu, measles and mumps as examples of ongoing diseases that do not affect anyone's day-to-day behavior.

HogansHero said: "On paragraph 2, I think I will resist comment other than to say res ipsa loquitur."

Can someone who is not Hogan explain how "res ipsa loquitur" applies to the following paragraph:

"To the point about ensemble/understudies/swings, while it's true that the stage door is not part of anyone's ticket, in the age of social media, people's presence at the stage door can up their following, and thus, give them a career boost. It's not just about love and respect, it's also about street cred. Zach Adkins managed to build a really solid following of fans, when he was in the ensemble ofAnastasia, largely because he was so personable with people at the stage door. This enthusiastic following eventually led to him being promoted to playing Dmitry, full-time. Now it doesn't hurt that he's also incredibly talented, but it's hard to argue against the correlation between his stage door rapport, and the rapidly escalating fanbase. I will personally admit, I had no idea who he was the first time I saw him at the stage door (I believe this was the second time I saw the show), but his kindness was something I remembered, and I found myself watching for him in future performances."

I am curious if I'm the idiot (entirely possible) or if no one actually knows what he's talking about.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/14/21 at 9:07pm

Lolzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[BroadwayGuy12]

Posted: 6/14/21 at 10:05pm

Some relevant information from an NYT article about the covid safety protocols approved by Equity and the League for touring productions:

"The 17-page agreement says that producers must require all members of the traveling company to be fully vaccinated and mandates free weekly virus tests. Also: 'absolutely no interaction' will be permitted between performers and audience members."

"And stage-dooring is out: 'Autograph signings, meet-and-greets and backstage tours are strictly prohibited.'"

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/14/theater/touring-shows-reopening-agreement.html

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/14/21 at 10:15pm

I ain't mad at it. 

[BroadwayRox3588]

Posted: 6/14/21 at 10:46pm

Well there's our answer. And while it does say that protocols will be adjusted as the situation evolves, I can't see a situation where protocols evolve to the point of stage door autographs being a thing, until spring 2022, at the earliest.

Edit: And let's thank our lucky stars that the protocols don't include each member having their own private transportation. 

Updated On: 6/14/21 at 10:46 PM

[HogansHero]

Posted: 6/14/21 at 10:48pm

So putting this in context, what I said in this thread was accurate notwithstanding those who interjected silly disputation. 

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 6/14/21 at 10:52pm

Also of note: all audience members will be at least six feet away from either the stage or the conductor (depending on orchestra pit placement), hence the absence of front/second row seating.

I can’t imagine many of the fundamentals of this contract being very different for B’way, so I’ve basically been planning my new “stage door” for months now. I’m definitely up for some virtual chatting with MDs.

Updated On: 6/14/21 at 10:52 PM

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 6/15/21 at 2:53pm

BroadwayRox3588 said: "hearthemsing22 said: "BroadwayRox3588 said: "@hearthemsing22 I'm not quoting you directly, because I want to address a couple of things you said (in multiple messages).

1.) I would personally argue that we will never be 100% out of the woods. We're not out of the woods with the flu. There are still outbreaks (albeit isolated) of measles, in under-vaccinated areas. We even still see scatterings of mumps in the US (again, at very low levels).

2.) To the point about ensemble/understudies/swings, while it's true that the stage door is not part of anyone's ticket, in the age of social media, people's presence at the stage door can up their following, and thus, give them a career boost. It's not just about love and respect, it's also about street cred. Zach Adkins managed to build a really solid following of fans, when he was in the ensemble ofAnastasia, largely because he was so personable with people at the stage door. This enthusiastic following eventually led to him being promoted to playing Dmitry, full-time. Now it doesn't hurt that he's also incredibly talented, but it's hard to argue against the correlation between his stage door rapport, and the rapidly escalating fanbase. I will personally admit, I had no idea who he was the first time I saw him at the stage door (I believe this was the second time I saw the show), but his kindness was something I remembered, and I found myself watching for him in future performances.

3.) In general, ease up a little bit. This is a message board. As you said, a public forum. All people are doing here is speculating what may be the future of the stage door, in the near-to-mid-term future. Nobody is being harmful, and I personally think the abrasiveness in the direction of posters here is a tad unwarranted. I agree with some of the points you've made, but in general, ease up on the gas a tad."

And in general, I can express my opinions how I want. I’m not harming anyone. I’m not directly attacking anyone. I have strong opinions. It’s not a crime. They’re speculating, and I’m responding to the speculation. If you can’t deal with my comments block me. Don’t try to monitor my comments.


Yes you’re right. His persona at the stage door was the only reason he got promoted. And the same with Olivia from Mean Girls, that was the only reason why she got to be Janis full time, right? Instead of, idk, talent??? Proving herself on stage? It might contribute, but it’d be quite a stretch to say it was the main factor.


All I’m saying is that stage dooring should

1. not be a theater goersmain priority right now

2. Not a reason to see a show because it’s never guaranteed and a fun bonus, not a requirement for the actors

Please don’t try to monitor my posts. Again, if you can’t accept my strong opinion, block me ??‍♀️"

Okay, so it's very clear that you either just skimmed my post, or are purposely twisting my words to fit your narrative. That, combined with the fact that I'm pretty sure I know who you are IRL, will preclude me from engaging with you further on here. I hope you have a nice day."

And do you read everything I wrote or do you skim it with the intention of saying I didn’t read what you wrote?? 

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 6/15/21 at 3:07pm

The fact that there are people talking about the stage door before Broadway has even reopened just underscores everything I hated about the stage door culture before the pandemic. It's not even about the show to a lot of these people... it's simply about getting a 2-3 minute conversation or photo after the show.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 6/15/21 at 3:17pm

It's not happening and hopefully will never happen again. So, there is no sense in talking about it at this point, honestly. 

Updated On: 6/15/21 at 03:17 PM

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 6/15/21 at 3:47pm

bwayphreak234 said: "The fact that there are people talking about the stage door before Broadway has even reopened just underscores everything I hated about the stage door culture before the pandemic. It's not even about the show to a lot of these people... it's simply about getting a 2-3 minute conversation or photo after the show."

That’s what disappoints me. I had an interaction with someone who said they specifically get tickets to shows with only the intention of meeting their “faves” after the show. Really disappointing  

[EDSOSLO858]

Posted: 6/15/21 at 4:03pm

If any of us have kids/grandkids in the future, I think this phenomenon will serve as another one of those "When I was your age, we used to..." stories we will tell. At least our descendants will get some semblance of the carefree lifestyle that has passed us by.

Updated On: 6/15/21 at 04:03 PM

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 6/15/21 at 4:21pm

Jordan Levinson said: "If any of us have kids/grandkids in the future, I think this phenomenon will serve asanother one of those "When I was your age, we used to..." stories we will tell. At least our descendants will get somesemblance of the carefree lifestyle that has passed us by."

I hope social media will be less important to them. I think that’s the downfall right now. Everyone has to show off. 

[soulmistin]

Posted: 6/15/21 at 6:17pm

Does the new statewide lift on restrictions change any of this at all?

[fosterfan2]

Posted: 6/15/21 at 6:24pm

Comment deleted. Updated On: 6/15/21 at 06:24 PM

[BroadwayRox3588]

Posted: 6/15/21 at 6:30pm

soulmistin said: "Does the new statewide lift on restrictions change any of this at all?"

No.

[HogansHero]

Posted: 6/15/21 at 6:49pm

Jordan Levinson said: "If any of us have kids/grandkids in the future, I think this phenomenon will serve asanother one of those "When I was your age, we used to..." stories we will tell. At least our descendants will get somesemblance of the carefree lifestyle that has passed us by."

It is well to remember that this is not the first pandemic in history, just because you have not personally experienced one before. After the last pandemic in the United States we had the most carefree decade in our history. Except for a very few people, perhaps you will be one, this pandemic will be in the rear view mirror in due course, and part of that will likely be the unfortunate fact that stagedooring will return. Would that it were not the case, and institutionally there will be a push to end it for good, but I find it hard to believe that will stick. 

@soulmistin The state's action today will not affect what the theatres and unions do. As I have written about before, the state's concerns are epidemiologic, not personal. The data now shows that we are no longer in the midst of an epidemic. There are 650 people in the hospital for covid yesterday in the entire state, down from 9000 in January and 19000 in the spring of 2020. There were 9 covid deaths yesterday, a tragedy but many of us remember when the sirens never stopped and refrigerated trucks were morgues. The actors walking out of a stage door will be vaccinated, but there is no way to regulate that at a stage door, and lots of those actors have loved ones who cannot be vaccinated, at least not in the immediate future. So prohibiting the stage door is a matter of personal safety unrelated to the public health triumphs. 

Posted: 6/15/21 at 8:05pm

Jordan Levinson said: "If any of us have kids/grandkids in the future, I think this phenomenon will serve asanother one of those "When I was your age, we used to..." stories we will tell. At least our descendants will get some semblance of the carefree lifestyle that has passed us by."

With the obvious exception of 2020, this is undoubtedly the best era there's ever been for humanity in terms of our collective comfort. Extended (relative) peace, broad prosperity, more than enough food and housing for every person in the U.S., absolutely magical technology that lets us connect with the world from anywhere, and so much more. There are obviously a bunch of annoyances, the pandemic is a real wet blanket, and there are some warning signs that things might take a turn... but overall, it's amazing.

I hope things are even better for our descendants as well, but don't lose perspective on how incredible life currently is.

[Theatrefanboy1]

Posted: 6/16/21 at 1:50am

Unfortunately I can’t see bigger names or older names stage dooring anymore. No more Alice ripley or Cheyenne or patti or Bernadette. Maybe Johnathan groff.

[jonartdesigns]

Posted: 6/16/21 at 1:10pm

The national tour agreement that was just reached specifically bans stage dooring. I’d imagine this will be the same for Broadway. Perhaps signed windowcards and playbills will be sold in the lobby year round now? I have a large collection of signed windowcards that I’d love to keep adding to, but I’m getting a bit long in the tooth to wade through crowds of screaming tweens.

[Rainah]

Posted: 6/17/21 at 2:17pm

I, personally, enjoy the stage door and would be happy for it to come back. However, at this point I think it's more likely that it won't.

- There is a risk factor from covid that means it'll be a long time before it is safe to do so. This means that by the time it's safe to stagedoor, we'll all be used to not doing it, and there will be much less pushback to any changes

- There have been a sharp rise in stage door safety issues/incidents over the last couple years. Stage doors have been getting crazy. You can see the old schoolers on these boards talk about decades past where they and 5 other people present got to talk to a star for 20min after a show; That doesn't happen anymore. What we do see is star after star announcing that they will no longer be stagedooring for their own safety and the safety of others (remember Lin stopping after people were getting crushed against the barriers at Hamilton?). So a good number of shows and stars may be eager for the process to end.

- There IS a lot of promotional value in it, but I think a lot of that can be replaced with more in person events, pop up/casual promotional events, and a bigger social media presence. 

Sucks for people who were respectful about it. Sucks for the stars who enjoyed it (and there are a decent number who do). But honestly I can't blame shows if that's the way they go.

[msmp]

Posted: 6/18/21 at 11:44pm

jonartdesigns said: "The national tour agreement that was just reached specifically bans stage dooring. I’d imagine this will be the same for Broadway. Perhaps signed windowcards and playbills will be sold in the lobby year round now? I have a large collection of signed windowcards that I’d love to keep adding to, but I’m getting a bit long in the tooth to wade through crowds of screaming tweens."

Maybe but I'm not holding my breath given not every show does this even for BCEFA during their yearly fundraising drives (Kiss Me Kate is one I remember being surprised did very little). It may very well be a Flea-only thing from now on, which would be really unfortunate.

[Tom5]

Posted: 6/19/21 at 12:06am

Long before covid stage dooring (running the gauntlet) was the deciding factor against doing Broadway by many notable and good actors. 

[hearthemsing22]

Posted: 6/19/21 at 2:17pm

It’s also frustrating when you think about the people who don’t even see the show, they just want to be there to see their “faves”, and it wasn’t fair to people who DID actually see the show. I was so sick of those people. I’d be happy if they don’t do the stagedoor anymore.