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stage doors and other....- Page 2

stage doors and other....

Rathnait62 Profile Photo
Rathnait62
#25re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 11:16am

MJR,

I disagree. I understand not wanting to see the SAME people constantly, but for people who have traveled and spent that money and time to see you in your show (the people who do that are the people who keep your job going), I think you are absolutely obligated to sign a playbill or at least be pleasant.

And for the record, I've worked in Broadway offices and know just what it takes to put on a show. And quite obviously, if it weren't for the ticket buyers, there would be no shows to perform or to get paid well for performing in. And most of these performers aren't at the level of tv or movie stars where they get accosted everywhere they go, and the stage door is not an unreasonable nor unfair place to ask for an autograph.

If you can't take the time for something so simple yet so meaningful for people who are genuinely appreciative of what you do, then you need to find a new vocation. Part of being a performer is having fans and admirers - this isn't a new phenomenon - they all knew this was part of the deal going in.


Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson
Updated On: 7/2/04 at 11:16 AM

BroadwayGirl107 Profile Photo
BroadwayGirl107
#26re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 1:21pm

Rathnait62, I see your point, but MJR is right...especially in the case of a show like Wicked. There are CRAZIES that see the show weekly, if not more than once a week, and they always stage door....some people I know of stage door often even if they haven't seen the show...I think that's just obnoxious. And certain performers have fans that just seem a little out of control and they can become overwhelming. Yes, part of being a performer is having fans, but it is not part of their job to do anything for them. Like I said...I think its enough if they come out to sign at all rather than going out the back door.

Rathnait62 Profile Photo
Rathnait62
#27re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 1:25pm

That's why I mentioned the part about seeing the same people over and over...I agree with the crazies, etc. Believe me, one of my closest friends is a well-known Broadway performer and I wouldn't ever want her to have to deal with dangerous or "crazy" people. But actors should not have a problem signing for the "normals."


Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson
Updated On: 7/2/04 at 01:25 PM

BroadwayGirl107 Profile Photo
BroadwayGirl107
#28re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 1:44pm

No, you just want them to be willing to sign for the "normals." It doesn't mean they should be willing to. That, in no way, is part of their job.

I don't know if you are still referring to Idina here...but she does sign for people, and I haven't heard her say no to anyone. What bugs me is when people get pissed off because she signs and takes pictures, but that's all...meanwhile there are other people who go out the other door (which, if you ask me, is ok as well) and then people get mad at her for not being nice ENOUGH.

Doing nice things for fans is extra...not a requirement.

Rathnait62 Profile Photo
Rathnait62
#29re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 1:48pm

I'm not referring to Idina per se - just to anyone who can't take the time to sign some Playbills for people who paid their ticket and probably did some traveling to get there. I believe that IS part of the job. It's really not that difficult to be pleasant to people for whom this is a thrilling and possibly once in a lifetime experience. And who are paying your salary.


Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson

BroadwayGirl107 Profile Photo
BroadwayGirl107
#30re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 1:57pm

but the actor is not being paid to do so...they are NOt required. While I think it is great when actors do stop, and I think it is a little strange when they don't...we have to realize that these are normal people, and we do not know their reasoning for bolting off so fast, I think it is a bit unfair to judge on that...especially if you are only at the stage door for that particular show or person for the first time. I'm sure people who don't sign have their reasoning...trust me, there are situations I've heard of where performers were just plain rude, which I think it out of line. But honestly...not signing for everyone isn't rude...sometimes it just isn't possible.

saddle shoe side kick
#31re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 2:29pm

x POST HAS BEEN DELETED BY SADDLE SHOE SIDE KICK.


"I'm a pretty girl, mama." -Penny Lou Pingleton, Hairspray
"You like football, Ed?" "Yeah..." "Good. Me too." -Chad & 'Ed', All Shook Up
Updated On: 7/2/04 at 02:29 PM

BroadwayGirl107 Profile Photo
BroadwayGirl107
#32re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 2:35pm

I completely understand your disappointment...but don't be angry about it. When its cold out, just expect that she wouldn't stay out too long, and could you blame her? She doesn't want to get sick so she can do the eight shows a week, which IS part of her job.

That's all.

moonys_autumn
#33re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 4:49pm

I was just dissaponted... beforehand I had heard a lot of nice things about how great Idina was and such, nothing specific, just people saying she was great, so I felt a bit let down, you see? But you are right, atleast she came out, unlike Joel and Kristen.


If only you could know the things I long to say... if only I could tell you what I'm dieing to convey...

broadwayguy2
#34re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 4:52pm

I RARELY go to the stage door. I DID go on my last trip to the city the first time I saw Hairspray and bare. I did not go to teh stage door teh second time I saw teh shows and teh only reason I spoke to actors the second time was they talked to me first or we bumped into each other afterward.
Performing a show is exhausting. Give them a break.

Rathnait62 Profile Photo
Rathnait62
#35re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 6:24pm

I'm not talking about standing out in the freezing cold for 20 minutes or anything else that would endanger their health. And if they need to stay in between shows to rest, that's their prerogative as well. But when they're done for the day, and leaving via the stage door, why ignore or be unpleasant to people who went out of their way, saved their pennies, and want to just take home a souvenir that they will have their entire lives because YOU had such a great influence on them? This is all part of the responsibility of being a leading or featured actor on Broadway. Comes with the territory. I get tired of people on these boards acting like these actors are above it all and need to be treated like glass. We all have aspects of our jobs we'd rather not do, don't we?


Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson

LouW95
#36re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 6:46pm

Toxic Audio's cast comes to the lobby after the show and mingles. Little Shop has a gracious and very nice cast. The night I saw Oz, Hugh came out and posed with just about every person who asked for a pic. He was wonderful.

BlueWizard Profile Photo
BlueWizard
#37re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 7:15pm

I don't know if signing autographs is a "responsibility," but it's certainly a nice thing to do.

I think my favourite experience was when a lead actor (Michael Arden in BARE!) asked ME if he could sign my program. I felt so appreciated!


BlueWizard's blog: The Rambling Corner HEDWIG: "The road is my home. In reflecting upon the people whom I have come upon in my travels, I cannot help but think of the people who have come upon me."

M J R Profile Photo
M J R
#38re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 9:08pm

Blah blah blah - I've worked with lots of "names" and have seen the crap they have to deal with - I don't feel sorry for anyone who complains about not getting something signed or getting to meet someone....that's not what you paid for.

First of all, unless it's specified in someone's contract (which it never is) they ARE NOT REQUIRED to do anything with the stage door people. I am FAR from glorifying actors - on the contrary, they are just normal people, doing their job. Fans come based on the talent of the performers, not their one-on-one personalities. Look at the NBA for example (I know most sports references are completely lost here....) Or, Nathan Lane. Anyone who knows Nathan will tell you that he is NOT Mr. Hospitality all the time when thrown into the public.

Obviously, if the actor in question was a nasty person and went out of their way to be rude to people, then it's another story. But you will never convince me that this is anybody's obligation. Their obligation is to give a great performance each time they go on stage. THE END.

What prompted my comment in the first place was the girl complaining about the freezing cold and Idina Menzel quickly going through the croud and "quickly getting into her limo..." (jealous?) Sorry it was cold - sorry you decided to waste your time standing out there to meet a total stranger - sorry you just didn't have some common sense.

And don't quickly jump to the conclusion, "Oh, she's a bi*ch". Get over it.


"High time we made a stand and shook up the views of the common man" - Tears for Fears

saddle shoe side kick
#39re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 10:15pm

x POST HAS BEEN DELETED BY SADDLE SHOE SIDE KICK.


"I'm a pretty girl, mama." -Penny Lou Pingleton, Hairspray
"You like football, Ed?" "Yeah..." "Good. Me too." -Chad & 'Ed', All Shook Up
Updated On: 7/2/04 at 10:15 PM

broadwayguy2
#40re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 10:20pm

It's not havinga stick up his butt. Once Idina is off that stage, her job is done. It was cold out. Cold weather is bad for teh vocal chords. She has to takecare of herself. And after a role like that, she is pretty damn tired. YOU sat there for 3 hours, she worked her painted green ass off.

Rathnait62 Profile Photo
Rathnait62
#41re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 10:25pm

What the poster is saying is that Ms. Menzel didn't look at nor acknowledge the people waiting outside. A simple, "I'm so sorry, this weather is very bad for my chords," or something to that effect, would have made a huge difference and taken no extra time at all as she said it on the way to her car.


Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson

BroadwayGirl107 Profile Photo
BroadwayGirl107
#42re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 10:26pm

She's a very shy girl...

Rathnait62 Profile Photo
Rathnait62
#43re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 10:29pm

I can't even come up with a response to such a ridiculous statement. She was confident enough to perform a leading role onstage for 2 1/2 hours in front of those people...but she's too "shy" to say a word to them after? How does that make any sense?


Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson

broadwayguy2
#44re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 10:31pm

It isn't her responsibility to explain herself to anyone. To suggest that every actor do that when they don't want to or can not stay is TOTAL ridiculous.

BlueWizard Profile Photo
BlueWizard
#45re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 10:32pm

Unless you're having a really, really bad day, rudeness has no excuse. And shyness is a pretty stupid one, especially since she's a PERFORMER.


BlueWizard's blog: The Rambling Corner HEDWIG: "The road is my home. In reflecting upon the people whom I have come upon in my travels, I cannot help but think of the people who have come upon me."

Rathnait62 Profile Photo
Rathnait62
#46re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 10:33pm

How about just being human? I really think most people on this board would be kinder to those people who had been waiting in the cold had we been in the same situation. And I'm sorry this discussion has come down to one person in one situation - I'd rather have kept it more general.


Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson

BroadwayGirl107 Profile Photo
BroadwayGirl107
#47re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 10:34pm

lol, in a way I was kidding...but in a way I was serious. If you really can't comprehend how a performer can be a shy person in real life, I think you need a reality check.

I spoke with her the night after opening night, so less people were there than normal, and she wasn't really in a rush. She barely said a word to me...she was very quiet and would shyly giggle or smile with embarassment. She did the same thing with other fans.

I'm a performer...I've had leads in shows, and I'm a VERY shy person when it comes to talking with people face to face, is that so hard to comprehend?

broadwayguy2
#48re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 10:36pm

me too. I am an actor, so I know MANY of them.. and a LOT of actors are shy in person....

Rathnait62 Profile Photo
Rathnait62
#49re: stage doors and other....
Posted: 7/2/04 at 10:36pm

No - but I'm a performer too and feel it's easier to handle strangers speaking to me after a performance then a stranger on the street or in a store - obviously you've just given them some of yourself, so what's the point in being shy after that? And she can be shy, but still be polite...one sentence of explanation of why she can't stay and sign isn't that big a deal and would create a much better feeling.


Have I ever shown you my Shattered Dreams box? It's in my Disappointment Closet. - Marge Simpson


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