what do you think of show groupies???- Page 3

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 3:28pm

You hit the nail on the head, diva. It would be imprudent for the actors to show the slightest bit of displeasure with the groupies' obsessions. No cast member wants to disallusion (sp)the fans or cause any bad feelings. Remember, the fans are paying customers also. The actors deal with it. Some nights they may have more energy and are able to greet them, and other nights, well, they may excuse themselves to leave early, or sneak out another exit.

[SirLiir]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 3:33pm

Jane2: Thanks for sharing your perspective.

Diva: Right on

What good show fans understand is an actor's boundaries and limits. They are real people too after all. What I wonder about is when actors know your first name and converse with you in that matter. That is an establishing rapport for many 'friendships'. I certainly hope actors know when to make that distinction between being warm and friendly rather than being polite. Actors who parade a false kindness or lack genuine warmness to fans who show up often set themselves up to have obsessed fans who think that the stars 'love' them. Let's also not forget that actors on Broadway are very vulnerable. They have to be cautious.


Updated On: 12/24/05 at 03:33 PM

[TheatreDiva612]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 3:39pm

exactly... so on one side there are the actors who are nice to everyone, and talk to everyone, and take pictures with everyone... and love all their fans and they love them. However, those people fall into that trap, and once you're in, you can't exactly get out. Then there are those who don't stop and take pictures and talk to their fans... they're considered "bitches" and "a$$holes" when all they're really doing is keeping their distance because they know how easy it might be to get involved in all the hype

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 3:49pm

I've had this discussion with a few actors recently. I basically was putting some of the blame on them for spending so much time with small talk and taking so many pictures, etc. They acknowledged that it was to some extent their faults but seemed not to know how to avoid it. Want to know what I think?-I'll tell you anyway, lol. I think that some of them actually enjoy the adoration and like to drink it in. No, they don't consider these fans their friends and don't think about them once they leave the theatre, but it's an ego boost. Others know how to get out fast with an excuse like they have to meet someone, etc. Others hate it but do it to promote good feelings for the show. That's what I think. In any event, the relationship is one sided.

[SirLiir]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 4:11pm

Well Jane, in such an atmosphere where actors and audience members are so close, a performer having a cold attitude can be rather unfair to the fans who come to a show many times to see the performer. It can be easy to see why some performers are not well liked because of their attitude. A little small talk and a pic here and there is a commendable quality. For some people, it really means a lot. It may be the actor though who must firmly establish what his boundaries are and try to guage a fan when they meet. There are fans like myself who honestly want our relationship with actors to go no further than small talk and a little recognition, familiarity. Then they are fans who want to BE with the actor. Lumping everyone into a single group of fans is not fair to us as well. If all actors were unresponsive to fans, then it would diminish the closeness of theater concept.

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 4:22pm

Groupies are invariably annoying. I can't stand to hear "I went to see Chitty for my eleventh time and Raul was OUT!! Can you believe that? I've only seen him ten times in this show, I need my fix!"

insomniak, that's an interesting interpretation, but I've never heard anything like this, and I know some of the biggest Raúl groupies on the board. And besides, most of us won't see the show in the first place if Raúl is out.

Seeing a show multiple times because you really like an actor in it doesn't make you annoying. It's when you start painting your face green, singing at the stagedoor and vowing to never see a movie because the plaid pants aren't in it that people become annoying.

Updated On: 12/24/05 at 04:22 PM

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 4:31pm

Sir Liir, where did I say that in any case whatsoever the actors should or would EVER be rude? If you read any of my posts, you saw me say that it wouldn't be prudent at all for an actor to be rude to the fans. Ever. Please go back and read. Also, I never lumped the fans into one group. Again, if you read my post, I mentioned how the actors feel when they see the same obssessed fans after almost every single show. I'm not sure if my points got to you. Pick any group of fan you want to be and go for it!

[SirLiir]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 4:33pm

Haha OS, I can really see a Renthead saying, "I won't see Rent the movie because Roger isn't wearing plaid pants. It's going to suck."
People who see the same show for the same actor are so used to the said actor that the show is diminished for them. As long as thei venting isn't bothering you, let them lament. It's their money to spend.

[SirLiir]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 4:42pm

Jane, please don't misunderstand me. Your posts are great and well written. I was responding to your comment about obsessed fans, "I basically was putting some of the blame on them for spending so much time with small talk and taking so many pictures, etc." What I meant is that I feel a little small talk and such from the performers goes a long way for some people. I just see it as nice gesture. Sometimes it is hard to know who the insane fans are going to be but as you see them more and more frequently, I hope actors can brush them off politely. Otherwise, the obession can turn dark.

Jane, have your actors friends shared any horror stories about stage door fanatics? Updated On: 12/24/05 at 04:42 PM

[TheatreDiva612]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 4:50pm

Sirliir- I agree with you, I think small talk is very curtious and it can mean the world to some people- however, it has a snowball effect... first it's a signature, then a picture, then small talk, then recognizing the fan, then seeing them over and over again... sometimes it just goes too far, and that's when misunderstandings occur and fans think they're beomcing friendly with someone.

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 4:53pm

Well, they haven't had to share these stories because I'm right there and I see it happening. But what's notable is the amount of older women (some are mothers of the groupies) who demonstrate the same behavior as their children, who range mostly from around 14 on up. Hey, don't get me wrong. If people are having a good time, no matter what they're doing-I say keep doing it. It doesn't matter to me. I'm only posting the same situations from the points of view of theater staff. I sincerely love the fact that there are true fans. I miss them when none of them show up. The only point I'm trying to make is that some fans' expectations are unrealistic and will never pan out for them. Most fans I'm sure won't have trouble putting things in perspective and won't suffer once a show closes. (they'll go on to the next one, lol!)

[SirLiir]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 4:56pm

Very true Jane!

[wickedrentq]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 7:30pm

Thank you cabchic! I knew it was first season and it was driving me crazy, I was thinking maybe Monica was talking about someone being a neatfreak...anyway, the poker episode is still one of my fav Friends' episodes.

Posted: 12/24/05 at 8:13pm

There must be something comforting for some actors to see familiar faces at the stage door, because basically the audience is filled every night with tourists and others who have never seen the show. Maybe it's nice for an actor to see someone he or she recognizes, because after awhile, the friends and relatives stop coming regularly! I know an actor who got a whole fan club and active website started consisting of people who greeted him at the stage door over and over again. He had his assistant take names & e-mail addresses. It was terrific goodwill and publicity for him, and it was also used to show casting people that he had a sizeable fan base.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 9:40pm

Since money came up, I'd like to say that I can be a groupie WHILE giving my money to a good cause. BC/EFA has like half of my bank account; they totally know the way to my heart.

For those with reading comprehension trouble, I'm being facecious. However, by going to concerts and things to see people I shamelessly support, I've also donated quite a lump sum to organizations that are really, really important to me. So, it's not like I'm financing some actor's electrical bill all the time.

[SirLiir]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 11:00pm

Glinda2, that's great to here. If fans can help their favorite performer in any way possible, its gratifying to see that we can be of some help.

[alli2]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 11:07pm

I've been a groupie for Rent, Rocky Horror, and Lennon.

Oh dear, tell me about the 'pot-calling-kettle-black' when I think about this subject. For shows such as Wicked and Altar Boyz, I'm always like, gag me. But I know that I'm just as obnoxious, or at least was at some point or another.

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 11:22pm

You've heard of the altarholics?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 12/24/05 at 11:37pm

The Altarholics scare me sometimes.

Glinda2 does bring up something interesting about familiar faces. I've had an actor begin to recognize my face after a good few years of seeing his many projects, and I remember finding it a little bit jarring at first. I was like "he's acting so weird, why is he doing this?" People would tell me that he was probably, in some way, glad to see a familiar face out there -- maybe somehow comforted by it -- and even though I'm not in it for the gratification, it's been really, really nice to have him show me that he appreciates the support. I guess it can go both ways.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 12/25/05 at 1:31am

Is it me or does the term "passionate supporter" remind anyone else of a really tight jockstrap?

Just a thought.

As for the whole groupie discussion, never have been one, but I think they are kind of like pornography - you know it when you see it.
Updated On: 12/25/05 at 01:31 AM

[Patronus]

Posted: 12/25/05 at 1:54am

Well shaid, YWIW.

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 12/25/05 at 1:56am

Patronus, You Make Me Laugh.

I think I may have just lost a shoe.

It was great seeing you and your better half!

[InTheRed]

Posted: 12/26/05 at 2:35pm

So, is there a Sweeney groupie subculture?
Any stories?

[ruprecht]

Posted: 12/26/05 at 6:34pm

I'm almost hesistant to join in this thread. It seems like one long conversation between Jane2 and Siir but since someone mentioned the Altarholics, I think it's time I paid my 2 cents.

I, as you know, went to Dodgers alot to see Trailer Park and each and every time, the Altar's were there in full force, taking the same pics they took the day before, of the same actors, talking the same nonsense, etc... Some actors are extremely warm, generous and friendly and what really bothers and confuses me about them is, they talk so much dirty, mean, lewd sh*t behind their "idol's" backs, that I don't get why they bother to spend all that money, time and adulation on them in the first place. And they all look like they're past the "it's o.k. they're just kids", age. They, to me at least, are prime examples of the dangers to nice Broadway actors. The lines are eerily blurred with that group.
Updated On: 12/26/05 at 06:34 PM

[BreeDaniel]

Posted: 12/26/05 at 6:59pm

I live by Dodger's and you're right Ruprecht, besides being permanent fixtures, they do seem a bit long in the tooth for their behavior. I understand the lure of 5 semi hot guys in a show to go drool over and I understand the obsession some honestly have with true talent, but when it's clear it's crossing the line into stalker like actions, you start to worry about the actors. I understand and applaud actors who don't indulge at the stage door. I've spoken to and gotten many an autograph, I don't think it makes us best friends. There's the difference.