Hmm...I've been debating replying again, but there are a couple things I think i can add to...
First off, I do agree there are some "groupies" that go too far, badmouth actors, etc. I think too many ppl get generalized in this group and the following I am talking about those who do not indulge in such activities...
I certainly agree w/ Jane that it is a win-win situation. A lot of times having such enthusiastic fans in the audience is very helpful to a show, particularly comedies. I know w/ DRS, the show I go too the most, the audience plays a vital role on the quality of the performance, and the actors are aware--I've seen that when the audience is very loud and enthusiastic, their energy rubs off onto the performers and the show can reach new heights. Even from simply being in the audience myself I've found the show to just be a more enjoyable experience w/ the enthusiastic audiences. So everytime I go I try to be really enthusiastic, cheering hard and loud after each song, clapping in certain comedic parts I deem appropriate such as Norbert rolling on the floor(he does that 8 times a week, I think that deserves applause) and often I get people to join me, etc. I find in these similar circumstances, as long as the fans know where it's appropriate(to scream after the song, not during, etc), they can enhance a performance for both the actors and the audience.
And to whoever said they saw a show a lot but never wanted to go to the stage door--you shouldn't have to feel that way. Again, as long as you're respectful and such, everyone would appreciate you as a fan, if you go again you're enthusiastic, some may joke you keep them in jobs b/c you spend lots of money on the show, and I mean their job is to entertain people--who wouldn't be excited to know they've done such a great job that someone keeps coming back to see them? I mean at DRS once I talked to David Yazbek at the stage door, very excitedly told him how many times I've seen it(10 at the time I think) and he was soo happy and excited, told me I'm awesome and he loves me b/c...well...he gets royalties and started joking that I should start getting free tickets and stuff. Seriously if nothing else you do spend a lot of money on the show, so you certainly would be appreciated for that. Again, remain respectful, and it becomes a really nice experience going to the stage door after seeing the show each time.
And even w/ those that some of us think take it a too far just...before you're judge, realize you don't know the whole situation. I took a class on fanatics and read a story by one of the people on Star Trek who met this fan at a convention and found out she was quite suicidal. He started to get to know her, encouraged her to come to all the conventions, to always chat w/ him, etc. so for 2 years about the main purpose of her life was everything Star Trek, and particularly going to the conventions and talking w/ the actors, especially him. Finally after 2 years, they didn't explain exactly why but something changed, and she wasn't suicidal anymore and she developed other loves and reasons to live besides Star Trek and now she's a successful doctor. The actor said knowing that he helped her to live has given him greater joy than anything else he's done in his life.
I just think it's important to keep in mind that seeing someone in a situation once doesn't mean you really know them enough to judge them.
"If there was a Mount Rushmore for Broadway scores, "West Side Story" would be front and center. It snaps, it crackles it pops! It surges with a roar, its energy and sheer life undiminished by the years" - NYPost reviewer Elisabeth Vincentelli