One of the exciting pros of seeing a live performance is having the opportunity to meet the cast after the show. Going to the stage door (which is often verbified as "stage dooring") can be a wonderful way to get signatures and selfies, and to also let the actors know what you liked about the show. Here are some tips to make the stage door experience as enjoyable as possible for everyone:
- Don’t push or shove, even if it’s crowded. A hostile stage door vibe isn’t pleasant for you or for the actors. If you'd like to get closer or change where you're standing, simply talk to the people around you. If, for example, you're too far back to get a selfie, ask those in front of you if you could switch places with them after they get their signatures/selfies.
- If you’re toward the front of a crowded stage door crowd, it’s helpful to get the Playbills of the people standing behind you signed for them [it’s not mandatory, but it is nice]. If you’re further back, try asking those in front of you if they’d be willing to pass your Playbill forward.
- Principle actors often carry their own sharpies, but it might be good to bring a backup of your own. Black works well for most of whatever you want to get signed, but I sometimes carry silver and gold sharpies in case the Playbill is dark.
- Remember that the actors are people too — sometimes they have plans after the show or guests to meet with, and getting angry at them for not coming out/not lingering won’t do anyone any good.
- To repeat and expand: actors are people.
- Actors have commitments and lives outside the theatre. Performing in a show is a job (hopefully a job that brings them joy, but still a job). It isn't their job to stage door; it's a bonus when they do, but they don't owe the audience that experience. Asking for things like signatures and selfies and having bursts of conversation can be great, but only if the actor is on board.
- Actors aren't their characters; though they've brought their character to life, the character is a fictional part, not continued reality.
- Actors aren't perfect. Though many (and I mean MANY), are kind and wonderful and present, not every single one is. And that's okay, because though many non-actors are kind and wonderful and present, not everyone is (and even those who are, aren't all the time).
- A few kind words [to the cast, to the crowd] can go a long way! Saying something specific that you liked about the actor or the show can really mean a lot to a performer. Striking up conversations with those waiting with you can be a great way to pass the time and make ~*~theater friends~*~!
Best of luck stage dooring!