Broadway Stage Door Etiquette... is this weird???

[carlyrachel_]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 10:46pm

Updated On: 5/29/13 at 10:46 PM

[darreyl102]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 11:02pm

I don't think it's weird AT ALL. The cast of wicked receive lots of gifts from Fans and it seems its always welcomed and appreciated. I have been stage dooring for years and have givin a couple things to different actors and they were very thankful.

[blaxx]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 11:17pm

Also, I am only 15. Not some crazy 40 year old that stalks people at stage doors.

I didn't know people turned psycho at 40, good to know. Idiot.

[ARTc]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 11:29pm

What happens at 50? Hmmm... Well, I rarely do the stage door thing anyway. Perhaps, that gives me a pass.

[basketcase]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 11:40pm

I don't really get the whole giving gifts to actors thing in the first place, but I especially wouldn't do it with actors in a touring company as they will have to drag that **** around with them (or they won't, and they'll just give/throw it away).

[PalJoey]

Posted: 5/28/13 at 11:51pm

Why don't you just tell her how much you enjoyed her performance (presuming you actually do enjoy her performance when you actually see it), and tell her how much the show has meant to you.

I think that would better (and less "crazy 40 year old stalker") and more meaningful than the jewelry box.

[HopeChanged]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 12:09am

I'd wait 25 years and give it to her then, when you're "some crazy 40 year old that stalks people at stage doors." She will like that.

[wicked4l]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 12:16am

If you made her something, give it to her! Like a poster said above, keep in mind that they have to bring it around the country BUT every actor in Wicked does get a trunk so it's not like they'll have to fit it in their personal suitcase. I'm sure whoever she is, she'll be extremely grateful!

[Eris0303]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 12:43am

blaxx, it saddens me that I only have six sane years left. Watch out, 2019!

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 4:00am

It might scare her...

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 4:28am

Do you even know the name of the person you are giving it to?

If you just made something and want to give it to whatever random actor that is performing in the show, then don't. That's just creepy and sad.

If they are on tour, then don't. They will not want to schlep it around and they usually just throw them out or give them away to a local dresser or something.

Yes, they get roading trunks, but that's not very big and any sized gift would take up space.

It's best just to say, "Thank you for a wonderful performance tonight! Could I please have you sign my program?" And then walk away.

And don't tell them you love them. You don't know them.

[JarqueLemos]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 5:51am

My dad did not turn crazy at 40.

[darreyl102]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 6:07am

I really don't seem the harm in giving someone a gift, especially if there is a reason behind the gift.

[mikem]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 6:15am

Is it weird? No, not really.

But, for the actor, it might not have the impact that you would like. As has been said, there's a good chance it will be thrown away or given away pretty quickly. If you don't care about that, then go ahead and give the gift. If you want it to be cherished, then give it to someone who would cherish it (like yourself!), and give the gift of a sincere compliment to the actor. That would be a gift that the actor would cherish.

[bwayrose7]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 10:22am

As others have said, I see no harm in a meaningful gift. And for what it's worth, when I was 16 I gave handmade cards/mini fan notes to three Wicked tour actors; I met one again years later, in another touring show, who recognized me, told me I'd been their first fan note, and still carry the card with them.

[Wishing Only Wounds]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 10:30am

Question: are you giving it to the actress or the character? It makes a difference. No, it's not that weird, and it happens rather often with a show like Wicked. But an actress may not be that gracious if you're giving Elphaba something, and know little about her.

I had a similar encounter to bwayrose, with Lisa Brescia. I saw her on Broadway when she was the stand-by, was very moved by her performance, and sent her a letter (via the stage door). She responded and was very nice. Much to my surprise, I received a follow up letter from her once she took over the role full time in Chicago (she finally had Elphaba promo shots and wanted to send me some). She was very touched by my letter and didn't forget it.

Updated On: 5/29/13 at 10:30 AM

[GymRat]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 12:06pm

Hi. In general actors are warily amused at people who hang around the stage doors of shows. It is a curious part of the business and one that has required increased security measures in the past few years. The precautions taken at both the revival of "How To Succeed" and "Next To Normal" were significant.

If the character of Elphaba has resonance for you, as she does for so many young people, I suggest you write Gregory Maguire, who authored the novel, or Winnie Holzman and Stephen Schwartz. They are responsible for her. Let them know.

That said, best to you. So glad you are part of theatre's future.

[Eris0303]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 12:25pm

I used to do gifts - mostly opening night stuff and nothing really extravagant. There was one candy company I used a lot that seemed to be a hit. But I had the whole experience go sour when a performer got upset because they didn't get anything from me. It caused a lot of drama for me so I have backed away from the whole thing.

Since then I always tell people if they REALLY want to give a gift to make a donation to a charity in the performer's name. BC/EFA is always a good one or sometimes the performer has a charity they personally support.

[SamIAm2]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 2:08pm

Wow, Eris, that must have been quite an experience. Would you mind giving more details, please? (I'm not asking for the actor's name, just more about context and what happened, without giving away the person's identity.)

[carlyrachel_]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 2:21pm

I want to apologize to you and everyone else who I hurt or insulted with my words. I did not mean them at all. I was being VERY careless in my word choice, and I wish I could take it back. I'm so sorry!!!

[Jane2]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 2:21pm

To the OP - I'm writing this from the asylum because I"m way past 40.

I'd be prepared for the probability that your gift will be thrown away. So don't be crazy enough to give one.

[carlyrachel_]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 2:23pm

That's a brilliant idea!! I never thought about sending something to the people that actually created Elphaba.. Only the people I've seen play her! I absolutely love that idea!

[carlyrachel_]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 2:24pm

once again, I am SO sorry for my word choice. I was stupid and insensitive, and I should have realized that when I typed it.

Posted: 5/29/13 at 2:24pm

Hey I may be crazy but at least I'm not obsessing over whether Alison Luff wants my homemade jewel box-type thing.

[carlyrachel_]

Posted: 5/29/13 at 2:27pm

I really like that whole donation thing idea. The only reason I am thinking about giving her something I made myself is due to the fact that I'm too young to have a job, and I have pretty much no money. But maybe i'll do that instead.