No stage door now how will people get an autograph

[Theatrefanboy1]

I preface this before hand that I realize its more important for actors to be working and shows able to run as well as stating that I do not support (in fact hate) stalkers, autograph hunters or extreme fans that think actors are their friends.

After reading the post from equity that stage doors will no longer being allowed (the way I read it. They wouldnt be allowed after the pandemic. Which would by the sound of things eliminate stage doors completely). Im wondering a few things:

How would some be able to get an autograph now?
What do people think will take the place of the autograph (even though the selfie seemed to already have)?
Do people think stagedoor experiences would eventually return a couple months after opening or are they gone for years to come?

[quizking101]

1) Its possible that shows may start selling limited supply of autographed posters/Playbills as a regular thing, which they could then funnel to a charity/relief fund for working actors (Actors Fund/BCEFA)

2) I would assume it would be gone for quite some time and it would be foolish to put a time stamp on it, especially because Broadway won’t be reopening until at least the spring and tourism is going to be WAY down (as the virus is currently getting worse in about 50% of the country).

3) Fan mail could still be a possibility. Sending a playbill to the theatre to be signed. Mail has a very low risk of transmitting the virus so it’s a thought.

[Broadway61004]

I think the issue with "eliminating the stage door" is that's not really a possibility.  Yes, there will be no more barricades up with a designated "stand here for an autograph" area, but it's not as though the stage doors are closed off to the rest of the world, meaning anyone walking down the street can stop near the door and still see their favorite actors coming out.  I hope people don't suddenly just rush the doors when this happens, but in some ways, I almost feel like "eliminating the stage door" actually makes this more dangerous for the actors.  Because the stage door will still be there, but now there will be no organized "keep this far away from it".  I certainly hope I'm wrong, but it will be interesting to see.

[JBroadway]

First of all, as many people (particularly Hogan) have already said in many other threads, we're unlikely to get a socially distanced version of Broadway. Broadway will return when it's safe for people to be in a crowded room together, and by that point, people crowding at a stage door won't be a safety issue.

BUT, in the HYPOTHETICAL situation where Broadway does a full return without stage dooring, the short answer is: people should just suck it up and get used to being happy with the performance alone (I say this as someone who still occasionally goes to the stage door, though far less frequently than when I was a teenager). 

As others have said, if people insist on getting autographs, they can still do fan-mail and/or pre-signed merch. And in fact, relegating it to BC/EFA sales would be a great way to boost donations, because there won't be an alternative way of getting things signed. 

As for the logistic issues with "eliminating" the stage door: I'm assuming there will still be stage-door staff to shoo people away, but that won't stop people from hanging out further away. It does pose a particular issue for some shows without big stars. When it comes to shows with big stars, I'm assuming what will happen is that there will still be barricades set up like a gauntlet leading from the door to the actors' car. And that way they can make a b-line without being disturbed. Many stars already do this. But not everyone can get a car in their contract, so they'd have to walk out into the street at some point. A huge portion of actors on Broadway will be able to utilize alternate exits to sneak away, but some theatres only have 1 exit. I guess in those cases, they will have to either rely on the staff to adequately intimate people away, or they'll have to rely on people's good sense to stay away once directed to do so (Yikes! We're doomed!). 

[Jordan Levinson]

Before the pandemic, I used to meet conductors/MD's by the pit when applicable and strike up a convo. Easy for me to say, because I've had less and less interest in meeting actors every year and I had avoided mostly rowdy stage doors more recently.

I asked someone I've gotten close with if MD's/conductors wouldn't mind connecting post-shows via Skype, Zoom, and email in the future, which garnered a yes. The same person will also probably give me contact info for other MD's if I see their shows. 

Keep on the lookout for droves of Broadway actors joining Cameo for future fan interactions in the months and years to come. 

 

[Sutton Ross]

Broadway61004 said: "I think the issue with "eliminating the stage door" is that's not really a possibility. Yes, there will be no more barricades up with a designated "stand here for an autograph" area, but it's not as though the stage doors are closed off to the rest of the world,meaning anyone walking down the street can stop near the door and still see their favorite actors coming out. I hope people don't suddenly just rush the doors when this happens, but in some ways, I almost feel like "eliminating the stage door" actually makes this more dangerous for the actors. Because the stage door will still be there, but now there will be no organized "keep this far away from it". I certainly hope I'm wrong, but it will be interesting to see."

They will have security to make sure that does not happen and people don't gather. Crowds will understand they have to leave, shows over, and they cannot loiter. As it should be. 

 

[Scarlet Leigh]

I think it would be a great idea to have pre-signed merch for BCFA donations year round. Covid hit right at the start of spring collection and will still be shut down for fall collection. That's a years worth of fundraising gone for the organization. Only issue I can see is that the demand would likely be pretty high for them and they would likely sell out pretty quickly unless the donation is set fairly high.

[Jordan Catalano]

When everyone’s vaccinated and the threat is gone (whenever that may be), the “stage door” will return to normal. It just will. It’s a tradition that’s been around as long as broadway itself and won’t disappear.

[hearthemsing22]

I think there are valid points here. But if your biggest concern is the stage door, you need new priorities. Health and safety of actors is FAR more important right now. I think it’s the wake up call people need to realize it’s not the end of the world nor the most important thing to snag a photo with someone who was in the show.

[MollyJeanneMusic]

One of the things I always enjoyed about the stage door is how accessible it made these actors seem.  I'm a country music fan, and you wouldn't see someone like Kenny Chesney or Dolly Parton just coming out the back of the stadium or amphitheater after the show to meet people.  It was always very cool for me that Broadway people could just come out the stage door and talk to the people with whom they shared their artistic experience.  While I totally understand the safety issues, and while I don't want to say the stage door is, to quote hearthemsing22, "the most important thing", I do think it's a sad loss for those who enjoyed it.  I'd be interested to hear some actors' opinions on it, as most of the commentary I've seen has been from people who are on the "audience" side of the barricade.  While the stage door isn't anyone's biggest concern, this is a Broadway board, designed to talk about every aspect of Broadway.  You can expect people to talk about developments on Broadway and changes to the "usual" theatre experience.

[stoptheworld38]

My guess and hope (and this is just a GUESS, I'm no expert and if the past few months have taught us anything, it's that things can change and nothing is for certain) is that shows will have cast members sign playbills in advance that can be given to the audience (maybe at an additional cost with money going to BCEFA or the Actors Fund or something like that) and that eventually, someday down the road, stagedooring will come back. It might be a few months after Broadway reopens, it might be a few years, who knows? But I firmly believe that it won't be gone forever.

[yankeefan7]

" Do people think stagedoor experiences would eventually return a couple months after opening or are they gone for years to come? "

If there ever was a time to stop the stagedoor experience it will be now. Even a year from now, how comfortable will actors be getting that up close to hundreds of people. I guess we will see but I bet it will be quite a while after Broadway re-opens for it to possibly return to the way things were before the virus.

[msmp]

yankeefan7 said: "" Do people think stagedoor experiences would eventually return a couple months after opening or are they gone for years to come? "

If there ever was a time to stop the stagedoor experience it will be now. Even a year from now, how comfortable will actors be getting that up close to hundreds of people. I guess we will see but I bet it will be quite a while after Broadway re-opens for it to possibly return to the way things were before the virus."

Admittedly this was a tour experience, but at Providence's run of Dolly, when the guidance came down about the stage door being stopped, the actors were pretty much all legitimately disappointed. I think for some it'll change perspectives, but not for others.

[ArtMan]

MollyJeanneMusic said: "One of the things I always enjoyed about the stage door is how accessible it made these actors seem. I'm a country music fan, and you wouldn't see someone like Kenny Chesney or Dolly Parton just coming out the back of the stadium or amphitheater after the show to meet people. It was always very cool for me that Broadway people could just come out the stage door and talk to the people with whom they shared their artistic experience. While I totally understand the safety issues, and while I don't want to say the stage door is, to quote hearthemsing22, "the most important thing", I do think it's a sad loss for those who enjoyed it. I'd be interested to hear some actors' opinions on it, as most of the commentary I've seen has been from people who are on the "audience" side of the barricade. While the stage door isn't anyone's biggest concern, this is a Broadway board, designed to talk about every aspect of Broadway. You can expect people to talk about developments on Broadway and changes to the "usual" theatre experience."

Molly, A quick story to share.  Some years back, I attended a Today show concert with Kenny Chesney.  About 15 minutes after the show, I thought I dropped  a lens cover and walked back to the concert.  I was actually walking on the covered walkway and ran right into Kenny, walking by himself, to his tour bus.  I'm 6'3 and he is like "shorter", but I was more startled than he was.  All I could think of, was, "Hey Kenny".  Then he said, "Hey back".  It was so unexpected.

[sparksatmidnight]

There was a show based on a TV show once (not in the USA) that used to take the cast away in a van to something like 4 blocks away to avoid all the fans and there they would meet their parents/drivers/take the subway. I think this is a useful solution.

[HogansHero]

I agree with Jordan that once the virus is in the rear view mirror, this new rule (like all of these other silly rules being made for a scenario that I am positive will never occur) will go the way of the dodo bird. That said, it is no secret around here that if I had my way, the stage door "tradition" would also go the way of the dodo bird, and I am not convinced that that is not in the minds of whoever floated this notion.  

@sparksatmidnight just out of curiosity, how are these cast members going to get to the van without running the same gauntlet of stage door denizens?

[Jordan Catalano]

And keep this in mind- when Broadway reopens, the NYC streets will be shoulder to shoulder again. Actors will be in that shoulder to shoulder action in their daily lives, like the rest of us so not standing and signing things behind a barricade for “safety reasons” doesn’t really Make much sense when that time comes. Not taking pics, sure. But signing, I don’t see that being an issue.

[HogansHero]

Yes, there is a real disconnect in some things people are saying right now. When people can get close enough to go to the theatre together again, they will also be riding the subway (which is already getting kinda crowded at certain hours) and among those on the subway will be the same actors that these silly rules are supposed to "protect." From what?

Meanwhile we have a piece on this page right now about our favorite Tory asking for dates when theatres in the UK can reopen without safeguards. Seriously? How about let's get dates when it's safe and then start thinking about lifting safeguards. True colors showing there ALW. More like Wrong Honourable.

[yankeefan7]

" I was actually walking on the covered walkway and ran right into Kenny, walking by himself, to his tour bus.  I'm 6'3 and he is like "shorter", but I was more startled than he was.  All I could think of, was, "Hey Kenny".  Then he said, "Hey back".  It was so unexpected. "

Cool story, thanks for sharing.

[Theatrefanboy1]

Well I will say. I’ve been on set for most of last week and we as actors are not wearing face masks during scenes. And it’s deemed fine for “brief interactions”. According the powers that be.

That being said typically I’m quite reserved and would prefer to avoid crowds. I guess what throws me off of it is the obsessives or the autograph hunters. I would be absolutely fine signing for people right now. I wouldn’t have any issue. I would (but have always preferred) to avoid taking photos with people. But running down a line of people to sign and thank them. I could totally manage that. But maybe I don’t share the same thoughts as others

[Mr. Wormwood]

I agree with those who say it's not gone forever. Even if it doesn't happen right when Broadway re-opens, it will certainly be back. I don't have a doubt in my mind about that.

[Jordan Levinson]

It would absolutely touch my heart if the pre-existing shows start posting "Thank You, Fans" montages/collages of memorable stage door moments, because chances are most of those shows will not live to see the day this tradition returns, if it ever does. Captions would be relevant show or song quotes that can easily be attributed to each fanbase and how meaningful/special they are. 

They can't be too vague with the messages, though. You don't want to give the false impression that your show is closing. Play around with something like, "The safety and security of every individual is our #1 priority" with friendly reminders to follow the show/cast social media handles, and send snail mail. 

 

[latitudex1]

Jordan Levinson said: "Before the pandemic, I used to meet conductors/MD's by the pit when applicable and strike up a convo. Easy for me to say, because I've had less and less interest in meeting actors every year and I had avoided mostlyrowdy stage doors more recently.

I asked someone I've gotten close with if MD's/conductorswouldn't mindconnecting post-shows via Skype, Zoom, and email in the future, which garnered a yes. The same person will also probably give me contact info for other MD's if I see their shows.

Keep on the lookout for droves of Broadway actors joining Cameo for future fan interactions in the months and years to come.

"

The idea of a streamed post-show experience with a QR link posted in the lobby directing people to the experience (kind of like the digital Ham4Ham thing) would be extremely interesting, if the company was up for it. That's a great idea, Jordan.

[darreyl102]

HogansHero said: "I agree with Jordan that once the virus is in the rear view mirror, this new rule (like all of these other silly rules being made for a scenario that I am positive will never occur) will go the way of the dodo bird. That said, it is no secret around here that if I had my way, the stage door "tradition" would also go the way of the dodo bird, and I am not convinced that that is not in the minds of whoever floated this notion.

@sparksatmidnight just out of curiosity, how are these cast members going to get to the van without running the same gauntlet of stage door denizens?"

most musicals have a cast of twenty-something. You need a big bus. Doesn't seem feasible to me. 

[Mr Roxy]

They will deal with it. Unless they intend taking them into the afterlife they need to deal with reality .Nice to have yes.Worth having panic attacks for no. To discuss this while Corona is with us seems a bit head scratching. Corona is with us and day by day the city is being destroyed. The city will be totally different going forward .That is reality

Lots of things we missed that will never return. I am greatful that my hip replacement surgery is finally scheduled for 9/24. .Once that is done I have an important thing in my life restored to me .I don't want to preach but it seems petty to discuss this now when theater is shut down .Interesting to see in what form it comes back. Apologies to anyone's feeling I hurt