Celebrity Stalking (or how to properly "Stage Door")
The How To Guide to Getting Photos and Autographs
Yes, that's me and Bernadette Peters.
You too, can have your own stalking photos as the people in the shows in NY are usually very gracious about coming to the Stage Door, signing and posing for photos.
1. When you arrive at the theatre, figure out where the stage door is. It is usually (but not always) on the same side as you enter. It does not look like a door. Many times, there is a poster of the show on it. Look carefully, its a door. And it will also usually have portable guard rails up against it (they are flat against the wall before the show, they are brought out and put on either side of the stage door after to allow a clear walking path for the celebrities)
2. Once inside the theatre, figure out the quickest path to the nearest exit to get to the stage door.
3. Pick up a couple of extra playbills during intermission. You will need them. You don't want your autographed one handled too much. If you like programs, buy one of those too.
4. As soon as the clapping starts at the end of the show -- GUN IT. If you're not in front, there are no guarantees.
5. At the stage door, go stand behind the fence that is OPPOSITE where most of the crowd is exiting. This will give you a better shot at being at the front.
6. Pack your own sharpie. The stage door guards sometimes have them but you really don't want to be stuck without one.
7. Have your camera ready to go.
8. Be prepared to wait for a really long time. Always ask the guard if your star has already gone. And ask if your star does stage door. Sometimes they flee quickly and sometimes they just don't do stage door (*cough* Cheoweth, Lupone, Lansbury, Joel Grey *cough*)
9. Ask someone beside you if they're willing to take your photo with star. Selfies generally suck unless you have long arms.
10. Always ask before you take their photo. Be polite.
11. Sometimes they will chat. Ask them something relevant. Don't just gush. (*guilty*)
12. Most stars will only sign something from the show (playbill, program, poster, t-shirt) They generally will not sign anything from movies they have been in (Hugh Jackman, any other film star) so don't bother.
13. If you are collecting signatures on your playbill, it is best to open to the page with the photos and have them sign their photo. Most signatures are illegible and this way you know who signed what.
You too, can have your own stalking photos as the people in the shows in NY are usually very gracious about coming to the Stage Door, signing and posing for photos.
1. When you arrive at the theatre, figure out where the stage door is. It is usually (but not always) on the same side as you enter. It does not look like a door. Many times, there is a poster of the show on it. Look carefully, its a door. And it will also usually have portable guard rails up against it (they are flat against the wall before the show, they are brought out and put on either side of the stage door after to allow a clear walking path for the celebrities)
2. Once inside the theatre, figure out the quickest path to the nearest exit to get to the stage door.
3. Pick up a couple of extra playbills during intermission. You will need them. You don't want your autographed one handled too much. If you like programs, buy one of those too.
4. As soon as the clapping starts at the end of the show -- GUN IT. If you're not in front, there are no guarantees.
5. At the stage door, go stand behind the fence that is OPPOSITE where most of the crowd is exiting. This will give you a better shot at being at the front.
6. Pack your own sharpie. The stage door guards sometimes have them but you really don't want to be stuck without one.
7. Have your camera ready to go.
8. Be prepared to wait for a really long time. Always ask the guard if your star has already gone. And ask if your star does stage door. Sometimes they flee quickly and sometimes they just don't do stage door (*cough* Cheoweth, Lupone, Lansbury, Joel Grey *cough*)
9. Ask someone beside you if they're willing to take your photo with star. Selfies generally suck unless you have long arms.
10. Always ask before you take their photo. Be polite.
11. Sometimes they will chat. Ask them something relevant. Don't just gush. (*guilty*)
12. Most stars will only sign something from the show (playbill, program, poster, t-shirt) They generally will not sign anything from movies they have been in (Hugh Jackman, any other film star) so don't bother.
13. If you are collecting signatures on your playbill, it is best to open to the page with the photos and have them sign their photo. Most signatures are illegible and this way you know who signed what.
Where are the damn Stage Doors?
Here's a Playbill article that shows were some of the tricker stage doors are located
Random assortment of Broadway Stars that I have Stalked
The Barb's Guide to New York Page Links