Theatrical productions and musicals are often filled with a range of stars, from those making their professional debuts, to legends of the stage and sometimes even celebrities gracing our stages with their own renditions. But sometimes, there’s a performer or two in a show that you want to have a chat with, grab a selfie alongside or get that programme you bought on the way in signed! Getting to meet these performers in any other way is often down to money, availability and often sheer luck, but luckily for us as theatregoers, there is an alternative to get those moments that others only dream of. The secret is the magic and fortune of the Stage Door.
What is Stage Door?
With the clue in the name, the Stage Door is quite literally the door to the stage. It’s the door that cast, crew and creatives use to get into the theatre on show days, for rehearsals and any other activities those involved with a show find themselves doing. It is usually more secluded and less ornate than the main theatre entrances, often just a plain door leading to the back or side of the building. Its main purpose is to save company members walking through the theatre and auditorium to reach backstage areas and is much quicker and easier than this alternative.
It is also, crucially for theatre fans, the way cast members leave the theatre at the end of the night to head home. Some stage doors are more organised than others, which usually depends on how many people are often seen there, and this will vary by venue. The Stage Door is the place where most of cast-audience interaction takes place, which is why it’s such a great spot for fans to meet the stars.
The Stage Door concept is a lovely idea where fans and their performers can meet each other and interact in a calm, fun atmosphere after the thrill of the show, and if you want to get a photo or an autograph, this is a great, cheap way to do so. However, there are several unwritten rules to bear in mind when going to Stage Door, which you should keep in mind if you decide to hang around.
Stage Door isn’t Advertised for a Reason!
You may be wondering why you’ve never heard of this Stage Door concept before – if venues and productions are offering it, why don’t they advertise it? The simple answer is that they don’t! Stage Door interaction is not something that companies or venues actively offer, it’s more a factor they account for because they know people like it, and most places are more than happy to do what they can to facilitate it. It’s also a question of logistics. If the entire audience went to the Stage Door, cast would be there for hours after a show finished, which is very unsustainable, so Stage Door is a very informal process that is more suited to people who know that it’s a thing. Of course, you’re able to talk about it and share the concept of Stage Door as widely as you want, but for venues, having a good balance between those who come and those who don’t is essential if it is to be a staple of the industry.
Stage Door may not be a thing at every Venue
First, and maybe last if you’re unlucky, is that not every venue wants to, or is able to facilitate Stage Door. Due to a multitude of reasons, from staffing to traffic to physical space, a venue may simply not be willing to offer Stage Door to its patrons. If this is the case, they will likely make it very clear early on, usually with a member of staff coming out of Stage Door to let anyone waiting know that it’s not going to happen. If this happens to you, it may be a disappointment but don’t kick up a fuss, accept that it’s not happening and move on. It’s rare that this sort of thing happens, but always be clear that Stage Door is a bonus, not something you’re entitled to with your ticket.
Not all Cast do Stage Door
If Stage Door happens at the venue you are visiting, you also need to be prepared that some people may not hang around. This is usually most applicable to people in the ensemble or without named roles but can apply to anyone in the company. Sometimes, there will be performers who do Stage Door every night religiously, but there is also those who never do Stage Door at all, or more likely, cast who decide on the night. We’ve all had those days when we just want to go home after a day at work, and theatre performers are no different. If a cast member says they’re not doing Stage Door, or more likely you see a cast member leaving Stage Door in a hurry or not stopping for fans, don’t be a bother and pester them! Anyone who is hanging around at Stage Door will make it clear that’s what they’re doing, so if someone is trying to leave, let them get on their way. It may be frustrating, especially if it’s the one cast member you’ve waited outside to meet, but that’s their decision and that has to be respected.
Be Prepared!
Whilst you’re waiting at Stage Door, this is a perfect time to get yourself ready for when the cast member(s) you’re waiting for come out. Make sure you know what it is you’d like to get from the cast member, whether this is just a quick thanks for the performance, a photo or an autograph, and be ready for when they show up! Don’t wait for them to be in front of you before deciding to find their page in the programme, or wasting time because you can’t find your camera app, be ready for them and it makes the process a whole lot easier.
If you’re looking for a selfie, make sure you’re ready for it, with any coats and bags out of the way, your hair how you want it, and your camera app open on a phone which hasn’t run out of battery. If you’re looking for an autograph, make sure you have a pen on you! Don’t rely on performers bringing pens and then missing out! Also, consider what it is you’re asking them to sign. Bring a notepad or autograph book, programme or piece of merchandise for them to sign, rather than fumbling for an old receipt. And if you can, try to make this item relevant to the show or neutral – if Daniel Radcliffe was doing Stage Door, this is not an opportunity to get some Harry Potter merchandise signed (I mention this because when Daniel Radcliffe did Stage Door on Broadway for Merrily We Roll Along, he explicitly refused to sign Harry Potter merchandise).
Performers have Boundaries too
No two performers are the same, and as such, their boundaries at Stage Door will be different too. Some may only sign things, whilst others may be willing to give you an autograph, a photo and hang about for a chat. If they don’t make it clear when they start Stage Door what they will and won’t be doing, make sure when they get to you that you ask them! It’s as simple as “Hey, can I get a picture with you please?” or “Would it be okay if you signed my programme please?”, rather than shoving items at them and expecting them to do it. They’re also much more inclined to do Stage Door if they’re treated as people, rather than faceless figures to sign your merchandise and then move on!
Manners Cost Nothing
A ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ at Stage Door will never go amiss. Don’t forget, performers are not obliged to do Stage Door at all, most do it because they’re happy that people want to see them and talk to them, so remember your manners when talking to them or asking them for something. It costs nothing to do besides an extra second or two, but goes a long way, especially when they’re giving up their free time.
Let Them Go!
When a performer has left or finished all of the Stage Door they’re going to do (whether they got to you or not), they will more than likely get home the same ways audiences do – buses, trains, walking, taking the Tube in London or the trams in Sheffield. It should go without saying, but do not follow them or make a big thing of going where they go. Once a performer has left Stage Door, you should consider them unwilling to do more photos or autographs, even if they look like they might be up for it. If you see a group of performers go to a bar or a restaurant after a show, don’t follow them for the sake of it or try to join their night out! After a show, actors want to do their own thing, so don’t intrude on that.
Seeing your favourite performers at Stage Door can be a magical end to a fun night at the theatre, and create memories, autographs and photos that you will cherish forever. But please keep in mind that Stage Door is a bonus privilege, rather than a right that comes with buying a ticket. Stay respectful, remember your manners and you might get a little extra bonus at the end of the show!
