Hi Greg! Thanks for you help! Yes first time stagedoorer!
Thanks, I'll definitely try and go afterwards. Nearer the time, I may email the theatre and ask how long the show is, etc, so I may be able to get a better idea from there. Should I ask at the theatre on the day whether it is likely that any of the people from the show will go to the stage door that afternoon after the show?

I'm going to see a band at the same venue next year, so I'll bear in mind your tips then as well!
Thanks so much, you've been of great help to me.

Phoebe

First time stagedoorer?! Hehe

Anyway, you'll notice that when you're holding your programme/whatever theyll just take it and sign, and then just say "Would you mind if I got a picture with you?" or "Could we get a picture together?" Or something similar! They'll more than likely do it, unless they're a diva like Patti LuPone and they might say "No pictures" or before he comes out the stage door operator may say "Such&Such is not taking photos this evening." Haha.

To be honest, definately go AFTER the show. The only reason to go before the show would be A) If you went to a matinee & then before THAT evening show, or lets say he doesnt come out the night before and you have your programme/whatnot go back the next day before the show. Otherwise you stick out a lot. It's very rare that anyone would "stage door" BEFORE a show, except the above reasons. Because if you have nothing to sign and just want a picture BEFORE the show, you look a little stalkerish! (No offense to those who have done it!) If you just want a picture after the show is done that's perfectly understandable.

Hi Greg, thanks so much for your help!
Would you recommend trying before or after the show?

And also, how do you ask the stars to be in a photo with you? I know that sounds stupid, but if I was to be able to meet one Sam Barks or Wayne Sleep etc, I wouldn't know what to say!

Thanks again!

Love Phoebe xxx

Hey Phoebe,

I know that you're in London so I'll try to explain what happens over here in New York.

It's usually 50/50 when coming out after a matinee. I know I've been talking to you about Legally Blonde: The Musical on Broadway that I saw at a matinee. The show does have 7 leads (I believe I'm correct HAHA), and of them only one true lead came out. A lot of the ensemble/featured roles came out, but no Elle Woods, the star of the show. A lot of it also depends if the role in question requires a lot of make-up/preparation, but it's not always the case. There have been many an Elphaba in Wicked who come out after matinees, but still many that don't.

If it's a 2 PM then 7:30 PM show, if they don't come out inbetween shows, they probably will just stay in the theatre the whole time. Sleep/read/answer fanmail, whatever the case. The actors MUST BE at the theatre by no later than 30 minutes for attendence/etc., and some will show up between 1.5 hours and 30 minute time frame. At almost every single venue I can think of, they do enter through the stage door. Some theatres are more complicated, where the stagedoor is in the lobby, but most are right outside where you enter as well.

They will actually have to leave the theatre at some point in the night, so you're best bet would be that stage-dooring will begin roughly 10 minutes after the show is over, and could last anywhere until 45 minutes after.

Hope I was of some help!
Have fun!

Hi, soon I am going to see the touring production of Cabaret starring Sam Barks, (I'd Do Anything) and Wayne Sleep. I am going to a Saturday matinee performance at 3:00pm and I was wondering what are the chances of meeting Sam Barks after the show, as at 7:30pm there is an evening performance, and this means it is likely that she wouldn't leave the theatre in between the performances doesn't it? I just wondered what your views may be on this.

Also, what time, on average do actors and actresses arrive at the theatre before the show for makeup etc, as I have seen someone had an in person success before a show once before. Do actors and actresses enter through the stage door as well as exiting through it?

Thanks so much for your help!

Phoebe