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Signed Playbill Request Letters

Posted: Sun Sep 20, 2015 11:47 pm
by clomoe
Hello! My names Chloe I'm new to this forum.

I'm currently on school holidays (I live in Australia) and really want to send out some letters to broadway shows asking for signed playbills (I'm musical theatre obsessed).
I have sent many request letters however have only been lucky in receiving one playbill from Adam Jacobs (Aladdin on Broadway) signed by himself, Genie, and Jasmine.
I must admit, it's really disappointing when I go to the trouble of sending letters all the way to America to not get a return, but I do understand broadway is a busy place and sometimes the letter from the little Australian girl isn't that important lol

Here's my problems:
I can't pre stamp the return envelope. Living in Australia means I can't get my hands on American stamps to pre stamp the return envelope, and Australian ones won't work.
I've been told to buy 'Global Stamps' online but one sheet is like $80 and I'm scared that I still won't get replies and thus, I'll be wasting these stamps.
Also, should I be writing to cast members or stage managers?

Thank you so much in advance for any help :-)
Chloe

Edit: I once sent an international reply coupon along with my letter, but never got a reply. Are international reply coupons good to use?

Re: Signed Playbill Request Letters

Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 12:08 am
by fromuk2014
You can buy lesser amounts on eBay from many trusted sellers.

Its always a gamble, even if lots of people have a success, you still might not - I sent to Ian McKellen and he just never got back, but lots have had returns from him.

Personally I would write to the cast members, it should be forwarded to them.

Welcome aboard.

Re: Signed Playbill Request Letters

Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 12:16 am
by clomoe
fromuk2014 wrote:You can buy lesser amounts on eBay from many trusted sellers.

Its always a gamble, even if lots of people have a success, you still might not - I sent to Ian McKellen and he just never got back, but lots have had returns from him.

Personally I would write to the cast members, it should be forwarded to them.

Welcome aboard.
Thanks for the info :)
Do you know any trusted sellers on eBay? I'm having trouble finding anything cheaper than 20 stamps for $40

Re: Signed Playbill Request Letters

Posted: Mon Sep 21, 2015 11:06 am
by kimmylee
Wasting stamps is always a risk with fanmail, you have to decide whether it is worth it or not.

An alternative method would be to get hold of US currency (through a bank, travel agent, bureaux de change or similar) and include that with your requests, the US does $1 and $5 bills.

I know with Broadway plays (when writing via stage manager) it's really hit and miss as to whether they want a donation or will send out one free. Not sure if it's similar with musicals.