Playbill Collectors

[thebucch]

previews open tuesday and monday is a holiday so i figured to send it out today. i hope they dont throw it out.

[TheScarletPimpernel]

I just sent out the will ferrell play and requested signed playbill. anyone send out to him yet for a playbill

Yes a little early...hopefully it will take a while to get there. They are unfortunately allowed to just toss it (the house staff/management) as I have said in the past and Selise added. You should never really send until the earliest the first day of previews. Most shows won't even send until AFTER the opening (For instance, I sent to ATOTC on August 19th I believe when previews started and did not get my response until the end of September). I'm guessing you'll be fine since isn't tomorrow a holiday?

This is a really interesting thread, I'm glad I read through the last few pages as it's already answered some of my questions.

I'm considering getting autographs from cast members of musicals etc, and although I knew playbill was more of an American thing than a UK custom, it's a shame to hear that even if you send money to pay for the official programmme, the chances are you won't get anything back. I would have loved to have gotten some signed West End stuff.

My only question I have is: what is the best way to phrase your request? Do you have to go into detail about why you want it and what you like about the show etc etc? Like you would if you were writing to a specific person?

Thanks in advance

When writing you're request envelope, you address it to the stage manager. Your letter can be directed to either the SM or "Cast & Crew" type deal. I usually write about how much I enjoyed the show, if I saw the national tour maybe, someone(s) I admire in the cast, and if it's a musical and you have/heard the Cast Recording CD write about how you listen to it/favourite song. Then simply at the end do the same as you would a celebrity. "I was wondering if I could request a cast-signed playbill? It'd mean a lot to me & I'd really appreciate it. I've sent the envelope for your use. Thanks again & Hope all is well with the cast & crew," sign.

Nothing too extravagant, no more than a page. Who knows how much the stage managers even look into them!

Best of luck!

[Selise]

Monday's a holiday? Oh yea.. I forgot. Since I'm not working = whoops. You'll probably be fine.

[Phoebe]

has anyone tried to send rowan atkinson or the whole cast of oliver! a autograph programme request yet? because i was going to try to send one but wanted to see if anyone had success.

I want to send a request to the West End Oliver! cast too, as I know that the Theatre Royal Drury Lane DOES pass on fan mail. (I wrote to Jodie Prenger there) The only thing is, Rowan Atkinson doesn't sign VV, just sends his usual PP. Best thing would be to purchase the souvenir programme from the Oliver website (at quite a steep price I know!)and request for it to be signed by some of the cast, inlcuding an SASE. http://www.oliverthemusical.com/shop/products.php
I know lots of people who have tried writing to other theatres inlcuding money to cover the costs of the programme and have never heard back. (like TheScarletPimpernel mentioned) It's best to provide the item you want signed, and ask that if it isn't possible for the cast to sign it, could it be returned to you regardless.
Good luck!

Phoebe

p.s. Thanks again for all your help with my Joseph cast request! {thumb2}

[khackdrums]

Has anyone sent to "Hedda Gabler" starring Mary Louise-Parker at the American Airlines Theatre on Broadway???? Just wondering who else has. Is this theatre is good at forwarding mail...THANKS!

[Deeetroit_Basketball]

I read here that roundabout doesnt send cast signed playbills and its best to send to the actor/actress. I sent pics to Mary Louise-Parker on Jan 6th. Hopfully they will forward them to her.

[khackdrums]

I actually address mine to Mary too around the same time. Hopefully we see some successes in the next couple of weeks. {thumb2} Opening night was yesterday.

[TheScarletPimpernel]

Yes, ROUNDABOUT does pass on fanmail to individual actors. Yesterday I received a success from Matthew Risch, currently starring in the title role of Pal Joey (Revival) over at Studio 54. (Also a few more from individuals over at Studio 54).

Frank Langella responded to fanmail c/o the American Airlines so you should be good, so long as Ms. Parker responds to fanmail herself. I may try to send the AA Stage Manager for a signed playbill, seeing as they did cast-signed playbills for Les Liaisons... back in May. Perhaps they do..-- if anyoine tries please let me know! Studio 54 I cannot recall EVER doing them (personally experience ).

[TwiHardPotterFan]

im gonna send out a playbill request to will ferrell

[amyfairycakes]

I sent to Will Ferrell at the end of December as I read that they were in rehearsals, and I got two index cards signed from him a week later.