Going to the Stage Door after a performance can often be the best way to complete your theater going experience.

Check out our etiquette tips below, we hope they help!

• Talk to the ushers before the show or during intermission. Be nice. The sweeter you are to them, the more info they will give you (but make sure they aren’t busy). An ushers job sucks most of the time so make it enjoyable for them. Ask if the cast often stops outside for autographs or pictures, or if the actor just goes straight to their waiting town car. Also, if you aren’t sure, verify where the stage door actually is.

• When the actors take their bows, clap and cheer, count to thirty and high tail it out of there! This can be tricky if you’re in the middle of the aisle, but necessary sometimes to squeeze past people (politely of course) and walk quickly up the aisles before they get too crowded. We always make sure to get a seat on the end if we can, so as not to disturb anyone when we want to leave quickly. They set up the blockades around the stage doors fast, and you want to be front and center! If the show has a big name, get out there as quick as you can!

• When you’re outside talk to the actors politely, obviously. They just performed a 2+ hour show for you and they are tired! Many will not take pictures with fans (especially legends and very famous celebrities – a la Daniel Radcliffe in How To… but I have never seen a stage door experience like that one), but they will almost always sign anything. Most of the actors don’t mind if you take pictures of them though. If you aren’t sure, just ask, the worst they can say is no!

•  In my experience, when a show is in previews it’s always easiest to get a spot at the Stage Door and actors are more willing to pose with pictures – they want you to be happy so you’ll tell everyone about the show!

• Be ready. We always carry a permanent marker. Have your playbill or whatever you want signed and your camera on. They won’t wait around for you to get your shizz together! If you aren’t lucky to be at the front, don’t be afraid to gently stick your arm out past people and hand your playbill to the actor! If you’re front row and center at the barricade, be kind to the people behind you – try and help them out if they’re trying to get their Playbill signed as well!

• When the Stage Door opens and it’s an ensemble member, or an orchestra member – or hell, you have no clue who it is – don’t groan! That is rude and disgusting! It may not who you have been waiting for, but they still had a big part in the show (no I in team anyone?). Cheer for them and congratulate them (awesome, brilliant, bravo!)!

• Remember, sometimes actors won’t come out after a matinee if they have an evening show to perform for – just ask an usher or the crew member (if they aren’t busy) who is working the Stage Door if they do or not.

Have you tried/experienced the Stage Door?

Please share your experience in the comment section below, as always – we love hearing from you!