Broadway has begun to reopen, but not everything is as it was before all shows closed in March of 2020 due to the COVID19 pandemic. One of the most significant changes to the theatergoing experience is the lack of a traditional stage door experience.
Prior to the pandemic, it was typical for theater fans to wait outside the stage door after a show for actors to come out and sign Playbills, and even take a photo or two. This has gradually increased in popularity over the years, especially among younger audience members.
However, this was deemed unsafe to resume amid the still ongoing pandemic. Among safety measures like mask-wearing and vaccine requirements, the traditional stage door experience was also banned for the safety of performers and audience members alike.
But as shows are reopening, some are offering something of a stage door experience.
Here is a rundown of what some shows have been doing since the reopening of Broadway, although do know that these practices can change at any moment, and to follow whatever rules are in place at your performance.
Springsteen On Broadway as the first show to open had Bruce Springsteen greet his fans from a distance on his way in and out of the theater.
Waitress offered a similar experience, offering actors adequate distance from fans while still allowing the stars of the show a chance to greet audience members after a show. But not every show has offered this, and Hadestown even makes it clear that you are not to crowd the stage door at all, even as actors come out.
Freestyle Love Supreme also typically had the stars of the show greet fans after a performance from a distance.
The Music Man has barriers set up at the stage door to allow actors a chance to greet fans while keeping their distance from them.
These are merely a few examples of what the Broadway stage door looks like at the moment, but they may not define your experience. Every show has different rules right now, and sometimes they change night to night.
Some actors have also been willing to meet fans outside a theater individually in a less organized way, although this should not be assumed. Do not push to see an actor, and accept whatever their boundaries are. Many more are unwilling at the moment than are willing to meet fans.
It remains unclear what the end result of this will be. The traditional stage door experience will almost certainly not return for an extended period of time, but an altered experience may become a reality, at least for some shows.
If this does happen at your show, listen to whatever the rules are. Shows do not need to offer any stage door style experience at the moment, so whatever they do have is a privilege. Keep your distance, wear a mask, and do whatever else they ask so whatever limited-stage door experience currently exists stays as much as possible.
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