Meet and Greet
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Other Topics
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URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4505
Printed Date: 11/23/24 at 7:44pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Meet and Greet
Posted By: DownStageRight
Subject: Meet and Greet
Date Posted: 3/08/10 at 3:58pm
| I have been performing at a CT that has it's cast come out to the front of the theater after every performance IN COSTUME to greet the patrons and "say hello" Most of the cast hate this as they feel that it takes away from the magic of the production and we feel like we are fishing for compliments, not to mention awkward. I have been a patron there and there were times when I didn't want to talk to the cast afterwards because I didn't feel it was a good show. We just feel that it is totally unprofessional and if there are patrons that want to congradulate the cast, they will stick around outside the stage door for them to get the makeup off and get dressed. Does any other theater have this policy and how is it recieved. We have begged the PTB to change the policy to no avail...... |
Replies:
Posted By: gelcat
Date Posted: 3/08/10 at 4:42pm
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Our theatre has the meet and greet in our green room- we are lucky enough to have this large space for our actors to hang out in during shows. The makeup mirrors and dressing rooms are on the other side of the wall, so anyone that doesn't want to do the meet and greet doesn't have to.
It is also where we 'store' our larger upholstered furniture pieces. The only time this differs is when the cast is HUGE (like our kid's program production- over 60 kids involved, so they line up on one side of the house and along the front of the stage.
Another program in town has the cast line up on the sidewalk outside the theatre. This one I don't like, because it's very close to traffic, and outside, but their lobby is tiny, and the cast is usually overheated and likes the wind from the traffic going by. ------------- www.actorsguildonline.org Actors Guild of Parkersburg Parkersburg, WV |
Posted By: Spectrum
Date Posted: 3/08/10 at 9:45pm
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I, too, have been in productions where this was the custom, but since the show is over at that point and my not being there will not harm it in any way, I don't feel any obligation to stand out there, feeling self conscious afterward. What are they going to do, remove me from the cast? Some actors relish the attention (usually children), and they're out there getting all they can. People who want to see the cast afterward will hang around until the actors come out of the dressing room, so I think it is rather juvenile and unprofessional to do the "meet and greet." I just won't do it, but I also don't make a big issue of it. ------------- Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional. |
Posted By: 75director
Date Posted: 3/09/10 at 11:53am
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Ugh I hate when theatres do this, both as patron and a performer. Our policy is actors have to get out of costumes before coming out to greet the public. They are instructed to hang out at the opposite side of the auditorium from the main exit so people who want to leave can get out without feeling any pressure to give hollow compliments. Generally by the time the cast gets out of costume and out to greet people the only ones left are their friends or family, the ones who really want to talk to them anyway. On the other side of the coin, I know that when I go see a show with people I know in it, I do appreciate being able to say "hello". However, I don't want to have to shake hands of 30 sweaty actors to give a hug to the one or or two sweaty actors I might know. hehe |
Posted By: Carol
Date Posted: 3/09/10 at 5:29pm
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At our theatre it is a tradition for those cast members that wish to to come out of the door near the stage after a performance(in costume) to speak with family and friends.
The audience is leaving from the back, so it is pretty easy to escape unscathed if you wish. :)
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Posted By: Elwood
Date Posted: 3/09/10 at 6:43pm
| On opening night following the play we offer refreshments in the lobby.The cast is encouraged to join those who stay to enjoy the food and comments.The theatre,by the way,adds an extra $1 per opening night ticket to help pay the food expense.This tradition has been in existence for at leasr 40 years and is quite popular. |
Posted By: jayzehr
Date Posted: 3/09/10 at 7:00pm
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I like what Elwood's theater does! As far as the "meet and greet" I echo what others have said. I hate it as an actor and audience member and am glad we don't do it anymore. One theater I worked at once it almost felt like a race with all the actors rushing up front to line up at the doors before the audience could bolt. As an audience member, I don't always want to wait in a wedding like reception line to glad hand everyone even if I liked the show. And if the show is bad, it's awful for everyone involved. As an audience member you have go through the line and essentially lie to everyone and as an actor you have to stand there and listen to people lie to you--"Gosh! That was very interesting. You must have had a good time with that part!" |
Posted By: POB14
Date Posted: 3/18/10 at 3:39pm
Are we sure I didn't write this?  I agree 100%.------------- POB Old Bugger, Curmudgeon, and Antisocial B**tard |
Posted By: Scott B
Date Posted: 3/21/10 at 10:57pm
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I don't have a problem with a meet and greet situation AS LONG AS the cast is not in a receiving line situation forcing everyone to file through. I've been to shows where I absolutely just wanted to get the heck out of town. I don't want to be forced to meet everyone and shake their hand. I'm ok with mingling ... just no receiving lines, please. |
Posted By: DWCle
Date Posted: 3/24/10 at 8:09pm
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I totally agree with your concerns. It does take away from the magic and it's awkward and unprofessional.
I feel the actors should just refuse to do it. What can the theatre admins say?
Now, I do believe there are some times when it's appropriate. I teach at a middle school and I allow my actors to go out after the performance in costume. Parents want to get pictures of their kids in costume. Last year we did BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR. and had lots of little kids in the audiences who wanted their picture taken with Belle and the Beast and other delightful characters. It was wonderful watching my 12-14 year olds enjoy the little kids and vice versa.
Also, I number of years ago I played the Cowardly Lion at a community theatre and there again we had lots of kids in the audience so we came out in costume.
However, normally . . . .no!
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Posted By: JoeMc
Date Posted: 3/25/10 at 12:52am
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On stage I'm the character - Off stage I'm me!
------------- [western] Gondawandaland "Hear the light & see the sound! TOI TOI CHOOKAS {may you always play to a full house!} |
Posted By: SamD
Date Posted: 3/30/10 at 9:27am
| I personally don't like it, but the most of our actors and their families do. Luckily, we have plenty of room, so there is no bottle-neck at the exits. People have the option of leaving. Surprisingly, many don't. |