How to Stage Door after a NYC Broadway Show

If you would love to meet the cast of your favorite show, going to the stage door after a show is a great way to do it. Many shows will have fences near the stage door that actors exit from, allowing playgoers and fans to stand and meet actors as they leave the theater.

Here are a few tips on how to stage door after a Broadway show

Exit the theater immediately: If you want to get a good spot for the stage door after a Broadway show, leave the theater as soon as the show ends. Don’t dawdle in any way. Try to buy aisle seats so that you can exit easier. For shows with big name actors, sometimes people who didn’t even see the show will be waiting by the stage doors, so it is important to get outside quickly. However, it is considered rude to leave during the curtain call.

Don’t be rude: This should go without saying, but don’t push and be rude at the stage door. There’s usually a lot of positive energy at a Broadway stage door – enjoy it. And if you are at the front, some people behind may pass up their playbills. Definitely help them get the autographs.

Show kindness to all the actors: While you may want to especially meet one particular actor, everyone put their hearts and souls into the show you just saw. Cheer when every actor comes out the door. Say kind things, receive all the autographs you can, etc.

It’s optional: Actors do not have to stage door, nor do they have to sign. Manage your expectations that you may not see the actor you want to or get their autograph.

You don’t need a sharpie: Typically theaters have sharpies available for actors as they leave the theater.

Ask politely for a photo: Most people stage door for autographs, but if you want a photo, as politely and many actors will be happy to oblige. When we saw The Music Man with Hugh Jackman for my daughter’s 10th birthday, I shouted, “Hugh, it’s her birthday. Will you please take a picture with her?” and he did!

Google your show + stage door before attending the show: If you want to be extra prepared, google your show name + stage door and you’ll usually find a reddit thread about what to expect, who tends to exit via the stage door, etc. I have also searched for videos on TikTok to help know what to expect. For instance, when we saw Hamilton, I saw that Leslie Odom Jr. was not doing the stage door (we saw the show his first week back). Sure enough, he did not come out the stage door when we were there.

Celebrities do stage door (sometimes): It really depends on the show, but a lot of actors will do the stage door. For instance, when I saw Sweeney Todd, I met Gaten Matarazzo and Josh Groban. They were so kind!

Stage doors are more common after evening shows: Matinees tend to be hit or miss. You have better odds of meeting cast members after an evening show.

I’ve made so many great memories stage dooring in New York City. I hope this helps you if you plan to see a show in NYC.