We need to talk about STAGE DOOR safety | The danger behind the drama with Kit Connor, Hadestown + more

Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre - "We need to talk about STAGE DOOR safety | The danger behind the drama with Kit Connor, Hadestown + more"

Release Date: January 6, 2025
Host: MickeyJoTheatre
Platform: YouTube and Podcast

Introduction to Stage Door Etiquette

In this episode, Mickey-Jo delves into the pressing issue of stage door etiquette within the theatrical community. He highlights recent incidents where stage door interactions have crossed boundaries, posing safety concerns for performers and fans alike. Mickey-Jo sets the stage by explaining the concept of "stage dooring"—the practice where fans wait outside theaters to meet actors, take photos, and express admiration post-performance.

The Kit Connor Incident: A Case Study

Mickey-Jo begins by discussing a troubling incident involving Kit Connor from the Broadway production of Romeo and Juliet at the Circle in the Square Theater. A TikTok video surfaced showing a young fan chasing Connor's car after the performance, depicting an unsettling level of obsession. Mickey-Jo analyzes the situation, emphasizing the discomfort and safety risks such behavior poses to performers.

“If you can't tell, I'm doing a lot of gymnastics to try and justify some of the insane things that people have been doing at Stage Doors.” [12:45]

He criticizes the normalization of such actions, questioning the societal shift towards brazen behavior on platforms like TikTok. Moreover, Mickey-Jo underscores the dangerous implications of chasing performers beyond the stage door, likening it to “presidential assassin behavior.”

Global Perspectives: West End and Beyond

Expanding beyond Broadway, Mickey-Jo addresses similar issues in the West End and other global theater scenes. He references incidents from UK tours of Heathers and Six the Musical, where fans have aggressively pursued actors through alternative exits to bypass boundaries. Melanie Labarrie from Hadestown shares her uncomfortable experiences with intrusive fans, highlighting the universal nature of this problem.

“Actors are people. This happens far too often. We put actors on this pedestal and we celebrate them, but with that, they don't get the same levels of respect.” [29:30]

Stage Door Best Practices and Tips

Mickey-Jo offers practical advice for both fans and actors to foster respectful and safe interactions at stage doors:

Don't Arrive Early or Leave Shows Prematurely: Arriving before or leaving after a performance solely to secure a spot disrupts the intended experience.

“Don’t leave the show early or pre the curtain call just to get the best spot at the stage door. Because it’s disrespectful.” [40:15]
Manage Expectations: Understand that meeting every performer is not guaranteed. Lowering expectations can prevent disappointment and inappropriate behavior.

“Expect nothing. Lower your expectations.” [42:50]
Respect Boundaries: Avoid chasing performers into their vehicles or following them beyond the stage door. Respect their personal space and time.
Be Kind and Positive: Offer genuine compliments without personal or invasive questions. Celebrate all members of the production, including crew and ensemble.

“Be kind to everyone. Congratulate people on the work that they have done on stage.” [50:20]
Clear Communication: If you wish to interact, make your intentions clear without lingering awkwardly or expecting extra attention.

Enhancing Stage Door Safety: Recommendations

Mickey-Jo proposes several measures to improve stage door safety and etiquette:

Implement Security and Barriers: Encouraging theaters, especially in the West End, to adopt better infrastructure like barricades and security personnel to manage fan interactions effectively.
Structured Meet and Greet Opportunities: Drawing inspiration from other entertainment sectors, Mickey-Jo suggests organized backstage photo opportunities as a safer and more controlled alternative to traditional stage dooring.

“Backstage post-show photo opportunities with certain cast members in costume... Perhaps that’s a better option than the stage door experience.” [1:10:35]
Educational Initiatives: Mandating brief messages or signage at stage doors to remind fans of appropriate behavior, much like guidelines within the theater premises.

The Role of Producers and Venue Owners

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the responsibility of producers and venue owners in maintaining a safe stage door environment. Mickey-Jo argues that these stakeholders must take proactive steps to protect performers, especially as star casting becomes more prevalent.

“Is Stage Door even something that we feel we are able to maintain in the theater industry if these issues are just getting worse and worse?” [1:05:50]

He calls for a collective effort to overhaul the stage door process, ensuring that the safety and well-being of actors are prioritized without diminishing the fan experience.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mickey-Jo concludes the episode by reiterating the importance of respecting performers' boundaries and fostering a culture of safety and kindness at stage doors. He encourages listeners to share their own experiences and suggestions in the comments, fostering a community-driven approach to solving these challenges.

“Hopefully common sense prevails and there will always be little small instances like this. Hopefully nothing too dangerous or uncomfortable happens at any of these stage doors.” [1:15:00]

He leaves the audience with a hopeful outlook, emphasizing that positive change is achievable through collective awareness and respectful behavior.

Key Takeaways:

Respect Performers’ Boundaries: Recognize that actors deserve personal space and safety post-performance.
Implement Structural Safeguards: Advocate for better security measures and organized interactions at stage doors.
Foster a Respectful Fan Culture: Encourage positive and non-intrusive ways for fans to express their admiration.
Collaborative Responsibility: Producers, venue owners, and the audience must work together to create a safe and respectful theatrical environment.

Engage with MickeyJoTheatre:

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to Mickey-Jo’s YouTube channel, "MickeyJoTheatre," where he continues to provide insightful reviews, interviews, and discussions on theater from around the globe. Engage with the community by sharing your own stage door stories and contributing to the conversation on maintaining safety and respect in the theatrical world.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

“If you can't tell, I'm doing a lot of gymnastics to try and justify some of the insane things that people have been doing at Stage Doors.” [12:45]
“Actors are people. This happens far too often. We put actors on this pedestal and we celebrate them, but with that, they don't get the same levels of respect.” [29:30]
“Don’t leave the show early or pre the curtain call just to get the best spot at the stage door. Because it’s disrespectful.” [40:15]
“Expect nothing. Lower your expectations.” [42:50]
“Be kind to everyone. Congratulate people on the work that they have done on stage.” [50:20]
“Backstage post-show photo opportunities with certain cast members in costume... Perhaps that’s a better option than the stage door experience.” [1:10:35]
“Is Stage Door even something that we feel we are able to maintain in the theater industry if these issues are just getting worse and worse?” [1:05:50]
“Hopefully common sense prevails and there will always be little small instances like this. Hopefully nothing too dangerous or uncomfortable happens at any of these stage doors.” [1:15:00]

Final Note:

MickeyJoTheatre continues to be a leading voice in theater criticism, advocating for both the art form and the well-being of those within it. This episode serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of respecting boundaries and maintaining safety in all aspects of theater-going.