If you’re anything like me, you’re probably not an overly outgoing person. You probably tend to stay in your comfort zone and leave only if it is absolutely necessary. If you’re significant other is anything like mine, they push those boundaries often – usually for your own good. My husband has pushed me outside of my comfort zone on many occasions – but I’d have to say that my favorite boundary pushing stories have to do with the stage door after seeing shows – usually on Broadway, but sometimes even after touring shows in Minnesota. If you enjoy going to see shows, I highly recommend you stop at the stage door, and here’s why:

1. Most actors are incredibly gracious.

I’d say that most of us realize actors are human beings just like we are, but they are often associated with a stigma that they are larger than life. I have yet to interact with an actor at the stage door who was anything but gracious. Every time I’ve gone to the stage door, the performers have profusely thanked me for supporting their shows. How often do you have the privilege of being entertained and then THANKED for attending a performance?! It’s amazing how kind these actors are when they come out and greet their adoring fans. What amazes me the most is so many take the time to sign and/or take pictures with EVERY person who is at the door – dozens upon dozens of people. They’ve just spent their evening (or whole day, if it’s a two show day) working hard to entertain the audience and are then willing to spend hours at the stage door thanking their audience. Awesome.

2. You get to thank your heroes for entertaining you.

As addressed above, we often view actors as larger than life. Stopping at the stage door allows you the opportunity to not only meet your heroes, but also to thank them. As you see more and more shows, you recognize more and more people. You have the opportunity to thank them for this show, for previous shows, and share excitement about upcoming projects. The stage door offers a perfect opportunity for you to network and make connections with people who make a difference for you.

3. You’re instilled with a sense that you could do this too.

I have been involved in theater since I was a sophomore in high school. If I had any sense, I would have started much earlier than that! The truth is, there’s a big part of me that wants to take a chance on myself and become an actress. Stopping at the stage door and talking to these incredibly actors only furthers that desire. Talking to them about wanting to act and how they got started – it’s all about taking a risk, jumping out in the open, and giving it all you have. They inspire me to want to try and achieve that.

4. You have amazing stories to tell.

My husband and I have stopped at the stage door on numerous occasions. After seeing several shows, I have a few amazing stories that I can pull out at parties. Each time you stop at the stage door, you’re left with something new to discuss. Here are a few of my favorites from our first trip to New York:

We were lucky enough to see “All the Way,” a play about Lyndon B. Johnson starring Bryan Cranston. Now, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a massive crush on Bryan Cranston – because despite our 34-year age difference, I often find myself swooning over him – so seeing this show was at the top of my list when I found out we’d be going to New York. After the show, we waited at the stage door. We were right next to the barricades, right by the door. The security guards at the theater came out of the stage door and said, “We’ve got some good news and some bad news. The good news is Mr. Cranston will be coming out to sign and take pictures with everybody. The bad news is he’s coming out through those doors, so you’ll all have to turn around.” This put us at almost the back of the line – but I didn’t care. I was getting to meet one of my favorite actors. We waited for quite some time, but we finally got to Mr. Cranston. I know I blushed as I told him how wonderful he was in the show and how much I love him as an actor. He noticed Seth’s bowtie and belt clip – both Batman symbols – and mentioned that he voiced Gordon in “Batman: Year One.” We geeked out for a few moments and were then on our way.We also saw “Bullets over Broadway,” which starred several powerhouse Broadway actors. Zach Braff was also in the cast. Seth and I were again right at the barricade at this show. We had just been having actors sign one of our programs, so Seth was handing his over to be signed. After Zach Braff signed it, he came over to me and stopped, expecting me to say something. I very bashfully asked if we could take a picture – which was a big of a mistake. I should have handed my camera to Seth, but I didn’t. I tried to take a selfie and legitimately couldn’t figure out what I was doing with my phone. Eventually I got it, but I felt like such an idiot and feel like the picture is absolutely ridiculous. I legitimately melted in front of him and I still have no idea why!One of my favorites from that trip is after seeing “Rocky” – a show that I actually had no desire to see. Seth had been very interested in seeing it, so I agreed. It was legitimately my favorite musical we saw on that trip. After the show, we got to meet Andy Karl and I was head over heels in love. I had been entranced the whole time we watched the show, and Seth informed me that he had starred in several other shows that I love. I asked if we could take a picture, and he was more than happy to do so. He had to put up his Rocky fists so I “would remember Rocky.” Subsequently, Seth sent Andy Karl a Rocky Pop Figure that he signed and a photo after we saw “On the Twentieth Century.” The man is incredible. He sent both back with a sweet note thanking me for my support and for attending all those shows. My dream is to see him in every show he stars in from here on out – at least a girl can dream!The truth is, I have so many more stories. I could probably write an article just about my stories from the stage door … but I suppose these serve the purpose of why you should stop next time you see a show! :)

Hopefully, even if you’re like me, you’ve been convinced to stage door the next time you go to the theater. Actors truly appreciate seeing their audience members and thanking them for their support.