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Patrilla
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bullet Topic: Audience backstage during intermission?
    Posted: 3/12/07 at 8:27am
What do you guys think about audience members coming backstage and socializing during intermission? Is that a common practice? 
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Mike Polo
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bullet Posted: 3/12/07 at 8:59am
In my experience, this usually happens when other members of the organization are in the audience and want to see someone they are friendly with who is working on the show. Is it common? Depends on the group. I tend to chase off backstage wanderers from my shows. I'd prefer that my cast and crew aren't distracted.
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POB14
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bullet Posted: 3/12/07 at 9:09am
No.  No no no.  No no no no no no no no no.
 
Or, to be more direct about it:
 
NO!
POB
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Nanette
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bullet Posted: 3/12/07 at 9:10am

Having audience members backstage at any time is a "no-no" in my book.  Whether they know someone backstage or or not, the audience should stay in the common areas.  There are simply too many things that could happen ... props get moved, cast gets distracted, an audience member could get hurt, etc.  We don't even let parents backstage unless they're working back there during the show, and then they need to be where they are assigned.  There's plenty of time to meet and greet after the show with the cast and crew. 

In a world of margarine, be butter!
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Gaafa
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bullet Posted: 3/12/07 at 11:39am
Backstage being the domain of the stage manager, from the allocated time of the ‘call’ until the ‘all clear’ after the show.
Anyone needs to have the SM’s permission to go back stage, that goes for the Director/Producer & the FoH Manager.
Inversely the same courtesy is afforded to the front of house Manager before, during & after the show until the house clearance is given.
I have rather enjoyed at times asking well known dignitaries to leave the back stage area &/or wait at the stage door. Which included a Leftenant Governor, Lord Mayor, Producers, Directors & Theatre Executives to mention just a few.
No matter what my role in the show, I always seek permission, if I wish to go back stage.

      Joe
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turn right @ Perth.
Hear the light & see the sound.
Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"}
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to a full house}

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Shatcher
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bullet Posted: 3/12/07 at 12:03pm
As a SM I will say that NO ONE not in the company of the show is alowed backstage. No one, ever. and not after the show for at least 15 or 20 min after curtian. It is just rude to invite people back when others are trying to prepare or unwind.
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DWolfman
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bullet Posted: 3/12/07 at 4:44pm
Originally posted by Mike Polo

I'd prefer that my cast and crew aren't distracted.
 
Originally posted by POB14

No.  No no no.  No no no no no no no no no.
 
Originally posted by Nannette

. . . a "no-no" in my book.
 
Originally posted by Gaafa

I have rather enjoyed at times asking well known dignitaries to leave the back stage area.
 
Originally posted by Shatcher

It is just rude to invite people back when others are trying to prepare or unwind. 
 
Originally posted by DWolfman

Ditto with an earsplitting howwwlll.
Even a man who is pure of heart...
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Patrilla
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bullet Posted: 3/12/07 at 6:38pm
Well, thanks for the answers. One actor seemed bothered that two guys kept trying to talk to her about her performance at intermission.  Some of the cast said they had never heard of people coming backstage at intermission so I was just curious.
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JShieldsIowa
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bullet Posted: 3/13/07 at 2:44am

I think it's very inappropriate to have non-cast/crew backstage before a show, during intermission or immediately following a performance.  I had one guy who came back stage after a show I directed.  It was supposedly to congratulate the cast.  Funny how he only talked to people in front of the ladies dressing rooms.  Since then, if I'm stage managing, directing or front of house manager - NO ONE is allowed back stage EVER unless it's cleared with the SM or director.  That is the actors private area.  They need to know their belongings, props, etc are safe and secure.  Some don't want any distractions.  Regardless, I think it's completely unnecessary.  People can wait in the lobby until the performers come out.

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eveharrington
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bullet Posted: 3/14/07 at 2:49am
I have to say no to intermission visits, it's still the middle of the show, it distracts performers and it can't be good for the audience members enjoyment of the second half.
"If nothing else, there's applause... like waves of love pouring over the footlights."
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