The Hamilton Stage Door
Every Broadway theater has a door designated as the stage door. A stage door is an exit or an entrance to the theater for those in the show or those just visiting. Actors may enter and exit before and after each show through the stage door. Fans line up outside of the stage door. One fan in particular visits the Hamilton stage door almost everyday. Diana Rendon, owner of the instagram account swingnation_ tells us what it's like to spend a day at the Hamilton stage door.
"On a two show day I arrive at the theater at around 10:00 in the morning. After I get settled I will usually say hi to Jimmy, who is one of the stage door guys. Usually the earliest the cast begins to arrive is 11:00 am. The first one to usually arrive is Kim Taylor, who is woman two in the ensemble. As they start to arrive they'll stop and say hi to me and we'll have a quick conversation if they have the time. They're always so sweet and they're very kind and appreciative of the gifts I give them. Around the 30 minute call most of the actors are inside and are in a bit of a rush to get ready for the show and they'll still wave or say hello. One all of the actors are inside If I'm not seeing the show ill grab some food and head over to the marriot hotel where on your feet currently is playing, and listen to music or read. When the matinee is over at around 4:45, I go back to the theater where the barricades are set up for the stagedooring to begin. A quick tip: I stand towards the end of the barricade because actors will have full conversations with you and it's less dense. The first person exits the stage door around 10-15 minutes after the show ends, and will start on the far end of the barricade and go down signing playbills and taking pictures. Once they get to the end of the barricade, they sign my playbill and we'll talk about the show and other random things. On a two show day after a matinee not many people stage door because they like to rest up and grab some dinner before the night show. Security will typically tell you once every actor that comes out of the stage door has come out, and I will then return to my spot next to the stage door, and will see cast members exiting and entering in between shows, and we'll say hi then too. While actors aren't entering or exiting I'll read or do something to pass the time by while I wait for the next show to start. The night show starts at around 8:00 and the actors arrive around 7:00. After the show starts, if I'm not seeing the show I'll go home, but keep in mind that there is still a stage door after the evening show."
That's a typical two show day at the Hamilton stage door for Diana. This article was to show what typically happens at the Hamilton stage door, and does not show the typical etiquette, but if you're looking for an article like that stay tuned, it will be uploaded soon.
A Quick Message...
Hey guys! Thank you so much for reading my article. I am trying to get into a routine of writing and posting, but it's all trial and error, a work in progress. I really hope you enjoyed this article! Diana was so sweet and funny while we wrote this article, and if you're reading this, click the link below this message from me to follow her lovely instagram. Love you guys so, so much! Please make sure too leave a like, and if you're feeling extra leave a comment letting me know what you thought of this article!
Until next time, Rachel
