How to Get Backstage at a Theatre Performance

It's pretty common to hear about backstage passes for concerts, but not for Broadway-style productions, symphonies, operas or other theatre performances. But if you're very interested in a particular show, there may be a few ways to get a glimpse of what goes on backstage.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Take a tour. Many theatres offer guided tours that allow you to see how the sets, lighting and sound work during your favorite performance. This is an educational and unique way to experience a production.

2. Keep your ears and eyes open for special deals. Some theatres might run promotions that include dinner or drinks with a cast member before or after the show.

3. Join the crew. Many times, the only way to be backstage during a production is to be part of the production. Volunteer to help at smaller theatres that might be able to use an extra pair of hands. Even people who merely pass out fliers or make phone calls can get invited to backstage parties.

4. Write a preview, review or feature article for a local newspaper or magazine. If you have a talent for writing, you could make a few bucks while getting to explore the production.

5. Flirt with the stage manager, befriend a lighting expert or seduce the leading lady. At some productions, knowing someone is the only way to get backstage. Even that usher that you didn't tip might have a way to get you backstage. Beg him, or bribe him.

6. Dress up like a delivery person and bring pizza to a rehearsal or flowers to a performance. Bring a receipt and smooth-talk your way past the doorman.

7. Join a group of people who look like insiders and try to blend in at the theatre. They might be corporate sponsors with free tickets or industry experts. Either way, if they head backstage, inconspicuously slide in with the crowd.

8. Say you're a relative or you're on the guest list--if there is one. Be confident, and convincing. The more you know about the theatre and the cast, the better your chances are.

Tips & Warnings

• Many theatres have rules barring family and friends from the backstage area during performances.
• If you are a student interested in a career in the performing industry, you might be able to arrange a private tour with a cast member, even at theatres that don't give backstage tours. Theatres often also give tours to groups of students.
• If you do manage to get backstage, don't touch anything and stay out of the crew members' way. Do not talk backstage during a performance.