Allow me to start off by saying that this article is meant to be read by individuals who have someone that they have never met whom they profoundly admire. It can be anyone from Beyoncé to Meryl Streep or to someone on Broadway. Personally, I idolize Broadway performers, especially a select few. I have been lucky enough to meet my favorite actors within the past year on different occasions and feel it would be helpful to share what I have learned. These encounters range from embarrassing to perfect. If you plan to meet your favorite celebrity or someone that has drastically impacted your life, this is an important article. Please put these rules into the context of your situation, these are primarily relevant to my encounters at the stage door of Broadway productions.

• TRY NOT TO LOSE YOUR SHIT: Once I met an actor that I liked and the second he said hello to me I burst into tears. Honestly, I did not even like him more than some of the other actors he worked with. In my defense, I was fourteen, but I did not even tell him my name. When you meet a respected artist, please remain calm. It will be difficult at first, but you will be much happier having a conversation rather than them uncomfortably watching your meltdown.
• TELL THEM YOUR NAME: It might not seem important, but it is. Although they might not remember and keep track of who you are, this interaction is important for you. Do not say to yourself that this person will not care. If they are worth all of the money and stress you put into meeting them, they will care about you and the fact that you went to see them.
• DO NOT MENTION OTHER WORK THAT THEY HAVE DONE THAT YOU PREFER: I have never done this intentionally, but it has happened. If you are lucky enough to meet an actor or singer at an event where they are promoting or performing something specific, do not say that you prefer something else. Not only will this likely upset the person, but it will ruin this interaction that you have probably imagined for years. Please be respectful.
• HAVE SOMETHING THAT CAN BE SIGNED: One of the most important rules on this list. It is likely you will be unable to get a quality photo with the person you are hoping to meet. That is why it is vital to bring something that can be signed and not smudged. Whether it is tickets, your shirt or phone, as long as the individual is able to sign it that is all that matters. Plus it is a souvenir to remember this magical day. Congratulations you have officially found the center piece for your shrine.
• NO FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY PERMITTED: Just in case you are fortunate enough to get a one on one photo, do not enable the flash. Sometimes when I see a Broadway show there is an announcement at the stage door that the performers will not tolerate camera flashes. There are those that will even go as far to walk out of a picture as it is being taken. Even if it is pitch black outside, you are better off using the light from a dingy street lamp than the obnoxious burst of light from your smartphone.
• DO WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO DO TO MEET THEM: I mean it. Whether you have to run, push, throw a few punches or shove your desired object to be signed towards the front, you must do everything in your power to meet this person. Who knows how many opportunities you will have in the future? I am not ashamed to admit that I have done, almost, all of the above to meet my idols. My advice is to leave extra early from wherever you are and find out where it is you must go to see them. You will never remember the curtain call or encore, but you will remember the missed opportunity to meet this person if you do not depart before the crowd. This will be a moment that you will cherish for a long time, do everything you can to make it happen.
• TELL THEM WHATEVER IS IN YOUR HEART: If you want to divulge into your life story and tell them how they saved you from depression and suicide, please do that. Keep in mind time may be limited. One of my happiest days is when I got to tell my favorite performer how he touched my life through his music and general kindness. It is amazing the instant giddiness you feel once these feelings are off of your chest. Hopefully your interaction will be like mine and they will be warm and gracious. This is not necessary though because if you just want to tell them that they look damn good in whatever they are wearing, then speak freely. Warning: This may be received and remarked in an uncomfortable fashion, but as long as you are not a creep or stalker, you should be okay.
• BE KIND AND HELP OTHERS: Do not be a jerk. After you have successfully beaten the people around you to get to your preferred person, help those near you out. Everyone is thinking the same thing as you therefore this moment is likely equally important for them. If you are just going to stand there gawking at this person, at the very least pass up playbills or concert tickets so these people can also have memorabilia from the night.
• DO NOT OVERDRESS: Obviously this rule completely depends on what kind of event you are attending and what season it is, but it is more critical than you think. Imagine the swarm of people that are also going to try to interact with your idol. It will be hot, brimming with disease and terribly uncomfortable. If it is a hot summer’s day, please wear shorts and some deodorant. Your idol will appreciate you not being smelly and disgusting as well.
• REMEMBER THAT YOUR IDOL IS A PERSON: Although they had had an impact on your life, your idol is human like everyone else. They wake up, go to the dentist, use the bathroom and feel emotion just like the rest of the world. Keep this in mind when considering your physicality and general attitude during your interaction. Do not attack them or treat them like they are some kind of deity. Be happy with a kind smile and simple gratitude, likely that is all you are going to receive. It is easy to have high expectations, but I am here to inform you that if you go in hoping for a magical encounter where the person will pick you out of the crowd and propose, you are incorrect. Be thankful for getting to meet your idol and appreciate the moment while it lasts.