One of the best parts of seeing a show is going to the stage door at the end. It is an amazing opportunity to thank the cast, get autographs, and maybe even get a few pictures with them, too. Personally, the musicals that I go see are the ones that my favorite actors are in. That makes heading to the stage door a very special and memorable experience, but you don't have to be a die-hard fan to do it and still have fun. The next time you go see a show, whether it's on Broadway or on tour, give the stage door a chance. Bring your Playbill, a Sharpie, and head to the line. Here are some more tips to help make the experience a true success:

1. Wait at the end of the line

Trust me, it's a big rookie mistake to be the first person waiting by the door. Be the last. The rails used to separate fans from the actors most likely won't extend all the way to the end of the line, so you might be able to get nice and close with your favorites for the perfect picture. Plus, at the end, the actors won't feel the pressure of getting through an overwhelming group of people. Your chance of having a conversation with an actor is much higher if there aren't dozens of people behind you waiting for an autograph. As a side note, don't forget to figure out where the stage door is ahead of time. You want to be sure that you can get there quickly once the show is over.

2. Don't be afraid to thank the actors (but don't talk too much, either)

Don't just stand there in silence sticking out your Playbill for the cast to sign. Be polite and thankful. If you're really excited to meet someone, plan out what you want to tell them ahead of time. There's nothing worse than finally getting to meet one of your idols and being so starstruck that you forget how to speak (yes, that has actually happened to me). On the flip side, keep in mind that the cast doesn't have all day to chat with you. It's probably best that you don't start rambling to someone about how they are your favorite person and that you love them so, so, so much (yes, sadly I've done that once before, too).

3. If you give gifts, be smart about it

I usually don't give gifts, but sometimes I feel the need to take the extra step in showing my appreciation for my favorite people. Bringing homemade food is something often better to avoid since some are understandably apprehensive about eating food from strangers. Many actors have shared how they feel about snacks from their fans, so do your research first. Art and kind notes can hardly hurt, especially for less famous actors who are often excited to see support from fans. Other small gifts are usually okay, but keep in mind that actors aren't prepared to carry around anything too big. For Jonathan Groff's last performance in Hamilton, I made him a little ribbon with pins of photos throughout his time in the show. It was something he could easily slip in his bag and not have to worry about. The balloons that other people got him, though, were a bit more of a hassle.

4. Never complain about an actor not coming to the stage door

A photo and an autograph are not included in the ticket price, so remember not to act like actors are required to come out at all. Similarly, be sure not to complain if you end up waiting for a long time for someone to come out. Just be grateful that they came at all.

5. Respect them and their privacy

If they say don't want pictures, don't take pictures. Once again, they do not owe you anything. Don't take videos without permission either, and don't ask them to do anything that might make them uncomfortable. Personally, I think that observing how actors interact with other fans at the stage door really helps you see how to best interact with them without pushing the limit. All actors are different about how comfortable they are at the stage door. Just because one person gives you a hug or stops to chat doesn't mean that you should expect anyone else to do the same.

6. Respect everyone else in line

It's not always busy outside the stage door, but for shows like Hamilton, it can get pretty hectic. Do your best to keep a relatively peaceful atmosphere. Please don't push or shove. The fans in line are just like you--excited to meet the incredibly talented individuals that they just watched perform. Whether they waited for years to meet a certain actor or they just spontaneously decided to get autographs after seeing the show, everyone deserves the same level of respect. I think that talking to other fans in line can be exciting. There's no better place to meet others who are just as obsessed as you are. Be nice, take pictures for each other, and have the time of your life.