Over the course of this summer, I've had the opportunity to meet a couple of celebrities. See, when you go to a Broadway show, there is this wonderful thing called a stage door, where the actors come out and meet fans once they are done. I've had the pleasure of meeting Darren Criss, Michael C. Hall, Ana Gasteyer, and Tina Fey, as well as other less well known people. It's always interesting to me to see how I act around these people and even more interesting once you understand that there's really no way to control your excitement. When meeting celebs, my goal has essentially become to act as normal and cool as I possibly can. I usually fail.
I should probably give myself some credit though because at least I am not a screamer. I've seen girls cry, scream, and jump. I've seen older ladies do the same. No, really, I once saw a lady in her 60s cry because she had just met Darren Criss. I imagine it has to be a really surreal experience, having people cry literally just because they saw you. It's moments and people like these that really make me wonder, what goes through celebrities' heads when they meet their fans? Here are a few thoughts I could see celebrities having, all inspired by situations I myself have experienced.
1. Lady, I'm sure my talent didn't change your life THAT much.
2. Listen, I'm just trying to enjoy a peaceful night out.
Personal internal struggle alert. So I'm at the theater watching a show, when I look to my right and sitting there watching the show is none other than Academy Award winner JK Simmons. Do I approach and ask for a picture? OF COURSE I DO. That doesn't mean I'm not going to feel guilty about it. I mean, I'm not, but it's the thought of not wanting to bother them that counts, right?3. What? You want a picture? Ugh no, I look gross.
True story. My friend ran into Eden Espinosa, Broadway Superstar, on the street. When he asked Eden for a picture, she politely declined, claiming that she looked gross. Of course, she looked fabulous.4. Why is everyone so close to me? I'm right here. I'm not leaving. Space, please?
I've learned to appreciate the barricades that are placed between fans and celebs. The few cases that there have been no boundaries, I get anxious for the celeb. Everyone is so close and talking at the same time and being really annoying, and yet you can see the person trying their best to sign, pose, and talk to everyone.5. For crying out loud, please stop screaming.
Almost exclusively applies to Darren Criss and his crowd of tween fangirls. Also, boybands. Screaming fans are always boyband fans.
6. Why is this girl crying? Girl, stop.
7. Ugh, when will people stop mentioning my breakout project? I've done more stuff since then, you know?
This is my personal pet peeve. If you went to see Michael C. Hall in Hedwig, don't bring all the Dexter DVD's for him to sign! Translation: appreciate the work you are seeing them in and don't dwell on the past too much.
