On Sunday, August 17, Audra McDonald, a six-time Tony Award winner, took her curtain call in the acclaimed Broadway revival of "Gypsy," marking the end of her run. However, her evening was marred by a distressing encounter with a fan that left her feeling unsafe.
The day prior, on August 16, McDonald shared a detailed account of her ordeal in a video posted on her Instagram page. She recounted how a theater enthusiast had managed to track down her exit from the building and followed her "relentlessly" to her accommodation, insisting on an autograph.
McDonald described how the fan "invaded her personal space, uncomfortably close, even after entering the building." When she finally sought help from security, the fan responded with, "Hey, I've come all the way from [some town/city]," as if that justified their intrusiveness.
"That is a massive boundary violation," said McDonald, 55. "I just want to make it clear: that's strictly forbidden. It's interfering with my safety, and it's simply unacceptable."
Sharing this experience served as a poignant theater etiquette lesson. In her "quick little PSA," she elaborated on why some actors greet fans outside the stage door after a performance, while others refrain from doing so.
"There are numerous reasons why performers might skip the stage door," explained the actress, known for her role in "The Gilded Age." "I've done it for some shows and not for others."
"Actors, despite our desire to meet each and every one of you after a show, are often exhausted and worn out," she continued. "Some experience anxiety about interacting at the stage door. Some rush to catch a train home. Some avoid it due to health concerns. And that's perfectly understandable."
Despite her extensive stage career spanning over three decades, which has included many moments at the stage door, McDonald chose not to engage with fans outside "Gypsy" for "a multitude of reasons."
"Primarily, it was due to health issues, exhaustion, and the need to preserve my vocal energy to perform consistently in subsequent shows," she shared. "When I can, I wave from a distance. Plus, I have a child I need to get home to."
"When you see an actor exit the stage door and they don't stop, please leave them be," she added. "There's a valid reason behind their decision, and it has absolutely nothing to do with you."
