Have you ever hung out backstage with the actors?

Four years in high school “Cast and Crew” – - make-up, lighting and set changes.

Not with actors but when I was a roadie for Caravan I hung out backstage with the band every show (when I was done packing up gear)

I’ve been backstage with dancers in semi professional ballet productions at local performing arts venues. What stands out to me most is how they are when waiting in the wings to go on stage, and how you can feel the energy change right before they go on stage.

It’s hectic backstage, everyone very focused at being mentally ready for their time to go out in front of the audience. If there are costume changes that creates another layer of stress. Usually, there has been someone backstage making sure the actors are ready for their entrance on stage, but the actors or dancers are also watching the scene that comes before them, waiting for their moment to enter the stage.

Every show I have been to or performed in the actors or dancers are doing their own make-up, hair, we ask each other if we look ok. I don’t know what that is like at the Broadway level, I would bet those actors are doing a lot themselves too.

Being backstage after a show is much different than before. Or, I should say much different once a performer is done for the show. Once their part is done they might completely ignore what is going on on stage and be relaxed in a room talking or doing whatever until the very end if they have to go out to take a bow. I think a lot depends on how long the actors have been doing that show or practicing for the show. Before teaching a zumba class I am very relaxed, because I have done the routines a zillion times. Before a folk dance performance I need to concentrate and I am more stressed, because we practice only once a week for three to five weeks before.

Only in high school. Drama club.

I use to do a lot of community theater—director, small parts, stage manager, or set designer. There is a lot of nervous energy before. Checking how many seats are filled, vocal warmups, people running lines. After I find most people are pretty ready go home, or maybe have a drink with friends. You are tired, but not ready for sleep. Still a little adrenaline buzz that needs to wear off. Plus,I find a lot of theatre people are night hawks.

Does stage craft in middle school count?

The OP hasn’t responded to any answers so I’m wondering about the parameters of the question as well. My backstage experience was crew and technical in high school.

Same. Not very glamorous. Though had lots of fun!

I met a lot of differ celebrities, when I worked private security. But. It was always in a professional environment. I only actually spoke with a few.

When I worked big venues, I would sometimes chill with the band after the place was closed and everyone is moving equipment with elevators.
I used to just keep an eye on a band’s tour bus, while they were loading back up.

Some are cool. Some are disappointing. Some are pretty miserable. Never meet your heroes…