Live theater has many advantages over film, but one is particularly relevant here in New York. After a great performance you can wait at the stage door and actually get to meet some of the actors. You can have your Playbill autographed or use your cellphone to take your photo with a favorite star. There has never been a better time to visit the stage door. Some of the best and brightest are now appearing on Broadway and off-Broadway. There are wonderful plays out there to see, award winners from previous seasons. And many new dramas and musicals will premiere in the fall.

For some people, meeting a star at the stage door is memorable, even life-changing. John Lloyd Young, who won a Tony Award for his performance in Jersey Boys, posted this on his blog: “Fans of Jersey Boys often thank me for being nice at the stage door.” He attached a photo of himself as a young boy waiting with his sister outside the Shubert Theatre to get autographs from the actors in A Chorus Line. “Well, here’s why,” he wrote. “I used to seek autographs myself!”

The stage door is located to one side of the main theater entrance. Actors and actresses exit through this door after the show. Theater management often puts up a soft barrier, usually brass poles and a velvet rope, as a line of demarcation between stars and fans. Whether a matinee or an evening performance, the actors expect to see some fans waiting. They know their role. Here are some things for you to remember:

Be prepared to wait. Stage actors try to make it outside in a timely manner, but there will be delays. Actors need to change their clothes, take off make-up, and perhaps greet VIPs (even famous people like to meet other famous people) before they can leave the theater. During inclement weather waiting is often uncomfortable. So if you plan to wait at the stage door, make sure you are dressed for the elements.

Don’t push and shove. Crowds will vary in size. When Julia Roberts appeared on Broadway, the police were forced to put up barricades to control the crowds. In most cases, however, the group waiting will be manageable. Be polite and refrain from pushing and shoving your fellow fans.

Have a plan. You may only have a few moments with a favorite actor, so plan ahead. If you want an autograph, have a pen and something to sign, whether an autograph book, a program, a piece of paper, or something else. If you hope for a photo, have your camera or cellphone ready and ask someone to serve as photographer. Fellow fans will be more than happy to help. After all, you will probably be asked to reciprocate.

Be gracious to all the actors. Oftentimes members of the chorus or ensemble exit the theater before the stars. They may not be on the top of your list for autographs, but they have taken the time to come out and talk to fans. These encounters are often the most fun, because lesser-known members of the cast are less guarded and enjoy talking to fans. Keep in mind that some of these actors will one day have leading roles and you will have an autograph worth something.

Keep it brief. Unless you are the only person at the stage door (an unlikely occurrence) try not to monopolize an actor’s time. Yes, you want to tell her in great detail how much you have enjoyed all her performances, but there are others waiting.

Tolerate turndowns. Years ago a good friend waited at the stage door for a British actor whose work she admired. When he exited the stage door he refused to sign and berated her for even asking. Needless to say, she was devastated. Every now and then a star will be rude, even insulting. Try not to take it personally. Fortunately most actors who appear on the stage do so because they appreciate the feedback and happily stop to sign and pose.