[Doogie Hoser]

Does anybody know, what is it like? I'm as intrigued by the world behind the curtain as what's on stage.

When the company transfers from rehearsal space to the theatre, is there an orientation to the building? To the new set? I'd reckon something like the Phantom or Wicked or Sunset Blvd. you'd almost want a tour before you rehearse.

Are relations and significant others welcome backstage once a show is up and running?

Any anecdotes or stories? That's the part of the world that interests me. Companies often seem to be having such fun on stage... I often wonder what it's like back there.

[allthatjazz]

interesting question Doogie Hoser but I do have to say that although I am slightly curious and when I am in the first row or 2 I do find myself peeking through any gaps I can see to the back stage area, but I prefer NOT to know about what goes on behind the scenes because I prefer to live the magic of what happens ON stage, does anyone feel the same? I find characters and stories easier to believe if I only see what happens on stage.

[Matthew Winn]

I prefer NOT to know about what goes on behind the scenes because I prefer to live the magic of what happens ON stage, does anyone feel the same?

I feel the opposite. Partly because I've been crew on quite a few shows and partly because my mother's side of the family used to be quite big in theatre, I've always been aware that there's much more to theatre than the part that can be seen from the auditorium. In addition, I'm the sort of person who likes to know exactly what's going on rather than taking things at face value: I take things apart to find out how they work and to see if they'll still work when I put them back together again, and that sort of thing. So when I see a show I know I'm seeing only a small part of the real story, and I feel vaguely dissatisfied at that.

[fairycake]

I don't know if you still can but couldn't you have a backstage tour and ticket package for Phantom and or Les Mis? Anyone been on it?

Does anyone know the Phantom's secrets!!!

[Red Momma]

To be honest I think the average audience member would be quite shocked at the working conditions backstage.
Possibly something not tolerated in any other industry.

[Allie]

I'm sure my theatre would quite happily keep us backstagers in boxes until we're needed. I'm still confused as to why crew are treated SO badly yet without them, shows just would not happen.

[ultimatetheatrefan]

Intersting topic,

In 2005 when I first saw Phantom, I was offered a backstage tour. It's fantastic and so interesting. I was given the low-down on everything and know all the secrets.

The backstage space at Her Majesty's is tiny, It is soo cramped it's almost ridiculous. Anyone want to know more about backstage phantom just reply or send me a message

[VelmaMaureen]

I love being backstage at a theatre, even though it is cramped/hot/smelly at times. It's just an amazing place to be, but I've only done amateur shows so I don't really know much about proffesional RoH.

It kind of annoys me how underappreciated the backstage teams are, but in all jobs there are people that are equally important but less appreciated, so I suppose it's only to be expected.