Autographs
by Tommy
I’ve always loved going to see shows. I’ve always loved acting, even if I knew I’d never do it for a living. It’s one of those things I want to do in my free time, like riding a motorcycle.
One thing that I never understood about shows and the theatre are autographs. They’re barely legible and your 15 seconds spent in the company of the star are spent with him with his head down in concentration, while you think of something witty to say. They mean so little to him.. I don’t know why they mean so much to fans. In short, I think they’re bad mementos of your brief meeting with your hero. I’d prefer something more personalized, like a photo with my favourite actor. Of course, this means nothing, and you’re perfectly entitled to like and collect them.
Granted, they make sense. You have a stage door and (based on the only time I ever found myself outside a stage door after a performance) about 30 adoring fans, signatures are probably the best way of imparting some part of you to them.
But that’s just it. Autographs are something this guy does daily. It’s probably something he’s practiced on old napkins since the age of 12. What’s personal about that?
I think pictures are better. If you’re in the photo all the better. If you’re not in the picture, it’s still a visual testament to you being there, and him being there, and you now have something concrete from that event. Autographs are just so much less personal than that. If the picture in question is of you and your favourite actor, well that’s so much better, right? It’s you, and him, together.
I’ll be the first to admit this has been a weird post. What brought it on? Well, I’m incredibly superstitious when it comes to these things, afraid if I say too much about a glimmer of a plan, I’ll jinx it. All I’ll say is me meeting my favourite actor is less unlikely than it was 24 hours ago. Here’s a hint, of sorts. I know I’m being all weird, but this is what happens. I say too much, it all falls to pieces and I’m left with the disappointment. So, we’re going to remain tight lipped until some more of my latest hair-brained scheme becomes concrete.
What do we think about autographs though? Silly or worthwhile?