by Laurence Newman

Created on: March 01, 2008

After a really grueling day, I change into comfortable gear. Within minutes I am on my bed, comatose. By nightfall I am always tense. Stress renders me listless and pent up.

Some seven or eight hours later, I am awake, refreshed and ready to relax. Normally it is
only about two am. The rest of the world is still tucked up in bed, snoring.

I sit back in my comfortable chair and spread out my autograph collection. It always gives me enormous pleasure browsing through the host of theatre and concert programs, art gallery catalogues and signed photographs of the rich, famous or infamous that I have collected over the years.

I suppose having their actual signatures makes me feel I have touched fame in some way. They have become significant artifacts.

It is a really rewarding pastime. It encapsulates your memories and gives you a sense of pride. If you are keen to follow in my footsteps, you will need a decent pen and an autograph book.

Begin by going backstage regularly after performances and queuing for autographs. The sooner you can be on hand after the curtain has been lowered, the better your chances are of being able to meet the main actors. When they come off stage their adrenalin levels are still high. They want to be given feedback about their performances.

If you have missed the actor concerned, you may wish to write requesting his autograph.

Some of these personages receive so much fan mail that it becomes difficult for them to reply to all. Very auspicious looking stationery and official letterheads receive priority over the hordes of nondescript mail received. This tip is courtesy of first hand experience.

Attending exhibitions by famous name artists gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal. They are more than willing to talk to you. Often they will sign your catalogue. Do not feel shy to obtain signatures. Somebody I know bought a painting from an unknown artist in France. It turned out to be Picasso!

The same applies to concerts. Wait for opera singers and conductors in the wings with your program or autograph book. If you have a photograph ready they will be more than happy to sign it.

Often it is difficult to get near to the person as they are mobbed by others. I used to wangle invitations backstage via friends. In that way I obtained my autographs. Sometimes I had to ask other people to do it for me.

I once received a personal inscription and autograph from a famous statesman by asking his grandson, who was known to a friend of mine, to obtain

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>