Stage Door Pass, a platform that allows individuals to track their theatergoing and interact with shows and artists, will be available to the general public on July 31. The network will be available to use for free on any browser or device.
The occasion of its release will be marked with a fete, which will be held on July 31 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Open Jar Studios in Manhattan.
Stage Door Pass will allow theater attendees to log every show they see (and which performers they saw); create a visual record of theatergoing via a stamped passport page; create custom, shareable souvenir videos; interact directly with performers; rate and review productions; curate various top-10 lists and more.
“There are other tools out there to track shows,” co-creator Mike Wheeler said in a statement. “I wanted more. I wanted to track who I saw, including alternates, and what other roles I have seen them in. I wanted to be able to thank them for their performance even if neither of us makes it to the stage door. I can now document these memories, including my pictures, ticket stubs and playbills along with my interactions with the performers all in one easy-to-use platform. I’ll continue to collect and treasure my playbills and ticket stubs and thank the performers at the stage door every chance I get, but I can finally retire my spreadsheet.”
Created by Wheeler and Jeff Whiting, Stage Door Pass has been in use by Broadway productions and personnel since its initial launch in April. The platform has specific production-centered uses, including allowing actors to interact with fans in a safe, structured method of their choosing and allowing productions to market their shows directly to and engage with fans for free.
“This tool is so cool!,” noted Tony nominee Jeremy Jordan, late of “Floyd Collins.” “As someone who is very precious about my spare time, this really allows me to manage the way I’m able to engage with people who come and see the show.”
Beyond marketing and audience interaction, Stage Door Pass also has a charitable component. Using the platform’s charitable giving option, artists can make a statement about a charity or special cause and fans can contribute funds directly. Fans can also contribute to productions they love. A portion of each donation goes to the Stage Door Foundation, a nonprofit which, founded in 2023 by Wheeler and Whiting, aggregates creative resources to the theater industry.
“It really fits together nicely with some of the tools that are already in place,” said Whiting. “The Stage Door Network already connects theater artists with networking opportunities, jobs and creative resources, and now it will also support the manner [in which] these theater artists wish to engage with their fans — all in the same place.”
“Stage Door Pass is more than just a platform; it’s a community designed to celebrate and support live theater at all levels, from the smallest community theater to the biggest Broadway stage, while providing new ways to recognize and support your favorite performers,” noted Wheeler. “The same way you track your travel with a stamp in your passport, the Stage Door Pass is your digital passport to track your theatrical journey.”
The July 31 invitation-only launch event will include appearances by Tony Award winners Lynn Ahrens and Danny Burstein, Tony nominee Kate Baldwin and “Suffs” alum Hannah Cruz.
The Stage Door Foundation’s advisory board includes Burstein, Christopher Gattelli, Susan Stroman and Sergio Trujillo.
