Autograph collecting is a regular activity for a dedicated enthusiast, whose recorded hundreds of signatures.
By: Justina Muniz
Outside the bright lights of Broadway theaters, Christopher Vitaliano presses against the metal barricades, Sharpie in hand, scanning for familiar faces. He checks the time and waits for actors to emerge, hoping for another autograph to add to his growing collection. Over the past year, this interest has become a routine part of his college life – tracking where celebrities will appear and waiting for that brief moment of interaction.
Vitaliano’s first encounter came when he learned that Steve Carell, known for his role as Michael Scott on The Office, was performing on Broadway. He went twice, determined to meet him. The first time, Carell was in a rush, the second, Vitaliano succeeded.
Since that moment, his autograph collection has expanded to include more than 100 celebrities that he has met since June 2023. From actors, to comedians, to television personalities, he’s seen them all across New York City.
One of his favorite encounters was with actor Adam Sandler, who he met in January while accompanied by his brother.
“I got him to sign my Waterboy jersey and told him how big of a fan I was,” said Vitaliano. “He actually spoke to us for a couple minutes and asked where we went to school. He was a very friendly guy.”
Not all experiences go smoothly, however. Vitaliano recalled a chaotic night outside a Broadway theater while waiting for Hank Azaria, best known for voicing characters on The Simpsons.
While Azaria was signing autographs, someone suddenly got thrown to the ground. It turned out to be a citizen’s arrest, as someone was trying to steal purses. Moments like this haven’t discouraged him, instead, it reminded him how unpredictable “stage dooring,” the act of waiting outside a Broadway show to meet celebrities, can be.
Vitaliano now goes to the city two or three times a month, depending on his schedule at CSI, where he is a junior majoring in cinema. He has always enjoyed watching films both at home and in class, logging more than 450 movies on the IMDb app.
The longest he’s ever waited was for the Peacemaker movie premiere in August. Determined to get a prime spot, he arrived four hours early. It paid off, as he and his friends met most of the cast, including actor Steve Agee and director James Gunn.
Vitaliano’s friend Joseph Lentinello often joins him on these trips. He said that while the travel can be tiring, the reward is worth it.
“Sometimes, it’s a long bus ride to get there, but overall, it’s not too bad,” said Lentinello. “It’s very anticipating waiting in line for the celebrities to come out, preparing for what to say to them and how to get their attention.”
Vitaliano’s autograph collection now includes signed photographs, Funko Pops, and jerseys, all of which he keeps for personal value. He never sells them.
Playbill’s website, social media, and simple Google searches help him locate theaters and determine when shows end, essential details for securing a good spot before actors exit. In his experience, most celebrities make sure to stop and take pictures with fans who wait, so having patience plays an important role.
Toward the very end of every trip, Vitaliano feels that the experience is worth the time and effort. Each autograph carries a story that he is excited to tell his children one day. He encourages anyone interested in meeting performers to do their research and stay respectful.
”You don’t need to have tickets to the show to wait outside,” said Vitaliano. “If you show up early and stay patient, you might meet someone you’ve watched for years- and that’s the best part.”
