The Biggest Stars on Broadway in 2026

Can I meet famous Broadway actors after the show?

Meeting stars on Broadway at the stage door (or “stagedooring”) is a huge NYC theater tradition. Many actors love meeting fans to sign Playbills and briefly chat about the show. It is a great way to share your appreciation for the performance and even get a photo with your favorite actors. The cast usually meet fans after the evening show rather than matinees because of the quick turnaround between performances, but this can vary. 

Some Broadway theaters may have restrictions on stagedooring, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are unsure about stage door policies, it is worth asking at the venue’s official box office or social media channels. 

How should I prepare to meet actors at the stage door?

Theatergoers usually visit the stage door after they have seen a show, and you may be asked to present your ticket as proof of attendance. This is to prevent overcrowding. 

If you want to stagedoor and meet stars on Broadway, here are our top tips: 

Bring a pen and something to sign. Playbills are free and getting one signed is a great souvenir! The best pens to bring are felt tips, because signatures can be easily written and read with thicker ink. 

Respect safety measures at the theater. Some theaters may ask you to keep your distance or wear a mask, to ensure the comfort and safety of you, the actors and venue staff. 

Be prepared to wait. Actors may not come out right away if they are getting changed, eating, or entertaining guests. You might have to wait for a while, but many theater fans enjoy the community aspect of this, as they can chat to other people about the show. 

Listen to theater staff. Security and ushers at the theater have your safety in mind, so any directions they give are to make sure the stage door is well-managed. 

Be respectful of other theatergoers and the actors. Line-cutting, interrupting conversations and other disruptive behavior is frowned upon, and can make the stage door experience a lot less fun for everyone. A polite thank you to the actor and staff is always welcome as well, as they often take time out of their day to meet fans. 

Be polite if an actor can’t stagedoor. If an actor is unable to meet fans at the stage door, it can be very disappointing, but fans will be informed as soon as possible to ensure they are not waiting outside. 

Can you send gifts to actors on Broadway?

The policy for sending gifts and cards to Broadway performers varies from theater to theater and food items may be prohibited for safety reasons. If you intend to meet an actor at the stage door, they may be able to accept small gifts in person. It is best to email or phone the venue’s box office in advance to ensure you are not disappointed. 

What happens if an actor does not appear at a performance?

The appearance of any actor on Broadway is subject to scheduling, illness, injury, holiday entitlement and unforeseen circumstances. Your ticket is primarily for the show rather than for an actor, but in some cases refunds or exchanges may be possible if a star billed above the show name is not at a scheduled performance. This is entirely down to the venue’s discretion and you are not entitled to a refund. 

If you have booked tickets to see a famous actor on Broadway, it can be disappointing if they are unable to perform. However, most shows have fantastic understudies who work hard to deliver a performance you won’t forget. Some of the biggest names in theater started as understudies, so you might be watching a future Broadway star! 

Many shows publish holiday dates for the leading actors, so you can check which dates they will not be performing on. Check our production page for dates that celebrities are not appearing on. 

Who are the biggest Broadway actresses right now?

Emmy winner and The Bear actor Ayo Edebiri makes her Broadway debut in Proof, while Roseanne star and Tony and Emmy winner Laurie Metcalfe leads the Broadway transfer of Steppenwolf Theatre’s acclaimed production of Little Bear Ridge Road, from The Whale writer Samuel D Clarke. Plus, Empire superstar Taraji. P Henson makes her Broadway debut in Joe Turner's Come and Gone, Emmy nominee and MCU star Tessa Thompson makes her Broadway debut in The Fear of 13 opposite Adrian Brody, and Rose Byrne and Kelli O'Hara head up a frothy revival of Noel Coward play Fallen Angels .  
 

Who are the most famous Broadway actors performing this year?

Productions with some of the most acclaimed male Broadway stars on stage this season include Luke Evans in an immersive party style The Rocky Horror Show, Emmy winning The Bear duo Ebon Moss-Bachrach and John Bernthal in a new stage adaptation of Dog Day Afternoon, Harry Potter star and Tony winner Daniel Radcliffe in solo show Every Brilliant Thing, blistering drama Giant starring Emmy winner John Lithgow, fresh from a sell-out run in London, and Death of a Salesman with three-time Tony winner Nathan Lane. Plus two huge stars make their Broadway debuts - MCU and Hotel Rwanda's Don Cheadle makes his Broadway debut in Proof opposite Ayo Edebiri, while Oscar winner and The Pianist's Adrian Brody reprises his leading role in the Broadway transfer of The Fear of 13, opposite Tessa Thompson.