Set a Google alert for your favorite celebrity’s name. News articles will appear, but so will information about their whereabouts, based on recent paparazzi photos and fan updates. Celebrity sighting is a popular hobby. Many people maintain blogs they update regularly with information.
Many fans post sightings of celebrities on their twitter feed. Setting an alert to the celebrity’s handle may inundate your feed, but could let you know if someone is in your immediate area.
Most celebrity Facebook accounts are run by their publicist, and not updated with information regarding their day-to-day life, but you may find information from comments left by fans.
Play it cool. Just as you would protect your friends, colleagues, boss, or employee from someone who seems threatening, someone involved in the life of a celebrity is not going to introduce you if you seem dangerous, bizarre, or embarrassing. Express your interest in a particular field of art or entertainment, rather than one particular person. If your social and work network knows of your love of film, music, or theater, they are more likely to share information, tickets, and news pertaining to a wide variety of people in your interest group. You might get information on a Beyoncé concert if your friends know you love pop music. But if they think you only are interested in Taylor Swift, they may not bother to tell you.
Visit the theater or gallery where the celebrity is scheduled to appear. Talk with the people who work there. You never know who may tell you a bit of information regarding his or her whereabouts.
Get the best seats you can afford. The closer to the stage you are, the more likely they will see you. Some performers are very interactive with their audience and may take photos or chat with you. You can also pay for a VIP ticket that includes a Meet and Greet session. While very expensive, these opportunities usually come with great seats to the film, play, or concert, and a guaranteed photo of the two of you at the end. Most booking agents will explain exactly what is included with a VIP package.
Contact the bookstore in advance to find out if the line is likely to be very long, what the photograph and autograph policies are, etc. Large bookstores handle many signings a year and know exactly what to expect. It may be difficult to get a photograph with a celebrity at a book signing; the bookstores usually want the line to keep moving. Don’t make yourself a nuisance, or you will be unlikely to be allowed to return. Most book signings do not allow people to get an autograph, or to join the line to meet the celebrity, unless the person has bought the item. Consider buying more than one book. This may give you more time to speak to the celebrity while they sign.
Some performers may be very tired after performing a show and will not want to sign autographs or pose for photos. Always be polite and respectful and don’t hassle anyone.
Like theaters, talk shows also have stage doors. Often arriving and leaving a taping is a staged event, complete with paparazzi and fans, but you may be able to score a quick meeting, depending on the celebrity and their schedule.
Stores usually don’t look kindly on people who loiter without making purchases. Buying something from the store, even if it’s small or inexpensive, will help ensure that you don’t make yourself unwelcome.
Lingering in the hotel lobby may get you in trouble, so consider having a drink in the hotel bar. Sit so that you can see who comes in and out of the hotel. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t see the person coming into or leaving the hotel. Many large hotels with a celebrity clientele have back entrances to protect their privacy.
Make sure to get a job that lets you interact with the patrons. Jobs like valet parking and coat check, while not particularly exciting, are likely to put you in contact with celebrities dining out or staying in hotels. [3] X Research source Always be professional. Most employers at places that celebrities frequent will not look kindly at potential harassment of their famous clientele. It’s fine to start up a chat or even ask for a photograph under the right circumstances, but if you become a nuisance you’re not likely to keep your job.
Consider bringing a friend, particularly if you will be arriving several hours early, or waiting overnight. You can save each other’s spot in the line, take turns going to the bathroom, and bring back food and drinks as you wait.
Ask for your autograph to be personalized. This decreases the likelihood you will sell the autographed item for money, and increases the chances that they will sign it, or maybe start a conversation with you. [4] X Research source Be prepared. Have a pen or sharpie with you, as well as something for the celebrity to sign such as a photograph or playbill. If they’re being generous and giving you an autograph, make it as easy for them as possible.
If you have a lot of things to say to the person, consider writing a letter and handing it to them at the event. They may read it when they have more time at a later date. [5] X Research source
Always ask before taking a photograph. It may come across as presumptive or rude to just whip out your phone and start snapping without permission.
Don’t be disappointed if you don’t get a handshake, or if the meeting is very quick. There will always be more opportunities!
