Stage kiss

[EponineThenardier]

Posted: 11/6/07 at 8:28pm

How do you all handle stage kisses? I've got a pretty intense scene coming up with someone whom I'm not really attracted to.

Any tips?

[onbroadwaynow]

Posted: 11/6/07 at 8:38pm

It shouldn't matter whether or not you are actually attracted to the person behind the character. If both of you are putting your heart and soul into the show (which of course you both should be)you should be acting so intensely that the two characters are attracted to eachother.

So don't think about whether you are attracted to them in real life. Think about how your characters are feeling and you should have no problem.

[threatXthree]

Posted: 11/6/07 at 8:44pm

I agree with onbroadwaynow. If you just think about what is going on in the character's mind, you should be fine. And your director, teacher, coach, etc. would not put you and this person in this particular scene if he/she didn't think you guys had chemistry.

[LimelightMike]

Posted: 11/6/07 at 8:50pm

Exactly!

It shouldn't matter whether or not you're attracted to your co-star or not. ALl that SHOULD matter is your character's feelings towards their chaacter. Example: I did a production of ZOMBIE PROM recently (playing Eddie Flagrante) and during that last sequence with Delilah, I had a big ol' kiss to give out. Keep in mind, throughout the run, we had 2 girls covering for Delilah. I was friendly with the two of these fine ladies, both wonderful at what they do, and when push came to shove, I gave exactly the same 'oomph' with both performers. You want to stay true to the character's motivations. Don't break character and hold back on it 'just because' - Make the magic happen for the love of the performance, for the love of the audience. I'm sure once you're up there, you won't even think twice about this stuff. You'll find it just comes second nature.

[KQuill]

Posted: 11/7/07 at 1:05am

Definitly don't be shy with your tongue though...

[Phyllis Rogers Stone]

Posted: 11/7/07 at 1:10am

Bear in mind that he's probably gay.

[Act0r721]

Posted: 11/7/07 at 1:30am

That's what I'm wondering, too. Not hot co-star or wrong sex?

:P

[luceecool]

Posted: 11/7/07 at 11:15am

or possibly worse, the guy's girlfriend telling you to tongue him so that shes tongued you by association...

[folkyboy]

Posted: 11/7/07 at 11:17am

breath mints!

[IMsooHyprToday]

Posted: 11/8/07 at 2:46am

if you think it is gonna be awkward and you haven't yet taken the plunge here's my advise:

Just do it once somewhere you are not being watched or critiqued just to get the awkward energy out of your system. Do it with no emotion, or acting... Its just like shaking hands (kindof...) Then say something like "Well that wasn't nearly as hard as I imagined" to lighten the mood, and then kiss once or twice more so you are comfortable with each other.

If you (the actor) are not comfortable doing it, then you will probably have a veeerrry tough time getting out of your head at a time when you need to be acting your best. Get comfortable with the person ASAP, or else it will look bad.

folkyboy is right, don't forget the breathmints. i'm not kidding.

[Jazzysuite82]

Posted: 11/8/07 at 2:57am

Yes breath mints!!! The trying it away from everyone's eyes is a good idea. YOu may not have that luxery. Just take the plunge in rehearsals. It might help for you to talk it out with your partner so you've at least addressed it and can ease both of your nerves. I mean the first time in the rehearsal room might just be awkward but keep working it. You just jump in until the water doesn't seem so cold.

As far as technique with the passion. I always do something called emotional transference. I know this is cliche actory talk but it's cliche for a reason. It's always helped me to think of someone I have or have had intense passion for. In rehearsals it becomes about transfering those feelings and emotions on your acting partner. And no it won't help you live in the moment if you picture their face on your partner's body. Always stay grounded in the reality of the situation but those emotions will carry over and hopefully help you feel more passionate.

It helps me anyway...

[don logan]

Posted: 11/8/07 at 10:44am

I'm never dating an actress. Ever.

[Pippin]

Posted: 11/8/07 at 11:05am

Stop emotionally transferring me, Jazzy

[Elphie3]

Posted: 11/8/07 at 11:15am

Work it out technically. Think of it as staging a scene i.e "ok, I say this, then you walk towards me, then I lean my head to the left, etc."

[KQuill]

Posted: 11/8/07 at 12:35pm

It really can only be as bad as you make it. Maybe i'm just different, but stage kisses don't feel any different from anything else i'm doing onstage. Personally I think it's bizzare to do it in private first. Wouldn't sneaking off and 'breaking the ice' only make it seem more real and uncomfortable?

[Jazzysuite82]

Posted: 11/9/07 at 2:28am

OMG Pippin did I declare my undying love for you one night when we were drunk?!! Did we have a night of passionate love making?! Did I miss it? I always seem to miss you naked...one day.

KQUill,
I really think it depends on the couple. You make it sound as if someone's making out in a broom closet somewhere. Sometimes acting partners just like to get away and go over a scene, kiss or not. I think it COULD make someone more uncomfortable. It would help me a lot though!

[kyleorlando]

Posted: 11/9/07 at 3:28am

When I was much younger, I was in a production of Deathtrap with an actor who was a friend. I had a problem kissing him since we had been very close but never sexual. When it came time for the big smooch (that would be a shock to the audience) he whispered to me:

"Pretend I'm George Michael as a bottom."

Despite the stuff you may have in real life, you gotta remember that that isn't real life. Find something within you thats makes the scene work.

[NYC_or_Bust]

Posted: 11/9/07 at 3:33am

GET MONO!

SPREAD THE LOVE!