Kissing scene - rehearsal techniques
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Topic: Kissing scene - rehearsal techniques
Posted By: theactordavid
Subject: Kissing scene - rehearsal techniques
Date Posted: 3/18/08 at 1:18pm
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Situation: SHE "veteran of the stage" and had roles requiring kissing before, 30-ish, engaged and Catholic HE first time actor, 30-ish, single, "non-demoninational" BOTH open to idea, and understand it is emotion-free stage business The play calls for a cheek kiss or two (not a problem) and two other kisses, one noted as "passionately". Now, in CT it's a little different, and I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable, so I'm relieved they both are willing to keep the kissing in. I don't frankly see that the passionate kiss even needs to be passionate, or in fact any different than the others. I don't believe it is ever a good idea for something even as "innocent" as a kissing scene be practiced outside of rehearsal, especially with only the two actors involved in some other location unmonitored, even in an attempt to work through the uncomfortableness of that first kiss, despite assurances by both of them that "nothing will happen." Whether it does or doesn't, in a word-against-word situation, it can't be worked out well. And then there is the matter of the Catholic fiance. So, my question: we obviously need to include the kisses during the rehearsal, but how to get that first lip-lock behind us??? And, would you suggest: 1. before starting the rehearsal, just having them kiss each other to get past it? 2. doing this, or running the scene, with only the two of them, me (director) and my SM in attendance? Then bring it to the full cast rehearsal? 3. just telling them "hey, you know you have to kiss, so just do it" and run the scene and let them work it out themselves? 4. other - please elaborate. Thanks. |
Replies:
Posted By: pdavis69
Date Posted: 3/18/08 at 2:18pm
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Come on. Are you sure you aren't working with Junior High students? #1 is setting them up for rumors and bad feelings. #2 Sounds voyeuristic and rather creepy. Go with #3 and tell them they are actors so act. ------------- Patrick L. Davis Fort Findlay Playhouse |
Posted By: theactordavid
Date Posted: 3/18/08 at 3:16pm
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Patrick, thanks for your reply, though a touch snippy. No, they aren't JHS students, but your reply underscores an attitude I find all through CT: that just because you are an "actor", that all of your personal sensibilities should be ignored. Yes, we "actors" are called upon to use language that some (many?) find offensive, occasionally exposed parts of our bodies our parents haven't seen in 30 years and we aren't likely to show them, commit (pretend) acts of violence that otherwise would repulse us to the point of vomiting, and (in this case) allow our personal space to be breeched by another. Does being an actor mean you have to forego what has meaning and value, because that's how it's written? Yes, if you don't like it, get in another play, or don't be in theatre at all. But I don't think we need to leave our morals at the stage door. I'm just trying to make sure no one feels they've been asked to. Readers? |
Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 3/18/08 at 3:34pm
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My technique at early rehearsals is to block the scene up to the kiss and then say "we'll skip that for now and come back to it later." In later rehearsals, when we start "working" the scenes, before we add the kiss, I always say "are you comfortable to try this now?" By this time, we've had other rehearsals for other scenes and the actors have gotten to know each other better. Sometimes they're okay, sometimes not -- I always respect their wishes.
Finally, if it gets down to "running" the scenes and the kiss is still problematical. I'll say "we have to run that bit again." And I make them do the scene, including the kiss. If it appears forced or phony, I say "we have to run that again." And I do this repeatedly, as often as necessary until the final issue of personal boundary has been trampled to death. Do it often enough and the action of the kiss becomes as arousing and romantic as an army drill. Finally, the actors become so focused on trying to please ME (and make the action believable), they've nearly forgotten their shyness towards one another and approach the stage kiss as a choreographed bit of business -- like a dance or even a staged fight. Eventually it becomes no big deal and at that point I'll say, "Okay, I'll buy that -- and I think the audience will, too. Let's move on, shall we?" The actors typically are grateful -- I've taken the awkwardness off of them and have instead given them the goal of trying to convince an audience. ------------- "None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone |
Posted By: sdiehl
Date Posted: 3/18/08 at 3:53pm
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Bravo! Good answer.
I was just in this situation in the last production I was in as the "never been kissed" on the stage before. When the single male and I (the married female) were comfortable enough, we worked it in. No one made a big deal about it and just made it as part of the business of acting.
Don't feel bad for asking though, no matter how much of being on stage is an "act", there is still a part of the real you there...or maybe I am just naive and have trouble separating myself at first.
Also, when they accepted the parts, they probably knew there was kissing involved. It shouldn't be a bit surprise
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Posted By: theactordavid
Date Posted: 3/18/08 at 4:02pm
Topper - thanks very much. Great answer. And sdiehl, even with the foreknowledge (warning?  ) that there will be kissing, or even a single kiss, and the actor(s) say "sure, not a problem" during auditions, when it gets down to it a certain amount of initial bravado may well become apparent. I'd be happy to hear the unsordid details of how you, the single male, and the director worked towards getting to the point where you were "comfortable enough" if you wish.A related side-note, there is also a moment where the female in the play smacks the male after he makes a rude comment on her character. Do you think she had any trouble hauling off and giving him a handful across the cheek? OH, NO! That came easy. Huh! |