Is he really acting?

Question

I'm currently in a show where I have some physical contact with a guy. He is supposed to hug me and comfort me after one of the other characters offends me, but to me it feels like more than acting. He holds me really close and strokes my hair, maybe it's just me but I think there could be more to this scene than meets the eye. He also holds me close around my waist from the back while I'm watching the scene from one point. Our director didn't give out any of these instructions specifically, he just told him to comfort me. He's always very nice to me offstage too. I just wanted to get some opinions on whether he might like me or if he's just a really good actor. Thanks!

Answer 1

It's hard to say. I have been in that situation before. If he is going to be convincing, then he has to do it for real. Of course it depends if his character is supposed to comfort your character in that way. The audience will infer things from his actions. If it is implicit in the script that he is to console you in quite an intimate way, then he is doing the only thing he can, and indeed should. If, however, that should not be inferred, then he might possibly be doing something else. Bottom line: if the script suggested to me that that this was the way it should be done, then I might also hold you really close and stroke your hair. When the director called 'cut', then I would drop you like a brick so that you knew that I was acting. If I was in his position, then I might have asked you first if it was ok with you. Some people are wary about bodily contact - I am one of them. Acting is all about trust. You need to have complete trust in your fellow actors. If that trust is betrayed, then the other actor is not an actor, and should be doing something else. That would be breaking a cardinal rule, and in the end would destroy his performance. I once had a terrible crush on a girl I was acting with, but when we were performing, rehearsing, or improvising, I had to push that out of my mind completely, or I would have been screwed.

Answer 2

You say that your director did not give those instructions specifically, which to me says that the young man in question probably is just interpreting those directions he was given. Being nice offstage and interpreting direction does not mean a crush is developing. I wouldn't worry too much about it, but by all means ask him if it causes you concern.

One of the "cardinal rules" in theater is that you don't become romantically involved with a person in the cast, especially one with whom you have to have physical contact with in a scene like you describe. If something were to happen (like a big fight or a break up) it can at best mean strained, counter-productive rehearsals, and at worst ruin a show completely.

THAT SAID, my husband and I met when we were cast as husband and wife in a production. We broke the rule I described above, and it worked out fine for us (we have been together for over six years). However, I think we are the exception, and not the rule, and my director was FURIOUS when she found out we were dating.

Answer 3

If his actions fit the scene and his actions either on or off stage are not offensive then you shouldn't question it. He's doing his job. Yes, many actor's who 'play' together often end up dating or having some sort of fondness for one another, but sometimes it's only while the show lasts. Calling attention to it may only make it a bigger deal than it needs to be so unless there's a problem with his behavior, leave it alone.

my two cents.

Answer 4

Closure is the biggest notice right here. If the husband and spouse love eachother, they could understand you won't be able to in basic terms pass on till u understand the corpse is definitely lifeless and long previous continuously. understanding that there have been miracles, and conversing to the guy in mattress on the well being center help, additionally facilitates supply closure to the spouse and young ones...they are going to sense that they did all they'd and all they had to do formerly the organic end of existence. i'd could say that leaving the family members take care of is sensible, yet how comfortable are you truly going to be in case you have melancholy and guilt from not being there as much as you may have been till the TOD got here???i'd be a large number in my opinion. And funds does not count to me plenty. specific it might upload to the stree, yet once you're depressed, you may supply 2 shits approximately something.

Answer 5

It is not uncommon for an actor to share some of the same feelings as his character. I would say, be careful. If anything inappropriate happens, talk to him. Otherwise, have a great experience and focus on your growth as an actor.

Answer 6

Just ask him, or say domething like wanna go for pizza after opening night, just the two of us? That way its like a date, but it's also not.

OR

Or you could just shrug it off and say "Wow, your a great actor."

OR

If you just want to know say "Your such a great actor, they way you stroked my hair made me want to go on a date with you or something (the Laugh)."

-Laila

Answer 7

You can either ask him or wait until he says something. Wouldn't hurt for you to flirt a little bit. You might be able to figure it out on your own if he responds to the flirting or if he doesn't.

Answer 8

Ask him! None of us can know, and he's stroking YOUR hair. Any other answer you pick is because they're telling you what you want to hear.