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How to cry on cue.

The title alone is enough to strike fear into the heart of many amateur actors and even more directors. the concept of real tears onstage is a controversial one to say the least. As a director I have often been faced with a baffled actor attempting to produce copious amounts of saline at the drop of a hat. My question is always why? Most scenes call for true emotion to be portrayed carefully which rarely includes breaking down in gales of tears.

Instead of all the mechanical tricks of the trade, the dry eyes, the hemorrhoid cream on the tissue, and the old vaudeville classic the cut onion, may I suggest another tack?

Play against the emotion. That's right, try with all your might to maintain your composure. Make a valiant effort to avoid breaking down in front of that nefarious character who is the source of your tears, or play it strong in the face of tragedy for your young children, be brave!

You see, in real life there are precious few opportunities to let it all hang out, and believe me no one wants to see you really lose it on stage, it makes us uncomfortable, which may be edgy, but it ain't good acting.In real life most situations that bring us to tears generally make us wish that we could hold them back, ergo play against the emotion.

You may find that if emotion is properly paced and the rise of the emotion is well directed to the necessary level, that real tears may be unnecessary, even uncalled for.

Film of course is the exception, but there is always glycerin or saline. Remember that acting is 90% mental and 10% physical. Give me an actor who handles emotion carefully and thoughtfully over gallons of fluid any day.

Learn more about this author, Mark Morris.
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