Can’t bring sexy back if I didn’t have it in the first place!
June 7, 2019 9:12 AM Subscribe
I’ve been cast in a role in a musical that is very much outside of my comfort zone - the sexy, busty, leggy blonde love interest. I’m a woman in my thirties who was never dated and has always been chubby and not overly comfortable with my body. How do I, over the course of the next two months, figure out how to play sexy on stage?
From the second this character is introduced, the audience has to believe that she is very attractive/desirable/sexy - within the course of the first scene she’s in, there are several comments, looks, and gestures made by the male lead about her, her body, and her general attractiveness. And for the audience to believe it, I need to believe it, or at least get comfortable with faking it! Sexy tips, sultry tips, body confidence, etc.
Websites, articles, anecdote, info, tips, etc - all are welcome!
(FYI - I’m not super worried about physical intimacy on stage because there isn’t that much of it and I’ve done stage kissing and changed clothes on stage before. And I know that I’m prettyish and not repulsive or anything but am definitely struggling with specifically having to be out there and confident and cleavage-y and whatnot.
My soul knows that plus size women (and I fluctuate between a 12 and a 16) can certainly be gorgeous and sexy and confident, but knowing that and believing it about myself isn’t meshing. I just generally feel awkward.)
Thanks in advance, mefites!
From the second this character is introduced, the audience has to believe that she is very attractive/desirable/sexy - within the course of the first scene she’s in, there are several comments, looks, and gestures made by the male lead about her, her body, and her general attractiveness. And for the audience to believe it, I need to believe it, or at least get comfortable with faking it! Sexy tips, sultry tips, body confidence, etc.
Websites, articles, anecdote, info, tips, etc - all are welcome!
(FYI - I’m not super worried about physical intimacy on stage because there isn’t that much of it and I’ve done stage kissing and changed clothes on stage before. And I know that I’m prettyish and not repulsive or anything but am definitely struggling with specifically having to be out there and confident and cleavage-y and whatnot.
My soul knows that plus size women (and I fluctuate between a 12 and a 16) can certainly be gorgeous and sexy and confident, but knowing that and believing it about myself isn’t meshing. I just generally feel awkward.)
Thanks in advance, mefites!
As someone who really struggled with the same mindset until well into my 30s, I think it could be really helpful to embrace the character. You don’t need to believe these things are true about yourself, you need to believe that they are true for the person you are playing.
Take advantage of the fact that the person on stage is not you and recognize the personal safety that comes with that. Be playful and act sexy, and love the fact that you can do that without having to actually put yourself out there in that way. It’s what acting is all about.
posted by scrute at 9:21 AM on June 7, 2019 [7 favorites]
Take advantage of the fact that the person on stage is not you and recognize the personal safety that comes with that. Be playful and act sexy, and love the fact that you can do that without having to actually put yourself out there in that way. It’s what acting is all about.
posted by scrute at 9:21 AM on June 7, 2019 [7 favorites]
Make sure your posture is always shoulders back, bust out, with a tiny bit of popping your butt out as well (imagine how you stand when you’re wearing heels and knowing you look really really good). When you’re walking forward, walk as though you’re walking a tightrope (so you’re placing your feet along a single straight line)—this makes your hips sway.
It sounds super fun to be able to take your wild, crazy confident side out for a walk in a safe setting :-)
posted by sallybrown at 9:25 AM on June 7, 2019 [10 favorites]
It sounds super fun to be able to take your wild, crazy confident side out for a walk in a safe setting :-)
posted by sallybrown at 9:25 AM on June 7, 2019 [10 favorites]
BEEN THERE!
Weirdest thing is that a movement coach gave me like, three ways to stand (similar to what sallybrown is suggesting above), and that really helped. Otherwise, everything else is just the usual acting stuff - backstory, objectives, intentions.
It really might help to take some dance classes that help you feel grounded inside your body.
posted by stray at 9:30 AM on June 7, 2019
Weirdest thing is that a movement coach gave me like, three ways to stand (similar to what sallybrown is suggesting above), and that really helped. Otherwise, everything else is just the usual acting stuff - backstory, objectives, intentions.
It really might help to take some dance classes that help you feel grounded inside your body.
posted by stray at 9:30 AM on June 7, 2019
If there is any specific underwear that makes you feel more sexy, wearing that while playing this character might help.
A slightly different approach:
If you normally don't have sexy lingerie and it feels like something that might work for you in this context, maybe you could get some.
If that's what you're going to try, get a fitting at a store your friends can recommend! Nothing is as unsexy as ill-fitting underwear.
posted by Too-Ticky at 9:30 AM on June 7, 2019 [2 favorites]
A slightly different approach:
If you normally don't have sexy lingerie and it feels like something that might work for you in this context, maybe you could get some.
If that's what you're going to try, get a fitting at a store your friends can recommend! Nothing is as unsexy as ill-fitting underwear.
posted by Too-Ticky at 9:30 AM on June 7, 2019 [2 favorites]
I think your ambivalence and self-consciousness is actually a great way to connect with the character. Because it sounds like your character's version of sexiness is pretty theatrical. From how you describe the other characters commenting on her being a Sex Bomb, it sounds like maybe even part of what they're appreciating is the chutzpah and glamor of her performance.
So, why did she want to play that part? Why did she want to play the part of Sex Bomb? Why did you? Where and how did she learn to play it? What's the self that she's hanging up in the closet when she's not putting on her show, and do we ever get to see it?
posted by rue72 at 9:32 AM on June 7, 2019 [2 favorites]
So, why did she want to play that part? Why did she want to play the part of Sex Bomb? Why did you? Where and how did she learn to play it? What's the self that she's hanging up in the closet when she's not putting on her show, and do we ever get to see it?
posted by rue72 at 9:32 AM on June 7, 2019 [2 favorites]
Honestly, take a pole dancing class.
posted by suncages at 9:39 AM on June 7, 2019 [8 favorites]
posted by suncages at 9:39 AM on June 7, 2019 [8 favorites]
It could be very valuable to work with a good acting coach. They will be able to help you with everything from posture to mindset and everything in between. It's so helpful to have someone who sees you from the outside, and sees what you look like to other people, who can give you little tips that you can incorporate that you wouldn't be aware of yourself.
posted by Winnie the Proust at 9:43 AM on June 7, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by Winnie the Proust at 9:43 AM on June 7, 2019 [1 favorite]
It's significant that you've been cast in this role even though you don't think you have the life experience for it!
Whoever cast the show must see a bit of the character in you ... maybe ask them (if you know and trust them as colleagues) what they liked about your audition and what they think you should emphasize?
Obviously the creative acting choices are all yours, and your opinion of how to play the character is ultimately the most important - that and reaching some people in the audience.
Suggestions above are all good :-)
posted by Sheydem-tants at 9:49 AM on June 7, 2019 [6 favorites]
Whoever cast the show must see a bit of the character in you ... maybe ask them (if you know and trust them as colleagues) what they liked about your audition and what they think you should emphasize?
Obviously the creative acting choices are all yours, and your opinion of how to play the character is ultimately the most important - that and reaching some people in the audience.
Suggestions above are all good :-)
posted by Sheydem-tants at 9:49 AM on June 7, 2019 [6 favorites]
I don't know the role, but if the character itself is someone who feels insecure and behaves in an overtly sexy manner, or is using the whole "sex bomb" mystique as a mask, then that's definitely an in that you have with the character. You can channel the natural insecurity you feel to allow yourself to be overly theatrical to mask it because that's what the character is doing. So it's ok to overdo it. Strut and do what you can to own the place and it's totally ok if it feels a bit ridiculous. You got this role for a reason! Go for it!
posted by acidnova at 9:56 AM on June 7, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by acidnova at 9:56 AM on June 7, 2019 [1 favorite]
Do yoga or some form of bodywork to make (better) friends with your body, take sensual baths, and have lots of sex. Swim naked outdoors under a canopy of trees if possible -- highly recommend!
posted by jgirl at 10:08 AM on June 7, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by jgirl at 10:08 AM on June 7, 2019 [2 favorites]
Mae West movies
posted by fluttering hellfire at 10:11 AM on June 7, 2019 [7 favorites]
posted by fluttering hellfire at 10:11 AM on June 7, 2019 [7 favorites]
Would seeing something like a burlesque show give you some inspiration? They usually have women of different sizes embodying the Sex Bomb type.
posted by noxperpetua at 10:24 AM on June 7, 2019 [4 favorites]
posted by noxperpetua at 10:24 AM on June 7, 2019 [4 favorites]
It will come 100% from your own conviction and confidence in playing the character. Body oils and yoga are not gonna do it.
This is true in real life, as well. Have you ever been to Europe? One thing I frequently notice there is that people lacking physical pulchritude can be VERY sexy, just because of how they hold themselves, and their confidence. It's easier to pull off while acting/pretending than in real life (in fact, the hack to achieve this in real life is to fake-it-till-you-make-it, so you're already taking the short cut!).
Consider: Mick Jagger is extraordinarily ugly. In 99.9% of parallel universes, he'd be a sexual outcast. What's different with our Mick on our Earth? Ruminate on this.
Women started finding me 1000% more sexy when I let myself be extra responsive; to really fully enjoy them (in a non-creepy way; I treat women like humans, which to my mind opens up still more realms of potential enjoyment and response, and it's not all - or even mostly - sexual). Can you enter your play's scene (or even real-life scenes) with a perspective of "My god....everyone on stage is just so magnetically charged! It makes me shudder to imagine running my hands through their hair, or smelling their necks, or....", etc? Can you work yourself into a near-swoon?
Sexiness isn't an outward thrust, it's an inward delectation. An inhale, not an exhale. Get out of your head, and feel the air perpetually making love to every nanometer of your skin. The word "sensual" is super fricking corny, but that's the magnetism.
posted by Quisp Lover at 10:32 AM on June 7, 2019 [5 favorites]
This is true in real life, as well. Have you ever been to Europe? One thing I frequently notice there is that people lacking physical pulchritude can be VERY sexy, just because of how they hold themselves, and their confidence. It's easier to pull off while acting/pretending than in real life (in fact, the hack to achieve this in real life is to fake-it-till-you-make-it, so you're already taking the short cut!).
Consider: Mick Jagger is extraordinarily ugly. In 99.9% of parallel universes, he'd be a sexual outcast. What's different with our Mick on our Earth? Ruminate on this.
Women started finding me 1000% more sexy when I let myself be extra responsive; to really fully enjoy them (in a non-creepy way; I treat women like humans, which to my mind opens up still more realms of potential enjoyment and response, and it's not all - or even mostly - sexual). Can you enter your play's scene (or even real-life scenes) with a perspective of "My god....everyone on stage is just so magnetically charged! It makes me shudder to imagine running my hands through their hair, or smelling their necks, or....", etc? Can you work yourself into a near-swoon?
Sexiness isn't an outward thrust, it's an inward delectation. An inhale, not an exhale. Get out of your head, and feel the air perpetually making love to every nanometer of your skin. The word "sensual" is super fricking corny, but that's the magnetism.
posted by Quisp Lover at 10:32 AM on June 7, 2019 [5 favorites]
Well, can you play the character as being overly confident in a way that actually demonstrates insecurities?
Example: A friend of mine was once cast as Bianca in Taming of the Shrew. Most Biancas are played as honestly innocent and ignorant of the effect they have on men. My friend chose to play Bianca as knowing EXACTLY what she was doing and as little bit more of a knowing, frankly, popular girl bitch trope. It was SOOO different and unexpected and added a new dimension to the play in a positive way.
I once did a read through for an acquaintance's play. In it, I was the teenaged daughter. I read her as a relatively mature teenager dealing with a lot of unexpected things forcing her into a higher level of maturity she was ready for. This made for a slight tinge of sadness to the role. When we completed the read through, the writer's wife said, "It was so nice not to see [character] played with a bitchy attitude, that there can be more to her than just that." In my read, I didn't see the bitchy teenager. I just saw someone forced into unfair situations who had to find ways of dealing with them.
Just because your character is PROJECTING confidence.....does that mean she IS confident? And can you play possible insecurities in a meaningful way? Without knowing the play or how it's being directed, I can't say if this is helpful. But just as you are a layered person, perhaps so is your character?
posted by zizzle at 11:04 AM on June 7, 2019 [5 favorites]
Example: A friend of mine was once cast as Bianca in Taming of the Shrew. Most Biancas are played as honestly innocent and ignorant of the effect they have on men. My friend chose to play Bianca as knowing EXACTLY what she was doing and as little bit more of a knowing, frankly, popular girl bitch trope. It was SOOO different and unexpected and added a new dimension to the play in a positive way.
I once did a read through for an acquaintance's play. In it, I was the teenaged daughter. I read her as a relatively mature teenager dealing with a lot of unexpected things forcing her into a higher level of maturity she was ready for. This made for a slight tinge of sadness to the role. When we completed the read through, the writer's wife said, "It was so nice not to see [character] played with a bitchy attitude, that there can be more to her than just that." In my read, I didn't see the bitchy teenager. I just saw someone forced into unfair situations who had to find ways of dealing with them.
Just because your character is PROJECTING confidence.....does that mean she IS confident? And can you play possible insecurities in a meaningful way? Without knowing the play or how it's being directed, I can't say if this is helpful. But just as you are a layered person, perhaps so is your character?
posted by zizzle at 11:04 AM on June 7, 2019 [5 favorites]
If you don't already, find a power red lipstick and practice wearing it (I like this one - if you have a store like Sephora near you, they can help you find a good shade). Someone else mentioned sexy underwear too. Build an arsenal of a few things that make you feel sexy, practice wearing them, and they will become cues for you to jump into sexy mode.
Also, this is going to sound odd, but when I was young, one of the things that helped me with this was seeing Divine walk down the street in Pink Flamingoes.
posted by beyond_pink at 11:11 AM on June 7, 2019 [2 favorites]
Also, this is going to sound odd, but when I was young, one of the things that helped me with this was seeing Divine walk down the street in Pink Flamingoes.
posted by beyond_pink at 11:11 AM on June 7, 2019 [2 favorites]
May I clarify - are you looking for external things, or internal thought processes?
If it's the former ("describe how a sexy person moves so I can start doing that body work") I'm not as certain that's going to work, because you run the risk of it looking....fake and stagey, for lack of a better word. That is, if it's not a type of movement you would organically do.
I'd think about it from an inner way - just projecting confidence. If that character believes she's sexy, then whatever stupid movement she makes or whatever weird clothing she wears becomes sexy because she just is sexy, so whatever she does or wears is sexy because she's the one doing it. Case in point - I've had a couple guys tell me I was really sexy, but I'm a klutzy doof who dresses total Normcore; however, I really like sex and am just "hell, this is me, take it or leave it" when I'm out with a guy, so it must be that attitude they're responding to, as opposed to anything in particular I was doing or saying or wearing or whatever.
So anything that makes you feel like a total bad-ass - it doesn't even necessarily have to be a sexy badass, just a bad-ass - give it a shot. A power song, some underwear you love, a perfume, a necklace you wear that only you know about, watching a kick-ass video first - whatever it is that makes you feel "damn, I'm awesome and that's just that", that's what you want.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:26 AM on June 7, 2019
If it's the former ("describe how a sexy person moves so I can start doing that body work") I'm not as certain that's going to work, because you run the risk of it looking....fake and stagey, for lack of a better word. That is, if it's not a type of movement you would organically do.
I'd think about it from an inner way - just projecting confidence. If that character believes she's sexy, then whatever stupid movement she makes or whatever weird clothing she wears becomes sexy because she just is sexy, so whatever she does or wears is sexy because she's the one doing it. Case in point - I've had a couple guys tell me I was really sexy, but I'm a klutzy doof who dresses total Normcore; however, I really like sex and am just "hell, this is me, take it or leave it" when I'm out with a guy, so it must be that attitude they're responding to, as opposed to anything in particular I was doing or saying or wearing or whatever.
So anything that makes you feel like a total bad-ass - it doesn't even necessarily have to be a sexy badass, just a bad-ass - give it a shot. A power song, some underwear you love, a perfume, a necklace you wear that only you know about, watching a kick-ass video first - whatever it is that makes you feel "damn, I'm awesome and that's just that", that's what you want.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 11:26 AM on June 7, 2019
The thing about acting is, you don't have to be your normal usual feels-like-a-loser self (I say this having been there and done that and know that tune). Here you can take a break from that. You can be the person you always wanted to try being. The person you aren't allowed to be because nobody wanted you to be that. The stage is awesome that way. The stage is magical. The stage lets you do what you can't do IRL. Nobody's going to point and laugh and go "jenfullmoon, that ugly hag loser thinks she's sexy," in the middle of your being in a play. The audience doesn't know what you've had to live all your life. You don't have to stay in that trap of being yourself, literally.
posted by jenfullmoon at 11:42 AM on June 7, 2019 [3 favorites]
posted by jenfullmoon at 11:42 AM on June 7, 2019 [3 favorites]
Since lots of folks have given good advice above about the kinds of things that you can do to inhabit the character successfully, I'm going to take this in another direction.
Part of what is interesting about experiencing theater as a spectator is that the truth within the world of the play is everything. That the script and the rest of the performers are treating your character as a powerhouse sexual whirlwind will do a lot of the heavy lifting to establish that truth to the audience. Audiences mostly believe what we tell them! Of course there are things that you need to do not to contradict what is being conveyed as truth onstage, but it's not entirely up to you to make the transformative alchemy happen.
Hopefully that thought will lighten the load a bit and make the process of inhabiting your character less intimidating. Delivering the show's truth in a convincing way is always a group effort!
posted by merriment at 12:09 PM on June 7, 2019 [2 favorites]
Part of what is interesting about experiencing theater as a spectator is that the truth within the world of the play is everything. That the script and the rest of the performers are treating your character as a powerhouse sexual whirlwind will do a lot of the heavy lifting to establish that truth to the audience. Audiences mostly believe what we tell them! Of course there are things that you need to do not to contradict what is being conveyed as truth onstage, but it's not entirely up to you to make the transformative alchemy happen.
Hopefully that thought will lighten the load a bit and make the process of inhabiting your character less intimidating. Delivering the show's truth in a convincing way is always a group effort!
posted by merriment at 12:09 PM on June 7, 2019 [2 favorites]
I'm going to answer specifically about being chubby/plus size and feeling sexy. I've been size 16 since I was under 16 years of age and over the course of many years I have worked really hard to move from feeling, like you, generally awkward to feeling pretty good about my body and feeling sexy and attractive sometimes. One of the things that has helped most is widening the range of body types I see on a daily basis, and specifically the body types I see presented as being sexy and appealing. I would really recommend checking out fat folks on Instagram if you use that, or elsewhere on the internet if not. Look at bodies that are like yours--and that are bigger than yours--being sexy. Doing this has really helped me to see that in myself! A couple of good examples are the nude photos shot by Shoog McDaniel, or the work of the many fat burlesque babes out there! Here is a link to a random list... there are more too.
As I move into my 30s I've found that lovers aren't interested in me in spite of my fat body... they are interested in my fat body. So I also want to challenge the way you present your struggle with this role. While you don't say it in so many words, the vibe I get as I read your question is "I've been cast in this role even though my body isn't sexy." I am wondering if you could try mentally turning that around--"I've been cast in this role not only because I'm a great actress, but also because my body is sexy."
posted by snorkmaiden at 1:27 PM on June 7, 2019 [6 favorites]
As I move into my 30s I've found that lovers aren't interested in me in spite of my fat body... they are interested in my fat body. So I also want to challenge the way you present your struggle with this role. While you don't say it in so many words, the vibe I get as I read your question is "I've been cast in this role even though my body isn't sexy." I am wondering if you could try mentally turning that around--"I've been cast in this role not only because I'm a great actress, but also because my body is sexy."
posted by snorkmaiden at 1:27 PM on June 7, 2019 [6 favorites]
I have no tips on acting, but as far as the head space goes, following "plus sized" models/celebrities on social media like Instagram is actually really helpful for me, especially the ones who don't heavily edit their photos. My favorite is probably Iskra. I didn't realize how much I had internalized beautiful=slim with perfect skin until I started following women who posted pictures of themselves in bikinis with visible cellulite.
On preview, I agree with snorkmaiden.
posted by kochenta at 1:33 PM on June 7, 2019 [1 favorite]
On preview, I agree with snorkmaiden.
posted by kochenta at 1:33 PM on June 7, 2019 [1 favorite]
Have you seen the movie Dumplin? You might find it inspirational.
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 2:23 PM on June 7, 2019
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 2:23 PM on June 7, 2019
Watch fat burlesque on YouTube or in person if you can. Find other ways to expose yourself to a diversity of bodies displayed in sexy aha attractive ways. Take a burlesque dance class yourself. Find other ways to play in your body, like other kinds of dance. Play with makeup. Experiment with different looks and see how they feel, how you can embody them. All of this both expands your ideas of what's possible and weakens your current ideas of yourself as you currently are being the only way you can be. Have fun!
posted by spindrifter at 2:52 PM on June 7, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by spindrifter at 2:52 PM on June 7, 2019 [1 favorite]
Have you seen Drop Dead Diva? It's wonderful and may give you some inspiration. Shake it, baby!
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 3:30 PM on June 7, 2019
posted by 2soxy4mypuppet at 3:30 PM on June 7, 2019
I would come up with positive affirmations that you say out loud to teach your brain a new perception of the part of you that inhabits this character. How sexy you are, how comfortable - specific compliments about yourself that you believe already (at least objectively). You need to input some new messages.
And also, if it were me - not going to assume that this would work or be good for everyone, I would pick a night to practice, dress up in something that feels amazing on your skin, and go over the lines with a couple of glasses of wine or the equivalent for a mild relaxing buzz. And then pay attention to how that affects your movements, your posture, your walk - and use that, find that same sort of slinky unselfconscious ease even when you haven't indulged.
posted by lemniskate at 3:48 PM on June 7, 2019
And also, if it were me - not going to assume that this would work or be good for everyone, I would pick a night to practice, dress up in something that feels amazing on your skin, and go over the lines with a couple of glasses of wine or the equivalent for a mild relaxing buzz. And then pay attention to how that affects your movements, your posture, your walk - and use that, find that same sort of slinky unselfconscious ease even when you haven't indulged.
posted by lemniskate at 3:48 PM on June 7, 2019
You can act and sing on stage? That’s very sexy already.
Might I recommend the music, videos, and Instagram of Lizzo?
posted by kapers at 5:01 PM on June 7, 2019 [2 favorites]
Might I recommend the music, videos, and Instagram of Lizzo?
posted by kapers at 5:01 PM on June 7, 2019 [2 favorites]
When I got cast as the lesbian dominatrix in the Vagina Monologues, my first proper stage role, I had the same qualms as you - how the hell do I do sexy, I'm like the opposite of conventional sexy and also awkward as all hell.
What worked well for me:
* Burlesque classes - find ones that welcome a variety of bodies, you might need to do some searching, but if they're being taught by someone who is themselves a minority that's usually a pretty good sign
* Going to strip clubs and paying for a service like a lap dance. As long as you're being respectful and you pay well, the dancers are pretty nice. Go with a friend or partner if you're anxious (I've gone alone and haven't had issues but your mileage may vary). My first time there, I got to give one of the dancers a lap dance (they suggested it) and that was very entertaining.
* Leaning into the fact that it's a character (and in my case, a comical one) and just having ridiculous fun with it. It's not me, no one's judging my attractiveness, most of the audience is willing to suspend their disbelief enough to accept that indeed I am the super sexy lesbian dominatrix.
(Warning: you might end up actually being a burlesqueing lesbian dominatrix because doing the above leads you down a rabbithole that lasts for at least a decade. Or maybe that's just me.)
posted by divabat at 6:25 PM on June 7, 2019 [7 favorites]
What worked well for me:
* Burlesque classes - find ones that welcome a variety of bodies, you might need to do some searching, but if they're being taught by someone who is themselves a minority that's usually a pretty good sign
* Going to strip clubs and paying for a service like a lap dance. As long as you're being respectful and you pay well, the dancers are pretty nice. Go with a friend or partner if you're anxious (I've gone alone and haven't had issues but your mileage may vary). My first time there, I got to give one of the dancers a lap dance (they suggested it) and that was very entertaining.
* Leaning into the fact that it's a character (and in my case, a comical one) and just having ridiculous fun with it. It's not me, no one's judging my attractiveness, most of the audience is willing to suspend their disbelief enough to accept that indeed I am the super sexy lesbian dominatrix.
(Warning: you might end up actually being a burlesqueing lesbian dominatrix because doing the above leads you down a rabbithole that lasts for at least a decade. Or maybe that's just me.)
posted by divabat at 6:25 PM on June 7, 2019 [7 favorites]
Pretend you are taking a slow languorous shower while you walk and talk.
posted by xammerboy at 8:02 PM on June 7, 2019
posted by xammerboy at 8:02 PM on June 7, 2019
Get the shoes for the character ASAP and rehearse in them. I've played a couple of these characters and it's incredibly hard for sneakers-wearing-me to get the body feel (walk, posture, movements) right without the heels. And if you don't already have proficiency in heels, practice helps a lot, and walking appropriately for the character in heels goes a long way toward selling (and feeling) it, IME.
posted by DebetEsse at 8:33 PM on June 7, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by DebetEsse at 8:33 PM on June 7, 2019 [1 favorite]
omigod you have to hear this show. Okay. I was driving around just now and NPR was on and "Ask Me Another" is talking to Michael C. Hall about extreme getting-into-character challenges he's faced, and I thought of you instantly. You gotta hear it. He talks about the outlandish stuff he did to become Dexter and then how he had to "turn off a part of my brain" to do this one (TOTALLY IMPOSSIBLE!) thing he had to do.
posted by Don Pepino at 9:36 AM on June 8, 2019
posted by Don Pepino at 9:36 AM on June 8, 2019
There are some physical action signifiers that are typically read as sexy or flirty. Someone mentioned walking like you’re on a tightrope above. There’s also the hair flip, playing with a strand of hair, a smoldering come hither look, a wink, lightly biting or wetting the lower lip, being extra touchy feely. These are cliche for a reason, so many people flirt this way.
Mainly though sexy is walking into a room and not caring what people think about looks. This character of yours, she walks into a room and may act flirty cause it’s fun but when it comes down to it, she probably doesn’t have to try so hard because she knows she doesn’t need these particular guys to have a good time. It’s no different then walking into a Sephora knowing full well that you’re not going to buy anything.
posted by donut_princess at 5:33 PM on June 8, 2019
Mainly though sexy is walking into a room and not caring what people think about looks. This character of yours, she walks into a room and may act flirty cause it’s fun but when it comes down to it, she probably doesn’t have to try so hard because she knows she doesn’t need these particular guys to have a good time. It’s no different then walking into a Sephora knowing full well that you’re not going to buy anything.
posted by donut_princess at 5:33 PM on June 8, 2019
+1 to wearing sexy shoes in rehearsal. For me, while I'm working through the internal process of developing and relating to a character the shoes, clothes, and voice effects like pitch, speed, and accents help me a lot.
Remember that some actors approach a role from an internal perspective, and feel they become the character. Other actors approach a role from an external perspective, and wear a character like a coat that they don't quite relate to. Both are valid and can result in strong, believable performances.
posted by rakaidan at 4:36 AM on June 9, 2019
Remember that some actors approach a role from an internal perspective, and feel they become the character. Other actors approach a role from an external perspective, and wear a character like a coat that they don't quite relate to. Both are valid and can result in strong, believable performances.
posted by rakaidan at 4:36 AM on June 9, 2019
« Older Looking for Movies With Characters That Make Art | Forgetting Solutions and Needing to Endlessly... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Don Pepino at 9:21 AM on June 7, 2019 [11 favorites]