Actors: Can you Cry on Cue? (do you hope to one day?)

When actors come to record their audition at Get Taped, we occasionally run into someone who is worried about being able to cry on cue. For some actors, this is a real burden. There's a lot to unpack on the topic, but we hope to at least clear up some misconceptions...
⏰ August 28, 2024 - Sam Christensen FREE PREVIEW EVENT (on Zoom)! RSVP here: app.acuitysche...[]=67487393
🤷🏻‍♂️ Missed the FREE PREVIEW? Learn more about the process here: www.get-taped....
🎬 Or visit our sister channel that has a few more videos: ‪@samchristensenatlanta‬
💄Tear Stick on Amazon*: amzn.to/3MmRwAw
*affiliate link. We may benefit from your purchase (but you're not charged more)
#acting #auditions #hollywood
Helpful Links:
» Get Taped! www.get-taped.com
» "I Wish Actors Knew..." Interview Series: • I Wish Actors Knew...
» Need help purchasing equipment for your home studio? Visit our inventory page: www.get-taped....
» Need more help figuring out how to set up your home studio? We have an online course dedicated to that called Get Set Up: matthew-s-site...
Follow us on Social Media!
» Facebook - / gettaped
» Instagram - / gettaped
Sign Up for our Free weekly newsletter, The Scuttlebutt!
» comcast.us3.li...
Or E-mail us directly!
» [e-mail]
©Get Taped, LLC 2020-2024.

[@Speak_Life_2016]

Your topics and expertise are membership-worthy. 🏆

[@GetTaped]

Aw thanks for that!

[@kalekaalkebulan8298]

Giving yourself permission to infuse yourself in the character and if that doesn’t include you shedding tears, it’s okay. Life saving point at audition/scene time. Thanks… knowing that is invaluable.

[@GetTaped]

You're so welcome. And hilariously enough, I got an audition late yesterday where the stage directions say my character cries. HA!

[@BelleSonnier]

@@GetTaped that’s so funny!

[@BelleSonnier]

Thank you!!! And I will GLADLY pay for a membership. Your videos are like mini-acting classes!

[@GetTaped]

Glad you like them!

[@Speak_Life_2016]

My sentiments exactly. 💯

[@BelleSonnier]

@@Speak_Life_2016 yes! And I love your user name! 🥰🙌

[@Speak_Life_2016]

Same sentiments! This channel is a Godsend.

[@kimberlyhayden4804]

Great points

[@GetTaped]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@fredgalyean]

Yes, physicality can lead to the emotion. Our body remembers. Also, a music playlist can be extremely useful. Lastly, we can never force the emotion. Live the scene authentically.

[@GetTaped]

Good point with the music. Emotions are fleeting. Moods last longer. If you can use that playlist to alter your mood, you just might get closer to the emotional content of your character.

[@northerngaltrue]

Thank you!!

[@GetTaped]

You're welcome!

[@Sophie-et7qj]

As an actor, my number one goal was to be able to cry on cue, but after watching this video I feel the pressure off me now, I should probably stop focusing on how to cry on cue. Because I looked at so many different techniques to cry on cue and none of them work for me, which is strange because I sometimes cry multiple times a day (or rather at night) but I can never cry when I’m saying lines

[@GetTaped]

Thank you so much for your honesty. I would encourage you to both give yourself permission to not cry, but at the same time, stay curious about finding ways to become more vulnerable while playing "make believe". I use a childish description because if we ever take ourselves too seriously, we start to lose ourselves. Take the craft seriously, but never take yourself seriously. Releasing that pressure on yourself can sometimes unlock the very emotions we are hoping to express (while in character).

[@Sophie-et7qj]

@@GetTaped thanks for your advice😄

[@GetTaped]

My pleasure!

[@MelikaShahcheragh-gl9pg]

Same

[@malibrary7053]

About a week ago on a short film, they had me react to a piece of tape above the camera while a crew member read lines flatly to me. I visualized my “son” as a helpless child crying out for help from me. I was able to cry on the first take. Completely dry on the second take. Cried on the following take. Completely dry on the fourth take. I guess I should’ve taken more time in between takes, maybe rehydrate. Watch, they don’t even use the crying takes. Ha! But I do think there’s something to not crying or at least trying to repress it. It’s more important that the audience cry than the actor.

[@GetTaped]

Wow! What a ride you went on! And to do it to a piece of tape and a flat reading off camera. Sounds like you navigated it very well. I'm sure they got the footage they needed based on your story. Good job!

[@petradichavich]

I find it easy to cry while reviewing my audition tapes.

[@BelleSonnier]

@@petradichavich 🤣🤣🤣

[@GetTaped]

Hahaha!

[@fredgalyean]

I silently weep all the time.

[@fredgalyean]

I also cry every time I watch your videos.

[@GetTaped]

Simply because I don't play that guitar...

[@robodobro]

I did it for the first time first attempt. I thought it would be very difficult and used a few hacks to get there. I think it’s important for actuator at least try .. I don’t look good crying either.. but that’s real

[@GetTaped]

I'm reminded of a scene from The Descendants (George Clooney movie). A character gets bad news, starts to really break down and cry, but their crying was hilarious. So awkward. And yet, the editor held on them for waaaaay too long, which made me realize they want me to feel awkward, or even to laugh, despite the trauma they were experiencing.

[@robodobro]

@@GetTaped lol

[@yolandiehamilton1607]

I did this Ifor a role in a play and now I can cry so easily I worry I do it too much! Is that a thing?

[@GetTaped]

If it’s warranted for the role and it feels organic to you, it’s probably ok.