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What are your limits? |
YellowBlazer
Joined: May 21, 2007
Posts: 508
From: SLT
|  Posted: 2010-07-28 13:15
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One that I’ve done in the past but won’t do again is the cross-dressing side of things, as I put long-suffering family members through enough of that with A Midsummer Night’s Dream...
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As a proud Welshman, my dad was deeply unimpressed by the Irish rugby shirt I wore in Dublin Carol. I think he'd have preferred it if I'd cross dressed.
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LouJ
Joined: Jan 19, 2006
Posts: 1475
From: SLT
| Posted: 2010-07-28 13:37
Definitely not gain weight, but I would definitely try to lose weight for a role, although it's quicker and easier to just buy a great corset. Although if I was supposed to be loosing weight to play an anorexic or a crack ho then probably wouldn't bother attempt to get cast.
I've spent money on costumes which I am happy to do especially as I own them afterwards and will be able to dress up for the hundreds of fancy dress parties I get invited to. Not. But it is a theory.
I'm with Jenny. My professional life feeds and clothes me and its demands must be met first because of that.
Would even go so far as to say I'd like to try nudity; but it'd have to be the right play I think. The scene for female nudity in The Elephant man might be the best type of nude scene in my mind... quiet and gentle.
I'm also extremely grateful for expert guidance on costume. Left to my own devices I'd make the worst choices....
[ This Message was edited by: LouJ on 2010-07-28 14:21 ]
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Helen
Joined: Jul 23, 2001
Posts: 3512
From: South London Theatre
| Posted: 2010-07-28 13:51
I hate that loose weight. It's the worst kind.
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YellowBlazer
Joined: May 21, 2007
Posts: 508
From: SLT
| Posted: 2010-07-28 13:53
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On 2010-07-28 13:51, Helen wrote:
I hate that loose weight. It's the worst kind.
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True, although I love quiet nudity
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JK2
Joined: Jul 22, 2004
Posts: 900
From: SLT
| Posted: 2010-07-28 14:08
I've done everything except gain or lose weight and nudity. Not sure any one would want me to do the latter these days
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Calamity
Joined: Feb 28, 2007
Posts: 1175
From: Catherine E
| Posted: 2010-07-28 14:15
I've had to wear some pretty silly looking outfits in the past. If it's right for the character it doesn't bother me. If there is a way of looking nice in a costume that suits the character then I will obviously prefer that, being a vain girl at heart, but I'm quite used to looking like an idiot... 
It's interesting to see how many people say that the only thing they wouldn't do is gain weight. Personally, I wouldn't commit to gaining OR losing weight but that is mainly because I think both are a commitment over and above the call of duty for an amateur production. Not because of how it would make you look, but because either would require a major change to your daily life for a reasonably lengthy period and for only a 5 night run. Proportionality n all that...
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Helen
Joined: Jul 23, 2001
Posts: 3512
From: South London Theatre
| Posted: 2010-07-28 14:24
I have deliberately lost weight twice for roles, not because the director asked me to, but because I had seen the costume designs beforehand and didn't want to be falling out of them! (Cabaret and Faust, for anyone interested).
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Calamity
Joined: Feb 28, 2007
Posts: 1175
From: Catherine E
| Posted: 2010-07-28 14:41
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On 2010-07-28 14:24, Helen wrote:
I have deliberately lost weight twice for roles, not because the director asked me to, but because I had seen the costume designs beforehand and didn't want to be falling out of them! (Cabaret and Faust, for anyone interested).
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Me too re Faust!
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Clarisinda
Joined: Jul 29, 2004
Posts: 1270
From: SLT
| Posted: 2010-07-28 14:52
I just used corsets for Faust - much less effort!
 
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Jess84
Joined: Nov 30, 2001
Posts: 2443
From: South London Theatre
| Posted: 2010-07-28 14:57
Michelle and Lisa summarise pretty well re doing costumes for people.
I think it is important that the actor feels the costume is right for the character as helps with role etc and therefore they should come with any understanding of what this is, what they feel it is.... helps wardrobe person, especially when they do not know the play well.
I have been amazed by dressing men for shows who don't know how to wear trousers or tuck shirts in etc.....
apologies to Matthew for offence at wearing irish team shirt and upsetting his Dad but pretty sure he chose his own costume.
Thanks to Jenny and other actors who have worn unattractive, or cumbersome period hair/dresses etc for shows that I have directed (Lily Ann)
Jess
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Clarisinda
Joined: Jul 29, 2004
Posts: 1270
From: SLT
| Posted: 2010-07-28 15:13
Can I third the comment about grown adults being unable to dress themselves? It's really quite astounding.
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Calamity
Joined: Feb 28, 2007
Posts: 1175
From: Catherine E
| Posted: 2010-07-28 15:37
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On 2010-07-28 15:13, Clarisinda wrote:
Can I third the comment about grown adults being unable to dress themselves? It's really quite astounding.
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It's not that we're UNABLE, it's just that it's much more fun if you do it for us... 
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davred
Joined: Mar 29, 2007
Posts: 511
From: SLT
| Posted: 2010-07-28 15:43
In my long lost acting days I have both cross dressed for a part (that bloody bra killed me) and been the *panto* dame.
Costume to me was what the director said it was with a little personal quirk somewhere on it. (quirks trained, reasonable cost)
Alas nowadays I dont act, no short term memory and way too fat.
Mind you a good dying/death scene might tempt me, but then again would I be acting.
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Bob Callender
Joined: Dec 20, 2001
Posts: 1476
From: South London Theatre
| Posted: 2010-07-28 15:48
The first time I directed I was very touched when Stuart Flitton shaved the front of his head to get that baldy-old-sod look. True dedication.
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Donna Marie
Joined: Dec 24, 2009
Posts: 44
From: SLT
| Posted: 2010-07-28 15:50
Lost weight and bared my boobs for "Cleo"
Also have cut/dyed my hair in the past for roles and will wear pretty much anything except a bikini...oh wait, can't say that anymore thanks to the Babs bikini! Ok, white leggings then, no thanks!
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