Nude nerves...
This poor wee Performance forum looks so forlorn and un-posted too, so I’m going to share this with you as an excuse to make it feel wanted….
I was talking to a friend and stage actress yesterday about appearing nude on stage/camera as she has been offered a decent role that requires a fair bit of nudity, and to describe her as tentative would be something of an understatement.
The thing is, I don’t really think I helped her much – the reason being there are two slightly odd things about me. One – I have an acute sense of smell, which has nothing to do with this situation, and Two – I have no emotional reaction to being nude, and as a result could quite happily live the rest of my life not wearing a stitch (as long as the heating was on full!)
I tried to reassure her but I didn’t get very far. I’m seeing her again before her rehearsals start, and I wanted to ask you lot if you’ve ever been in a similar situation (faced with public nudity) and if you have any tips for a rather fraught young lady who is tempted by the role, but fears her bashfulness might unhinge it all for her.
So, specifically and generally, what are your thoughts?
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Simplsimon shivers at the thought and would most undoubtedly insist on being cloaked from head to toe, plus a full face mask, if required to perform in public.
I used to tell my children, when they had stage fright about performing in school plays, (and now pass this ‘wisdom’ on to my grandchild) that, provided they spoke clearly and the ‘audience’ could hear and understand without a struggle, they would be forgiven fluffed and/or forgotten lines. It seemed to work, and they were usually well rewarded with applause.
I can only suggest the young lady practise nudity in the privacy of her home until it seems more natural to her than being clothed. Also, she might try imagining herself totally in love with every member of the cast!
I guess this is not terribly helpful but, as no-one else has responded, I thought I'd offer these crumbs so you'd know you weren't being ignored.
Re: Nude nerves...
Hmmm...I'm actually rather comfortable being naked...at least for American standards.
I did have an episode where a friend needed a drawing model for his tutorial student to work from. He asked me to do the honors some ten minutes before he was to meet his pupil, which left me very little time for mental preparation.
I would say the most nervous part is actually undressing in front of people. Peeling your clothes off while others watch is somewhat "loaded" with remembrances and connotations...so I would advise your friend to walk about the set in something like a robe (with no underwear) before her scene. The less there is to shed, the easier it is to shed it.
I also agree with Smplsimon in that getting used to walking around naked while alone makes this sort of thing easier. Your friend should give herself a few moments of being naked on the set without shooting before she starts to act. This way, the stares she get will become familiar and she can acclimate herself to what is, essentially, a new environment.
The best scenes I've ever seen acted in the buff were scenes in which people were able to be totally unconscious of their nudity. Robert Altman movies come to mind.
Sometimes it can also help to go to the gym or excersize for a week or two before the event. Even though this isn't really sufficient time to change one's body shape, it can at least give you the sense of confidence about your frame.
It's really all in the head.
Edited by: NousPoetikos at: 11/1/01 7:57:18 pm
Movement in Stillness
Posts: 23
(11/2/01 1:16 am) Reply
NUde and loving it.
Perhaps as an icebreaker, she should have the director and crew all be nude as well, during rehersals...
I've been a nude model for art classes and photography, and My advice is NOT to do it, if your uncomfortable at all with the thought of others admiring your body.
Delayne
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