[Kiwi]

I'm rather curious about what people think about this. I think it's a very important topic that deserves discussion.
For those of you who don't know what I mean, say someone is in a show and is supposed to swear or do something they don't want to, but it's in the script. The playwright clearly wanted it in there, the director wants it in there. Should they have to do it/say it, or should it be changed?

Based on free artistry, since the playwright put it in there it technically shouldn't be changed. Bear in mind, I'm not talking about for the good of censorship to avoid conflict (like if you go to a school where parents get easily offended or something), this is when everyone is fine with it being in there except for the actor.

Thoughts, experiences, rants, tap dance numbers?

[jackissensational]

Most directors I've worked with compromise easily when it comes to this. However, if they won't compromise, if you can't handle the material, don't play the part.

[broadwaybirdie]

[Beagle On Stage]

I place the responsibility on the performer. I'm going to use "you" for this even though it's hypothetical. Prior to even going to an audition, you should have done your homework and known what happens in the show; if you have an issue with something the script calls for, that needs to be addressed first. It's up to the director whether it will be changed, but if the answer is that it will be done the way it is in the script, well, PERIOD.

Situations are different, however, when the production is part of a larger unit that represents certain standards. For example, schools reserve the right to say, "There are to be no F, S, B, or G-D bombs," and their theatre department is bound to that. Same goes for policies about onstage smoking, sex, drinking, etc. If the show can't be staged to the director's satisfaction under the conditions posed by the administration, another show should be chosen.

[The Duchess of Mint]

Dear Musicals.Net Posters,


I can understand why an actor might not want to say certain words, or perform certain pieces of blocking, and yet, I can also understand the fact that when an actor agrees to perform a certain role, they're agreeing to, well, perform that role, knowing full well that that role might include some uncomfortable lines.

I mean, anyone who auditions for a role like that of Mrs. Lovett might want to research the "Sweeney Todd" musical before auditioning, because if a certain actor doesn't want to have to say "Would you like the Admiral with or without his privates?" shouldn't audition for the role of Mrs. Lovett.

I was once in a non-musical one-act during high school, and I had to say "She's a b*tch!", or something like that, onstage. I was uncomfortable with having to swear onstage, but I tried as best I could to say the line, in character, without looking too uncomfortable.

I think that research can prevent someone from getting a role, and then whining about the fact that they have to kiss a stranger, or call someone a really raunchy name, or whatever.

I sometimes think that certain lines, etc., can seem more discomforting than they actually are. I almost tried to convince my family to allow me to stay at home when we were supposed to see "The Full Monty". I honestly thought that the audience would be flashed by an entire row of actors! The actors did indeed flash us, but...I'll try not to give any spoilers, but I will say that the effect was tasteful, and that I felt foolish for worrying so much.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

[QuaxoCoricopat]

If it's what the role calls for it's what the role calls for. I guess I just differentiate between "me" on stage and "me" offstage. "Me" on stage is whatever the director/playwright wants: A dumb trollop, a scheming betch, a naive matchgirl.

Now, I've had people come up to me afterwards who were all shocked and appalled that I was in a show that had sex in it (admittedly we were in high school, but it was offstage and the play was written in the 50s for chrissake so it wasn't NEARLY as graphic as it could have been).

I should caveat that I have fairly lax moral standards when it comes to most things people get offended about, and have been known to bemoan the lack of female serial killer roles.

[Kiwi]

Yeah, see I agree with most of you. I think if there are things you know you won't do on stage, you should make sure it's not in the show before you audition for it. I feel very strongly about this. I have friends at school who just change the line without asking the director or anything, even for harmless words like hell and damn. It makes me angry. At school it makes a little more sense, but still...those words appear plenty often enough in shows that if you have a problem with it you should figure it out. At least talk to the director before just changing it.