Understanding the Role of Tears in Acting

When discussing the practice of fake crying in acting, it's important to understand the fundamental principles of authenticity and the techniques used to achieve it. Actors are often asked, 'How do actors practice crying?' The response often surprises many, revealing that a true actor does not practice crying specifically. This article delves into the complexities and best practices of crying in acting, supported by the insights of experienced industry professionals.

Why Actors Don’t Practice Crying

Contrary to popular belief, professional actors do not practice crying as a standalone skill. The reasoning is straightforward: crying is a natural human response to emotional stimuli. Actors strive to evoke these genuine responses through their performance, rather than through deliberate techniques. Crying is a byproduct of the emotional journey portrayed rather than a preplanned action.

Tragic Childhood Experiences

One common suggestion for actors to practice crying is to think of sad childhood experiences. While this can help actors connect emotionally to a scene, the urge to cry often comes naturally as the actor becomes immersed in the story and characters. This method relies on personal memories and emotions, making the performance more authentic.

Method Acting: Recalling Tragic Episodes

In the realm of method acting, trained actors are encouraged to draw from their own experiences to recall tragic episodes that can trigger emotional release. This technique, developed by Russian actor Konstantin Stanislavski, prompts actors to live the emotions rather than perform them. However, it's worth noting that an emphatic political statement or any form of external prompting is often discouraged.

Director's and Writer's Role

A well-written and direction-able script is the foundation of emotional authenticity in acting. Professional writers create scenes that realistically portray the possibility of an emotional response, leaving it to the actor to bring the emotion to life. Directing focuses on creating an environment where actors can freely explore their emotions, rather than dictating exactly what those emotions must be.

Embracing the Moment

The goal in acting is to let the emotions of the scene flow naturally, without predefined moments. A good actor understands that crying should occur only when the truth of the scene demands it. Attempting to force tears at a specific moment, such as the 4th minute and 15th second of a scene, can disrupt the flow of the performance and take the audience out of the moment.

Classes and Public Expression

Apart from live performance, actors can benefit from taking classes that encourage them to express their emotions freely. These classes help actors learn to trust their instincts and let go of the performance constraints that might prevent emotional authenticity. Public expressions of emotion in a safe and controlled environment can prepare actors to be more open during their performances.

Conclusion

Acting is not about forcing tears or practicing crying; it's about living the emotions of the character authentically. Drawing from personal experiences, embracing the moment, and trusting the process are key elements in achieving genuine emotional expression in acting. By understanding and applying these principles, actors can deliver performances that resonate with audiences and showcase the true power of human emotion.