I got the role as Juliet at my college's production, but now I want to bail because.... (read and help please)

Question

I feel bad because the director is excited about it.. First I was happy, but I never thought about "kissing" that Romeo. I mean, of course ROMEO AND JULIET duhh there has to be a kiss.. Well, you see... The guy who is playing Romeo is creepy and looks at me funny as if I'm a piece of meat. When we were rehearsing, he smelled like c**p with cigs mixed together.. I am a little uncomfortable. I want to be an actress and the pro. thing to do is deal with it. But, he's not an actor and is only doing it for fun... Oh and being an actress doesn't always include having to kiss someone. lol I don't know what to say or do.. Should I speak to my director about not being comfortable? or should I tell him that I wouldn't be able to do it? Should I just wait for Romeo to do something perverted so I can tell the director about it? Blah! HELP

Answer 1

Keep your chin up. Stick to the script. I think you should definetely bring your concerns to the director.  Even if your up to it, confront Romeo, tell him that you don't want to be treated that way, but don't come off as demanding or complaing. They might think your some a snob or perfectionist.

Answer 2

Are you kidding- you got the role of a lifetime and you want to bail? I think you should put aside your personal qualms if you truly want to pursue this field- it's called ACTING.

Answer 3

I think you should mention to your director that you want the Romeo to clean up his act a little, even if that means just taking breath mints or something.

But you definitely shouldn't quit. It's not right that you quit because of someone else's attitude towards things.

Answer 4

When I was 18, I was cast in a role (in community theater) where I played opposite of a person old enough to be my father.  The role required a romantic kiss which was WAY uncomfortable.  I was able to put aside my feelings and stayed in the show.  I didn't die and I was able to put it behind me but I totally know how you are feeling - it wasn't easy but did get better as time went on.  So I guess my advice is, don't let it get in the way of something you may experience only once (Playing Juliet).  I think it is a good idea to talk to your director - so they are aware of the creepy feelings.  Your director can keep an eye on the situation and respond if he/she sees something that isn't appropriate.  I also think the director has the right to tell Romeo that nobody wants to kiss an ashtray.   Maybe if he is aware, he'll change.  Have a conversation w/your director and don't throw the opportunity away, just yet anyway.

Castedas(DOT)com

Answer 5

Don't bail out because of one stupid kiss. I'm sure many pro actors and actresses have had to kiss people just as gross or even worse! If you want to be a pro you have to deal with what comes along with it. It is obvious you have the talent, you beat all of the other girls in your college who tried out, and that says something. Don't let this little thing psych you out. Tell you're director that you are uncomfortable, the earlier he knows the longer he'll have to fix or help you with the problem. Do not tell him you are unable to do this, because saying that just shows that you don't really want this. If you do, like I think you probably do, you won't let this stand in your way.

Answer 6

With no real offense I have to agree with Maroon. Beyond that, and again no offense, you do state COLLEGE, yes? Not some 13 year old in a middle school play.

  If you can't get past this, I suspect I'll never see you on stage or screen.

  Certainly you can be very clear about the issues, that anyone might find offensive, but it's called ACTING for a very specific reason.

Just my 2 "scents"