Creating Emotion Workshop

"How do you make yourself cry?"

It's one of the most common questions we get as actors, and oftentimes, one that creates a stress response... C'mon... you know the one... You read the auditions sides and "his eyes well with tears" or "a single tear runs down her face" and you think to yourself "CRAP!"

First of all, let us say a few things on this subject.

1. You do NOT have to be able to cry on command to be a good actor.

2. What the stage direction says doesn't always mean you HAVE to cry.

3. Just connecting emotionally, trying not to cry,  or making a different but equally honest choice are all VERY OFTEN solid alternative options.