How to Cry Convincingly When Acting

Actors must cry on cue. The late Hollywood legend Betty Davis, on more than one occasion, commented that she was able to cry on cue. Crying convincingly is not very easy. With proper preparation and technique, an actor can cry on cue.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Stay in control. Make it a rule that as an actor you stay in control. Sense memory and Method acting can be put aside.
2. Read your script, play or audition piece. Ask yourself, "Why is the character crying?" Write down your answers. Loss is a primary reason for crying.
3. Keep in mind that emotional sympathy is just above grief (or crying). If you cannot get to grief, try sympathy first and then descend to crying. Take "loss" as a reason for crying.
4. Note the physiological reaction in crying. Create a list of what the body does while crying. Tears and trembling can be demonstrated by shaking the upper back. The body withers and crunches together as well.
5. Tuck away a bottle of eye drops if you are concerned the tears will not come on cue. At least you are aware of it and have a solution, so the director, cast and crew are not waiting around for you to "get into the moment."
6. Own your acting space. This is the final tip on acting. Allow time to prepare and do your work professionally.