Actors: Make Yourself Cry On Cue

I'm about to give you the best technique to cry on set that you will ever learn (Unless you already learned it of course). 

Have you ever wondered "How the hell does she make herself cry like that?" So realistic, no effort, looks like she was really crying right? WRONG! I've been on many sets and have talked to many directors and I have found the number 1 way that actors are using to cry on cue.

Before I give you the best method I want to give you a few other methods that acting teachers are teaching their students and that some actors are actually using.But for any method you use you should probably drink a lot of water because trying to cry with no fluids is a bit more difficult

Sad Memory: I've tried this several times, I just don't have a memory sad enough to make me cry instantly every single time I think about it.Even if I was still THAT sad about everything how the hell am I going to be thinking of my lines while thinking of this memory as the same time.I can't do it I have tried but if you have a memory sad enough and can think of that memory while thinking of your lines I say more power to ya.

Pain: Another method that some people are passing around and saying works is inflicting pain upon yourself.I honestly think this is the worst way to make yourself cry for one scene.I tried this and was unable to cry from anything I did to myself and if I did, I wouldn't want a scar everytime I had a scene where I had to cry.

Not Blinking: This one is sort of popular among professional actors because if you don't blink long enough tears will come out.

Acting is supposed to be real, its supposed to look and feel real and thats where my problem with this technique comes.When you see someone in "real life" who is starting to cry they will usually do something to try to stop the tears from flowing as much.Maybe look up several times, fan their eyes, and what do they do the most? BLINK! THEY BLINK A LOT! I want you to go out and make someone cry and watch how much they blink when the tears are about to flow.Noo I don't really want you to make someone cry thats mean.But you see my point? Television reveals every flaw that an actor has especially in a scene like this so if you are feeling an emotion that is making you cry and your eyes are locked open they will probably notice.

 

Now for the top technique to use when you need to cry.

Chemicals: Yes this is one of the best ways I think.By chemicals I mean either menthol (which can be found at any theater or prop store) or even Vick's vapor rub works perfectly.The reason I think this is the best way is because you can do it over and over and over, if you use any of the other techniques I have found that they might work once or twice but its hard to get the tears going after a while and what if the director likes a later take after you used up all your tears and you don't get that chance to show your range? Also, if you have a longer scene where you are being filmed and you should be crying a minute or two into it, you can just put a VERY small amount of vicks on your fingertips and about 30 seconds before you want to start crying you can just touch right under your eye and the tears will follow. 

 

Well there you have it, after reading this there is no reason you shouldn't be able to cry on set and give an oscar worthy performance.So when you win that oscar make sure you give me a shout out on stage

 

Farewell

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