Cry for a Play or Other Performance

You've seen the other cry-on-cue methods. They're too cumbersome for real performances and take too long. Here are a few favorite methods to cry that many actors employ in a performance that are quite manageable.

Steps

Using Spicy Foods

  1. Get a jalapeño, chili, or other spicy pepper.
  2. When you reach curtain before the scene you need to cry in (or finish filming scene if on film), conceal the pepper in a pocket or hand.
  3. Go through the scene and when you get to about 20-30 seconds before crying, find a way to discreetly put the pepper in your mouth.
  4. Chew the whole thing. If you have a high tolerance for spiciness, remember to use extremely hot peppers.
  5. By now your eyes should be watering. Close your eyes to push the water onto your face and sob.
  6. You're done and have produced a very convincing crying scene.

Using Lip Balm

  1. Another good technique that involves a "prop" is to rub mentholated lip balm under your eyes (e.g. Burt's Bee's) before you go on stage. It will take maybe half a minute for your eyes to tear up, so you'll have some prep time.
  2. If you need to cry less, close your eyes.
  3. This may be a bit more comfortable than chewing a pepper. Also, it allows you to cry without interfering at all with your singing or dialogue.

Using Cologne

  1. This method works very well, but it may be painful for you emotionally and it might not be worth it.
  2. If you have ever loved someone who broke your heart, and you still love them somewhat, spray some of the cologne/perfume that they always wore on your sleeve or collar. Sniff it, and you will cry actual tears.
  3. There's a good chance you'll be so upset that you won't be able to carry on with your dialogue, so proceed with caution.

Using Vapor Rub

  1. If in the UK, purchase some Vicks VapoRub, and put a small blob just under your tear duct.
  2. Just before the big moment, rub this along the base of your eye (careful not to actually get this in your eye.
  3. Make some convincing noises.

Conjuring a Sad Memory

  1. Dig down deep.
  2. Think of something which broke your heart (a death, a sad instance, a loved someone, etc) and focus it on an object.
  3. Push that thought down your gut, and focus on it. You'll need some time for this, so do it a few minutes before your cue.

Rubbing Your Eyes

  1. Rub your eyes. (but don't put too much pressure on it)
  2. Try not to blink for 30 seconds. (Your eyes will start to cry)
  3. This is actually much more easier than the other methods if none of it works for you.



Tips

  • Make sure you have a good crying face so if u don't manage to create tears you can pretend u have wiped them away.
  • If you bury your face in your hands, get the pepper as you come up or while you have your face in your hands.
  • If your character has a reason to put his/her hands over their mouth (such as they're crying from a sad, surprising thing), throw the pepper in when you cover your mouth.
  • Stick a piece of duct tape and place it anywhere on your body. Wait a while and then rip it off. If it hurts really bad, then you are nearly guaranteed to cry.
  • You could wet your eyes with water and make it look like you're crying.

Warnings

  • If you have lines at this point, be careful your chewing won't interfere with them.
  • Don't get any lip balm directly in your eye. It's painful.
  • Don't scream if it's too hot. Bear it out and get water (milk or bread/crackers, they work better) at curtain or "cut" (if filming).

Things You'll Need

  • A chili, jalapeño, or other hot pepper.
  • Cayenne/chili powder if you have an extremely high tolerance for spiciness. Put it on the pepper.
  • Mentholated Lip Balm (Burt's Bee's works well)
  • Something from the person that broke your heart

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