character-real life character opinion

[chrispac]

Hi, I was wondering what people's opinion was on a situation where a DUO or DI (dramatic) has someone acting, that has the appearance that can really connect with the audeince. Say, one of my friends is diong a dramatic duo, and he has long hair that go in front of his face when he puts his head down. It REALLY REALLY gives a strong powerful dark/dramatic effect, and he really blends into the character of the piece. His long hair, adds on to his serious face, makes him look like an "abused-child" (at least that is his role in the piece) and I think it seriously improves the piece a lot.

Opinion: Will judges think that they are "taking advantage" of their appearance? Will long hair be considered a prop? Same with if a girl has really dark eyes or whatnot, and puts herhair in front of her face kinda thing. Just think about how they contrast and what is good/bad about it.

[iedotorg]

On the basis of general 'professional' appearance in rounds, I might have a problem with the hair in the face. If it obstructs the face too much, you can't see the emotional expressions--which are extremely important.

I can't see someone saying hair is a prop. That just doesn't make good sense. Performers should find material that they can perform believably--that is to say that I as a judge would believe you are this character.

To repeat: hair cool, if I can still see face...hair not prop

Hair!
Corey

[Its Alive]

Hmm, I think it's a case-by-case thing, but having a certain kind of hair puts a performer on a different plane compared to the rest of the competition. Over here we always suggest that people pull their hair back if it's even remotely long, since it can (1) get in the way and (2) as stated, it adds competitive imbalance. I'm not objecting to having it, I just don't think it should have anything physically to do with a performance.

i now believe that your physical body can have alot to do with your success with a piece...especially in character roles...i.e my piece about a little kid who gets abused(its not trite so don't make fun) but i'm about 6'1 and 245 so it doesn work

[MovieStar1084]

ok, this is slightly off topic, but it hits right on in some places...

on my duet ballot for finals, a judge wrote: "i don't know too much about the rules, but wouldn't playing with her hair be considered a prop?"

in our scene, my partner messes with my hair while i'm talking. IS that considered using a prop? because i never heard anything about that before...?

[chrispac]

for duet im not sure. touching each other is already """"props"""" (duet wise) it is way different than duo. touching your own hair in a duo/HI in my opinion wuold be considered a prop (well, if you were twirling your hair stuff like that... if u just touched ur head i think its fine.)