You don’t have to spend a lot of time with your co-star to get to know them. Consider going out for some coffee or just sit down and chat with them during rehearsal breaks
Keep in mind that the kiss might not mean the same thing to both characters. For example, one character might have genuine feelings, while the other is only trying to manipulate their love interest to get something they want. Even if that’s the case, you and your co-star should agree on what the overall tone of the kiss should be, such as tender, passionate, or gentle.
No matter what your director or co-star thinks, you should never do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. It’s normal to feel nervous and awkward, so you shouldn’t be afraid to speak up. [4] X Expert Source Lesly Kahn, MFAActing Teacher & Coach Expert Interview. 12 May 2020. If you’re not sure how to talk to your co-star about your boundaries, you might say something like, “Because we don’t know each other well, I’m only comfortable with a close-mouthed kiss. Is that okay with you?”
The tone of the kiss can help you choreograph it. For example, if it’s a tentative first kiss, you’ll probably move slowly and it won’t last very long. On the other hand, if it’s a passionate kiss, you will probably move quickly to convey urgency, and it will last a little longer. Don’t just focus on the kiss itself. Consider where you’re going to place your hands during the scene, such as on your co-star’s cheek, and whether you’re going to embrace as you kiss.
If you’re planning to use the fake stage kiss method, ask an experienced actor to show you how to do it. It can be tricky if you’ve never seen it used before For the fake stage kissing technique, make sure that it’s the thumb on the hand that’s furthest away from the audience that rests against the lips. That way, it will be harder for the audience to pick up that it’s not a real kiss. In some cases, it may not be possible to do a fake stage kiss. Talk to your director to discuss what works best for the scene.
While you and your co-star may want to rehearse alone the first couple of times, you should practice in front of the other cast and crew a few times so you get used to performing the scene in front of an audience. Practice the kiss when you’re in costume at least once or twice. That way, if you or your co-star are wearing a hat or some other piece of clothing that might make the kiss awkward, you’ll know ahead of time. The director may have some notes about the kiss after they see you rehearse it. Incorporate that feedback into your performance as long as you’re comfortable with it.
Make sure to consider the relationship between your character and your co-star’s character. For example, if the stage kiss is between two new lovers, it will likely be tentative and gentle. On the other hand, if the kiss takes place between two people who are reunited after a long separation, it may be more passionate. Take your character’s personality into account too. For example, if you’re playing someone who tends to keep their emotions bottled up, the kiss may be their breaking point when it all comes to the surface.
Because your director has probably overseen kissing scenes before, they probably have some good advice about how to make the experience less awkward. Let the director know if you’re feeling embarrassed, so they can give you some pointers to feel more comfortable. If your director wants to play the kissing scene in a way that’s different from what you imagined, have an open mind. Try it their way, and if it doesn’t feel natural or right to you, ask if you can try it your way to see if it works better.
Try to treat the kissing as you would any action in a scene that you wouldn’t do in real life, such as yelling at another character or being violent. It’s all just pretend. Playing a kissing scene can be especially awkward if you have a boyfriend or girlfriend. It’s best to have an honest discussion with your significant other about it rather than avoiding the topic. That way, you can address their concerns and reassure them that you’re only playing a role.
If your kiss is at the end of the play and you’re worried about your breath not being very fresh by then, it’s a good idea to bring some breath mints, gum, breath spray, or mouthwash with you. During the intermission or a scene that you’re not in, you can quickly freshen your breath for the kiss. If you’re planning to kiss for real, you may also want to apply some lip balm to ensure that your lips are smooth.
One trick to help you learn the lines in your kissing scene is to practice them while you’re doing something else, such as knitting or tossing a ball. That can help simulate the distraction that you may feel while you’re on stage and thinking about the upcoming kiss.
If you’re feeling uncomfortable with anything regarding the kiss, speak up during rehearsals. You want to be confident about the way that you’re playing it by the time of the performance. If there is something about the kiss that needs to be changed at the last minute, such as you wanting to forgo a real kiss for a fake stage kiss because you’re sick, make sure to tell your co-star before you go on stage.
