I'm in the middle of doing Grease as a camp-type thing (which is AMAZING). So of course, as it's all teenagers, there's plenty of the backstage drama going on. Anyways, i was wondering what kind of experience you guys have with backstage relationships. I personally have only seen one work out... And is it just my weird town or is the guy almost always younger?
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Annie
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Re:Backstage Relationships - 2007/07/24 04:18My best friend in high school shared her first kiss backstage with a younger guy. I think he may have been two grades behind her but just over a year younger or something.
I remember my first show I had a boyfriend for all of about a week. We were both going into 8th grade at different schools and this was a four week camp so it wasn't like it was going to go anywhere.
I remember when I was in Oklahoma! and two of the high school girls (16) were in love with Curly (20) but he was gay and they didn't know it, which was kind of funny to see them acting so stupid trying to hit on him
A lot of shows have backstage relationship drama when you're younger. Now that I'm married I don't really notice it anymore.~Annie Currently: Soloist for Night of Jazz fundraiser Recently: Miss Thorn (Ruthless! the Musical), Emma Carew (Jekyll & Hyde)
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katoru
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Re:Backstage Relationships - 2007/07/24 13:58From what I have seen, especially in post-secondary, all of the actors end up dating eachother, and it never works out. I mean, look at all of the actors and their divorce rate. Personally, I don't think artists of the same medium (actor+actor, painter+painter, singer+singer) don't tend to last. There are always exceptions, of course, but artistic temperament and egos can get in the way. Also, I think the artistically inclined tend to throw themselves headfirst into emotional things without thinking or letting it settle (..I am guilty of this), and then it doesn't work out.
So.. as much as I had a great big crush on The Tin Man when I was Dorothy at 12 (so was he), I doubt it would have worked out in the long run I really don't think I would ever date a fellow actor...Kathleen Sera Current Shows: Aloha Pinafore - Volga Upcoming Auditions: Crazy For You - Irene Roth
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Annelle
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Re:Backstage Relationships - 2007/07/24 17:59My first boyfriend and I met during our school show of 'It's A Wonderful Life.' I was in grade 9, he was in grade 10. It lasted about a month and a half and let's just say that it didn't have a very happy ending. I would definately not recommend dating someone that is in the same show as you. Also, I would not recommend dating anyone who you may have to work with in the future. When things go down hill and you break up, it could make for some horriable expierences later on. Trust me, the next year our drama teacher tried to get us to do a self directed thing and cast the two of us as a married couple. For other reasons the play didn't work out, but I can't imagine how difficult it would have been had we gone through with it. It was two years before he could talk to me again. I'm a heart breaker, what can I say?
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mrmistofolees19
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Re:Backstage Relationships - 2007/07/24 19:31i've noticed some professional actor+actor relationships work out (Robert Cuccioli and his actress chick have been together for 6 years now, Harry Groener and his actress chick have been married for like ever... for example lol. but this is highschool stuff....)
In The Music Man, Charlie Cowell asked out Marian, and she turned him down. everyone was pushing Marcellus to ask out Ethel Tofflemier, i think they broke up after a day... hmm.... and a lot of the girls were crushing on the conductor, but he was really mean, he was basically just getting townswomen then dumping them (lol). much heartbreak. And alot of rumors about who likes Harold. I was one of them... in fact prolly #1 suspect. Because people thought i liked him last year too as the Dodger in Oliver! lol. But it's funny i guess.
"I don't care if you get into a showmance, just don't bring it to the stage. If I see it, PDA or anything during rehearsals, breaks, during the show etc or I see it getting in the way, ONE of you will go and you two will decide who it will be."
Have NEVER had a showmance go bad in one of my shows, and if it did, I certainly didn't know about it. Currently Directing - Sweeney Todd (March 2008)
Currently In - Jan 11 - Feb 3 2008 Moonlight And Magnolias - Ben Hecht (non musical)
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triplethreat
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Re:Backstage Relationships - 2007/08/03 17:08In highschool, our drama club was just one big soap opera, and I hated it. I really wondered how many of the people in the club were actually there for the purpose of performing. It was also very cliquey, and because I actually had other "unrelated" interests (like dance????) I was somewhat excluded from the "inner circle". Most of my early theatre experiences were not school related, and looking back on it I don't think that was a bad thing.
Since then, I haven't really experienced much of a problem with relationships getting in the way (been lucky enough to work with mature people, I guess). The one time it's really been an issue was during rehearsals of Guys & Dolls in which I played Sarah. The man playing Sky (who was a darn good performer) was married to the musical director. Unfortunately, the MD seemed to have a problem dealing with watching her husband have a "stage romance" with me. Despite being a grown woman, she acted very juvenile and would leave the auditorium in a huff whenever we rehearsed one of the kissing scenes. Her behavior actually started to make me feel guilty, even though the rational part of my brain knew I wasn't doing anything wrong. To make matters worse, it seems she had some sort of "discussion" with Sky and he began giving me the cold shoulder, refusing to speak to me when not onstage, etc. This was all made even more ridiculous by the fact that my own significant other was working tech on the show (as well as singing in the Fugue) and not only didn't have a problem with it, but would actually tease me about the romantic scenes.
I feel really bad about the whole thing, because Sky was a nice guy otherwise, and we had good onstage chemistry, and our voices blended beautifully. Although the run still went well, it was somewhat marred by all the bad feelings - I normally don't have a problem with stage fright, but the extra stress really brought it out in that show._____________ Kris MTA Admin
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21stCenturyEvita
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Re:Backstage Relationships - 2007/08/03 22:52First, let me say- I've never gone out with anyone. Theatre or non-theatre.
Now, let me say- My best friends are from theatre. I have a problem, they're pretty much the first people I call. I've very close to all of them. I can't think of people more fun to be around (even my non-theatre friends- who I have known longer- can be crazier).Psalm 42:8
All the world's a stage....
Currently: Ensign Cora MacRae in South Pacific Just finished: The Ayah in the Secret Garden
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kendrahatescake
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Re:Backstage Relationships - 2007/08/03 22:59i was in a 10 week theater program this summer and everyone had at least one castmate crush. no one dated seriously, all though i don't see why some of the pairs couldn't have worked as a couple. i think it depends on the people and their personalities.
in junior high i did "the music man". i was marian and was dating the mayor, he got very jealous during my kisses with harold and charlie, it was more than a little ridiculous and no, it didn't last.current show: Scrooge: The Musical playing The Ghost of Christmas Past and a Chorus Member
"love is the only danger, love meaning me, love meaning you..."
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Romeos_Juliet
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Re:Backstage Relationships - 2007/08/03 23:57I definitely think people should not date their castmates. Ive definitely had crushes on a few of my castmates in different shows, but I honestly can say it would have only made things worse. My life is drama enough as it is (My friends actually label major events in my life as seasons), and getting involved with a castmate makes it worse. It can alter the chemistry depending on how things are going, it can take your focus from rehearsals and such, and so many more things. And if it doesnt work out, it makes shows very awkward.
And yes, while some actors and actresses nowadays have made it work, its not usually the major ones who are very involved with their recent careers. It's very very very hard for a sucessful actor and actress to make a relationship work due to the stress they are both under, the fact that they are rarely with one another due to rehearsals/shows/ect. Theatre people tend to be a bit dramatic even in real life (Definitely guilty), so getting two dramatic, moody, stressed people together in a relationship is just ASKING for trouble. The same problems would arise with a musician and an actor. The painter and actor/musician may work out a bit better because painters are usually (From what Ive seen) much more mellow and not as busy unless they have showcases to attend or are working on a piece.
Another thing Ive noticed; There are no secrets in the theatre and twice as many rumors. If you were to date a castmate, people would be in your business all the time, which would put twice the strain on the relationship. Especially at the Highschool/Junior High levels..: Valerie :.
Dream Roles: Elle in Legally Blonde, Elphaba in Wicked, Belle in Beauty and the Beast, Lucy in YAGMCB, & Any of the lead girls in Spring Awakening.
** WOOOOHOOO!!!! I made the Forensics Varsity Team!!!
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Dreams4Drama
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Re:Backstage Relationships - 2007/08/05 01:18What I have noticed about backstage relationships is that many people find themselves attracted to the leads. Probably because people are always talking and fussing about them, they're onstage more (so there is thus more time to look at them), and you can have an adequate excuse to chat with them (about their performance, etc.).
Personally, I've been guilty of being one of those people. I guess it just goes to show that talent is, well... hot! My Name Is: Lisa! And I'm fifteen! Upcoming Auditions:The Pajama Game Favorite Roles: Tumnus in Narnia The Musical & the Narrator (the Artful Dodger) in A Christmas With Scrooge.
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bwaybound77
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Re:Backstage Relationships - 2007/08/07 00:07I've seen a lot of backstage drama and relationships happen (and fail). But look at Sutton Foster and Christian Borle; they ended up getting married!
It's really weird. One production I was in the lead girl was like 2 years older than the ensemble guy and they hooked up for a good 2 years...
I agree that I've seen pretty much everyone hook up with everyone (I must admit I've been in a few of those backstage romance blunders - LOL). In my experience, all the onstage couples hook up w/each other in "real life" and then they end up *switching* with each other. This goes on throughout the whole production and then it just stops once it's over.Name: Devyn
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In my normal theatre group, we've all known each other forever, and only when someone new comes in does it make a stir. Although I took a dance class this summer and the assitant teacher, who is a year older, kept pulling me aside for 'tip sessions' etc. (read: an excuse to talk to me about the ins and outs of my life and asking me if I was doing the play that winter, nudgenudgewinkwink.) Sidenote is that he's going out for the lead and I'm going out for the lead and guess what? The two leads are madly in love and kiss, I don't know, three times? I think he's looking forward to it.
Anyway, if you saw me and a guy friend from theatre on the street, you'd probably think we were going out because we're so close, like a brother and sister. (theatre people and hugging...) My friends are extremely jealous of me! LOL-Ali
Currently: -Sheila; Boys Next Door (postshow depression mode) -acceptance to acting ensemble -Bye Bye Birdie (audition- didn't get a callback)
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jmslp
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Re:Backstage Relationships - 2007/08/11 09:57Johnnyonenote wrote: Have NEVER had a showmance go bad in one of my shows, and if it did, I certainly didn't know about it.
i think we've had one bad showmance and that was during Oklahoma when the choreographer and an ensemble member were both in love w/ will...... nothing ever manifested on stage but it made for an interesting cast party or two.....
ooo... just remembered anything goes... there was a little showmancing between billy and hope. at first it was the groping and pda stuff during rehearsals. by showtime, it was "i hate you/don't even think about touching me"....
oh, well. there have been some good couplings. even a few that have lead to long-term, happy relationships.They call me Jessica (like: They call me lady luck... lol)
Favorite roles:
Eva Peron, Evita; Jack's Mother, Into the Woods; Sonia, Godspell; Anything Goes, Reno Sweeney; Audrey, Little Shop of Horrors; Catherine, Pippin
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stlgurl702
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Re:Backstage Relationships - 2007/08/11 12:42When I was in "beanstalk! The Musical" The guy who played jack and the girl who played who jack fell in love with ended up going out, its actually working out! (for now)
But as far as the whole lets go make out in the storage closet thing, I've learned my lesson, and its not a good idea! Auditioning For- Bye Bye Birdie (Hoping for Kim for Ursula)
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I really don't think I would ever date a fellow actor...
