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Perri Cummings

Small Things Make a Big Difference

2/21/2014

1 Comment

 
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Late last year we previewed a new monologue show and I just fell in love with my character. During the preview I got into an expensive suit and strutted around in some power heels feeling like I could take on the world - which was good as the character is one super tough cookie.

Then comes the season proper and a new costume; lucky one of my new year's resolutions is to get out of my comfort zone, because I find myself challenged to the max having to walk out on stage an extremely tight LATEX mini-dress.

Now here is the challenge, how do I play a character that needs to feel like she owns the room in a get up that I feel less than confident in. Those who know me can testify, I am strictly a boots, jeans and jackets kind of a girl. Sometimes described as a feminine tomboy, really I'm just lazy and prefer comfort over glamour.

So first I have to get used to parading around in the type of dress a BDSM Jessica Rabbit would wear - tick off another life experience. Then I have to get used to how restricting the latex is - I can sit down or breathe but not the two at once. And I'm a physical performer. Meaning I like to move around, curl up, stretch out, jump around. This is not going to happen, I
realise as I walk on stage for the first time in the dress.

So, even though I know the character, I can tap into the intention and understand her motives, I feel - just a little – self-conscious!

Not a good place for actor to be. Yep, it's true, this costume has thrown me. So what do I do. Panic, that's the first necessary step. But then I have a mini revelation - I love these actory moments -I realise what I'm seeing as an obstacle can be a real advantage. I just have to accept what is happening to me is also happening to my character. So my slight self-consciousness becomes her challenge to overcome, it gives fuel to her need to prove herself because it makes her feel vulnerable and she hates feeling vulnerable.

So it's been a great lesson in using what is really there not pretending it's something else.

Note to self: don't ignore what's there - be truthful - and use it. It might, just like my sexy dress, be a real gift.

Let’s just hope I remember this for the next time.



 
1 Comment
Go Perri you can do it. Latex dress and all.We have confidence in you.Ann &Gerry
2/21/2014 04:02:20 pm

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    "Pocket Sized
    Actor, Writer and Director
    Just add coffee"

    Perri originally trained in physical theatre and has worked for several theatre
    companies, including a nationally touring Shakespeare company playing in Macbeth, King Lear, A Midsummer NIght's Dream and Wind in the Willows,  and an avant-garde theatre ensemble - working for the company for over six years.
    Recent acting credits include, The Bazura Project, Laid, Conspiracy 365, City Homicide and most notably Neighbours where she played Jill Ramsay the illegitimate sister of her real life brother (Steffan Dennis who plays Paul Robinson) until he pushed her in front of a car

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