Something for all of the young actresses out there.

No, unfortunately it is not a job. At least not at this stage. It is a question. How would you feel about playing a character romantically involved with an older man?

I love acting because I learn about and need to investigate and understand different people (characters), and because it is an opportunity for both myself and audiences to access perspectives and lives that aren't their own. I would be 100% open to playing such a character. Whether I accept or am interested in playing a role depends on the quality of the script, story, collaborative team, and learning/creative opportunity. I always love a challenge :)

As a male in his mid forties, I have been on the other side of this in several productions in recent times. The first time you perform a stage kiss can be daunting, male or female. In the end, it's all part of the show. Give it your best, and don't forget the breath mints! I was in a two hander a couple of years back, and we must have been convincing, as we had people asking after the show if we were a couple. :) As Katya says, it's a challenge. Like a fight scene, or a sob scene. It takes practice to get it right, and to look convincing. www.meltheco.org.au

I would mainly be influenced by the quality of the script. Also, if the script called for a kiss or more, I would see if those were in the context of the story being told and added something, as opposed to coming across as exploitative or put in there for shock value only.

'Romantically involved' could mean anything. If you are actually wanting to know how likely it would be to find a 16yr old girl willing to be kissed and man handled on stage by a man old enough to be her father, then I believe that's something best sounded out during the casting process. The 'sounding out' process would also need to be inclusive of the girl's parents, if she was under 18. To avoid any potential for a sexual criminal act occuring against an under 18yr old in a rehearsal/play scenario like this I would also be getting advice about 'what's appropriate'. People and theatre groups working with people under 18yrs old may also be required to have a current Working with Children Check. To any young girls curious about a role like this or interested in auditioning, please be careful about the manner in which the work is to be done. I personally would not feel comfortable about something like this being filmed. A live performance is transient and is able to be witnessed every time by your parents or legal guardians. A film of a young girl being intimate with an older man may find it's way anywhere without control over who is viewing it, or for what reason. Well, that's my thoughts. Tulipa.

Luke, I think it would be good to get some clarification about the ages you are thinking of so we can help? I thought "young actress" meant the actress was an adult in her 20s or so and the "older man" was a few decades older!

In this case, the "young actress" is 17 (stage age), involved with a teacher, in his early 30s. For all of the soapie fans out there, think along the lines of Rachel and Angus in Neighbours, or more recently, Nicole and Syd in Home & Away. In terms of the content and age of the actress, I would ideally have someone 18 or over, but if someone who was 17 auditioned, and seemed to fit the role, I would make sure they had consent from a parent or guardian (I would not cast her without it).

As a young woman myself it is scary preforming any type of on stage romance but good scary because you want the audiance to believe and feel it too and it's a challenge. Plus if your like me and acting what's you love then a challenge is scary but also so worth while when you accomplish it. Acting is rewarding and to be able to be bring a character to life through acting is the best no matter the situation.

As I am a 17 year old female, I would like to say that I do not perceive a problem with the difference in age between the two actors. An older man being romantically involved with a teenager can cause the creation of a fantastic plot, as long as the script is cleverly casted. Also, its brilliance exists in the factor that it relates to our current society, where more and more younger women seem to have the tendency to date older men. Of course, early thirties is a extreme case, but this is a plot which allows for issues concerning a whole range of issues, whether that be sexual desires, love, tragedy, etc. I'd be interested in learning of the developments of this script.

How about "South Pacific"? www.meltheco.org.au