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Hey guys,
I rarely write, but I am in a weird situation I thought I would ask forsome support for...I am an actor in Chicago, IL. I used to have long hair(mid back) but cut it off two years ago for work. I have since been meaning to grow it back, but shows I get cast in keep requiring it be cut shorter. Currently I have gotten it so it is over my ears with a bit extra around the neckline. I am in a show called Angels in America where I play a jewish guy. Since they are concerned with my WASPishness, they want me to curl my hair and possibly cut it. I have agreed to curl it each night, but am refusing to cut it. They are arguing with me that there are period concerns..the play takes place in 1985. Frankly, I don't care, I am on a mission to get my long hair back, but I fear being thoroughly raked over the coals for it. I need to specify that this is professional theatre, not community. Though there is not a lot of money involved, I just feel that my loss would be far greater then the difference it willl make to an audience member. Can anyone out there corroborate for me that a gay man in NYC in 1985 would plausibly be jewish and have longish curls? Please help me!!!
Could you use a wig for your acting role that has the hair they want?
That is a great idea. The market is full of nice wigs which could prevent you from cutting your hard earned long hair. Please make the effort not to cut it. Don' lose your personality for a few dollars. I'm not saying you should lose your job but you should try to negotiate with them to make a compromise (a good one for you).
Believe me, it is not worth it to cut your hair. Please have courage and don't lose sight of your personal goals (being a long haired individual in society). Good luck
Longish hair was *IN* in 1985! Particularly mullets among "New Wave" bands like Duran Duran, Tears for Fears, etc. Look at the length of hair on guys on stylish TV shows then - "Dallas," "Dynasty..." It wasn't LONG-long, but generally "longish" - often slightly over the ears and touching the collar. You might rent some movies from the mid-80's to verify this.
Are you a member of Equity? Do they have a provision regarding that?
The wig might be a good idea- you would have to check with the costume design staff. Angels in America is a good show about prejudices, so in the spirit of the show, you think they'd let you have longer hair. Besides, guys had longer hair in the 1980s, so I don't understand what the problem is?
I am a theatrical wigmaker and costumer and have done Angels in America. The character of Louis, I feel, could have longish hair. I would much rather see an actor is his own hair, than to see a bad wig on stage. Given this show's tone, unless you have a flawless wig, someone to maintain it, and get it applied to your head well, it would probably look very out of place for you to wear a wig, unless all the men are wigged.
What I find shocking ( and irratating) is that you would not be willing to cut your hair for a show. Especially one as rich as Angels. If the theatre is an Equity theatre and your under an Equity contract, and you have signed the rider about your hair, they can replace you if you don't let them cut your hair.
Don't get me wrong, I like long hair on men, and it would be a shame to cut it. But actors art depends on their looks. Their creditblity hangs on their ability to transform themselves into other characters. If you are not willing to change your looks for a show (providing you are professional and getting paid), then do not become an actor. Your other option is to only accept roles that are suitable for the length of hair you have. Make it clear from day one that you will not cut your hair, and do not sign a contract that specifies the haircutting/color clause.
I've done hair for theatre for 15 years, and I enjoy my job. Especially the art of doing long wigs for guys who have always had SHORT hair. Theay almost always seem turned on by getting to have long hair for a few hours every night. They always embrace the look, and often develop a strong character around the hair.
However, it is very frustrating to do hair for a show when an actor, male or female, is asked to change their looks, and they refuse. Even the ones who sign the professional contracts. Actors are not part of corporate America...their artist. I love to be hired to make wigs, but some hairstyles cannot be successful as a wig on some people. Hiding long hair in a short wig can be done, but is very tricky. And very exspensive, and requires upkeep. If the theatre doesn't have the budget for a professional wig, pay for it yourself. But if it is not a good wig, and is detectable, you and your performance will suffer consequences. No one in the audience will hear or believe a word you say, they will just stare at your head!
I f you are serious about your hair and your career, talk to a wig master about a custom, hand tied wig (probably about $500 to $2000) ...or cut you hair! Don't be surprised if it doesn't look flawless. Just be glad you got cast and are getting paid. I can think of hundreds of already short haired actors who can play Louis in Angels in America. I can think of dozens of actors who would cut their hair for the role, too.
Grow up, be an artist, or get a hair-friendly job.