"A Guide to Stage Kissing" by Tatum Graham

Valentine’s Day—and romance in general—is notoriously awkward in our high school years, but for the high school theatre kid, awkward takes a new meaning. If you think your kisses have been awkward, I invite you to imagine this kiss taking place in front of a live audience of hundreds of strangers (and your conservative grandmother), in an itchy wig, sweaty under stage lights, and out of breath from the romantic duet you just belted. 

The stage kiss is a powerful and infamous rite of passage for many theatre kids, and, as I’ve shared a painful majority of my kisses on stage, I consider myself an expert in this niche art. If you’ve ever wondered how to perfect the nuances of the dreaded stage kiss, here’s your guide. 

1. Hygiene. 

This is number one for a reason. Out of respect for your scene partner, smell good. Theatre is inherently very sweaty—between the dance breaks, costume changes, and nerves—so it’s important to remain fresh. Deodorant backstage is a must. Next, keep a mint in your mic pack and use it before the big scene. Your relationship with your scene partner is weird enough, it doesn’t need to be made worse with your negligence towards your breath. 

2. Watch your mics.

I learned this the hard way. If your wireless mics get too close, they’ll hit each other and create a whining feedback loop in the middle of the supposed-to-be-romantic moment. 

3. Make eye contact.

Hear me out—if you don’t establish eye contact, and close your eyes too early, you usually end up smashing your faces together and missing each other’s lips entirely. It makes the (already awkward) interaction even more awkward, but it can be prevented if you’re careful. This is another one I’ve learned the hard way. On the other hand, don’t close your eyes too late. It’s a little creepy. Find a happy medium. 

4. Don't fall for your scene partner.

In rom-coms, the two actors will fall for each other. Life is not a rom-com. Don’t do this. 

Stick to this simple guide, and the audience (from 20 feet away) will—hopefully—not notice your uncomfortable, messy exchange of saliva. Happy Valentine’s Day, and may your romantic encounters be more genuine than a theatre kid’s.