Dear actors, we have, numerous times, discussed at length in other forums how we can “keep things real” in a story and/or film by involving and portraying sin in a “righteous” way that doesn’t involve any compromise on our part as Christians.
And, at the risk of stating the obvious, the usual hotly-debated elements are typically anything sexual, nudity (which some say is inherently related to sexuality, no matter what), violence, and strong language.
We’ve discussed how telling a realistic story may involve (or not involve, as some would say) a realistic amount of sinful behavior on behalf of the characters. Some would say that we have no right or justification for ever incorporating “sinful elements” into our stories, regardless of message, intent, portrayal, or context. Others are in the middle, saying that certain things are acceptable if done in a “tasteful” way and if the overall message is a “righteous” one (such as redemption, forgiveness, tragedy, etc.). Still others, on the opposite side of the spectrum, say that context is everything and anything is permissible in the right set of circumstances.
Nevertheless, we are all discussing it on an abstract and “big picture” level, as writers and filmmakers, not as performers.
It’s easy for one of us to say, “No, I have no problem with (this or that) happening on screen,” or “We never have a right to show (this or that) on screen.”
But what I’m curious about is, how do you feel about these elements, as actors? Do you have a “line” that you won’t cross? Are you willing to do anything on screen (or on stage), as long as you feel that the message of the work is “worth it”?
We’ve had filmmakers argue about whether or not unwed actors should kiss (or perform any other sexual acts, for that matter). But you unwed actors, does this bother you at all? And for those of you that are married, are you cool with kissing, or your spouse kissing, another actor? Or performing any other sexual acts for that matter?
How do you feel about performing nude, or partially nude? And, because so many people associate nudity with sexuality, regardless of context, how do you reconcile this with your spouse if you’re married?
What about any other potentially offensive elements, such as cussing and violence, or anything at all that we as Christians would probably not do (or, at least, we probably shouldn’t do)?
I understand that you’re playing a character, and to do that character justice you must do whatever you feel the character would do, regardless of what you, personally, would do.
I’m just curious as to how you handle potentially offensive content as a performer. Having discussed this from a writer’s/creator’s/filmmaker’s perspective several times now, I’m extremely curious how you performers feel about the whole situation. 
Alex Beard, composer
http://www.composeralex.com
http://www.myspace.com/composeralex
