It's funny how things line up in life.

Last week, I was browsing casting calls and came across a posting for a character that I fit exactly. I was so excited—until I got to the last line, which said, “NUDITY REQUIRED FOR THIS ROLE.”

Later that day, I'm on TheatreFace and lo and behold, fellow blogger Gwydion is talking about nudity on stage. He mused on the topic from a writing point of view, and commented how nudity is pretty “old hat” these days.

Which brings up the question: as an actor, are you comfortable with nudity? Would you do it? Should you?

First, disclaimer: I've never been nude on stage. I just don't quite have the confidence and courage to do what is basically the worst nightmare of most normal people—showing up naked in a room full of strangers. Which is funny, because I have no problems with nudity; I think there is a great deal of frivolous hysteria and nervousness regarding the human body in our culture that isn't all that healthy.

However, there are definitely concerns I'd consider before seriously applying for or agreeing to do a role that requires nudity.

1. Story vs. Sales

Nudity sells tickets. This is an undeniable fact. As Gwydion eloquently put it, there are “always going to be people who buy tickets to shows that feature naked actors just to be prurient”. (Yes, I had to google what “prurient” meant too. Mr. Gwydion is just that classy.) People will come see it out of curiosity and for what little shock value remains from the nudity itself. To me, the nudity needs to be integral to telling the story, and not just tacked on to boost the box office.

2.Integrity of the company

In the audition notice I saw that required nudity, the company was an unknown, low budget non-SAG film co. where the director was also the writer. Now, this is not to say that what they would produce wouldn't be an artistic, tasteful and brilliant film—however, there is much to be said in being cautious. As an actor, our image, our body and our persona are our sole assets, and you don't want to be put in a situation where you are taken advantage of by a company with ill intentions, or even just a sloppy company that does not take care to do things in a respectful and legally sound manner.

This doesn't mean you have to be on Broadway and named Daniel Radcliffe before you accept a role with nudity. Back home, a local community theater Nearly Naked Theatre does brilliant plays that often feature nakedness in tasteful, non-gratuitous and artistically viable ways—they are a company I've always admired and would be honored to be cast by.

3. Potential abuse

At California Institute of the Arts (where I'm attending for my MFA in acting), there were several shows last year that featured nudity. All of the shows were also filmed for documentation purposes. In each show that had nudity, the shows were required to alter the nude scenes for the night of filming. The reasoning, as I understood, was to protect the student-actors from any potential “damage” to their future careers.

Now, all the students involved were over the age of 18. Many were graduate students, adults in their mid 20's and older. From what I understand, several students were upset that the integrity of the show was sacrificed for what they felt was simply the school covering its assets (heh, pun).

While I understand the frustration from the actors (and playwrights) whose work was compromised, I can also appreciate the school's desire to be overly cautious. The importance, especially in an educational setting where young(er) people are involved, of maintaining a safe environment in which to explore and create is incredibly important.

Ultimately, I think it's ironic that actors strive so hard to find emotional truth, openness and honesty—essentially, being emotionally naked—and yet there's still all this hooplah about being physically naked.

I still don't think I could invite family and friends to come see a show I'm naked in though. I guess being naked in front of strangers is still less scary than being naked in front of all the moms of the kids I've taught.

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Have you ever done a role that requires nudity? Would you? Let us know in the comments below!