Why do some school plays make the cast act in bare feet?

Answer 1

I believe that this is part of the normal procedure. I've been acting for 2 or 3 years now at 2 different schools and both required bare feet for most of the training. In the beginning that particular part was a little hard for me as I was reluctant to show off my bare feet (theyre pretty normal I guess, but I've always felt exposed without socks). My teacher however didnt let me get away with it. In fact, in the beginning for warmup she always insisted on her students removing all footwear at first (something she herself never did, but ok...). The same goes for movement and other acting exercises. Only when we practiced in costumes in some situations, shoes were involved.

I think there are several reasons why acting classes have to be done in bare feet.
- First, any kind of footwear restricts your movement or (with socks) makes you slip
- Then, it might be important that everyone wears the same in class, so its normally a t shirt and gym pants or sth like that with bare feet. Same reason why in Britain students wear school uniforms
- running with shoes makes noise and also can distract
- it is important for students to feel their surrounding, especially the ground under your feet. Obviously, that cannot be achieved with shoes or socks on your feet.
- probably the most important reason is that in many plays, especially if the scenario is kind of modern, simple clothes with everyone barefoot are more esthetic as well as more expressive. Bare feet can really express a lot (I would have never thought that before): vulnerability, freshness, youth, devotion, subordination, beauty etc.

Maybe there are even more arguments, but these are the ones I can think of. Hope I could help you.
Lucia