Currently Getting Hurt On Stage...Any Suggestions?

I'm playing Billy in a local production of "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," and we're opening tomorrow, playing 8 shows in total.

Everything is great. I'm getting black and blues on my knees, but they don't hurt.

However, when I get dragged off by the actor playing one of the hospital aides he does such a great job with it that he's inflicting real injury on my left bicep.

Not only can I see the big pinkish-red blotches on my skin right where he grabs me, but I can ***feel the sting*** of it.

Is there any way anyone can recommend getting around this? I don't intend to hold back during the performances, but if it stings this much and we're only just about to begin to do this in front of full audiences I am concerned. However, the actor playing the aide is doing such a great job I don't want to ask him to make any adjustments.

I am wearing a short-sleeved shirt in this scene, out of necessity, so I can't wear a visible protectant there.

As I'm typing this I'm thinking perhaps no solution exists, but who knows if I don't ask? I imagine in a professional setting they might find a way around this easily.

---

In addition to that, you can wear knee pads and some sort of padding where he grabs you... maybe use cotton and gauze wrapped around your arm.

You need to do all the work. Move yourself, the guy shouldn't need to drag you that ferociously.

Glad you found a solution...hope it went well for you.