Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Advice For Applying Theatrical Makeup

By Judy Sullivan


Some people are hesitant about applying theatrical makeup. Indeed some men may be uncomfortable with this. However it is important because if it is not applied people can look very strange under the stage lighting so it is vital that people are aware of how to apply it properly.

Before you begin you should moisturise your skin. This not only ensures that your skin is properly protected but also ensures the makeup is applied for longer. If you have oily skin then a toner is more appropriate before you apply anything to your skin for the best possible results.

For starters the kind of makeup you would put on a prim Victorian woman would be different for someone who is a dancer in a nightclub in the Prohibition era. For example the shade of lipstick a dancer in the twenties would wear would be darker and the effect of what they wear would be more dramatic.

The kind of makeup depends on the context. For example the kind of lipstick you would apply for someone who is a burlesque dancer will be different from someone who is playing a dour librarian in an old fashioned library. Check reference pictures to be sure what you are getting is appropriate for the period and the characters that you wish for them to portray.

Men traditionally have been hesitant to wear makeup on stage in the mistaken thought they will look odd. It is important to explain that they need to wear it in order to be clearly seen under the stage lights and they will look stranger if they do not wear it. When applying on men remember to use natural tones, although lighter tones work better on younger boys and men than older men.

Remember to wash your face before you begin application. For dryer skin moisturiser is ideal while toner is best for people with oily skin. Before applying powder dust it off with a paper towel as this will prevent excessive amounts on your face and neck. The reason powder is important is that it prevents any make up running off, something that is especially important if you are doing a very physical production under the hot lights as sweat is more likely to make the makeup run off.

Once you are finished do not forget to wash your hands! Aside from being hygienic there is also a big practical concern that you need to be aware of. In simple terms if you are not careful you could end up getting stains on your costume and that would definitely not go down well with the director or your fellow cast members!

Some people may wonder why you need to know how to apply your own theatrical makeup. While most amateur and professional productions will have someone on hand to do it for you it is important that you never assume. Furthermore you may need a touchup before you are due to get on stage. This is why it is worth learning for yourself. Look online for more information and video tutorials to help you learn how to do applications for yourself.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment