Amateurs actors quickly find out that there is more to a role on the stage than just learning lines and hitting marks. Learning to make themselves up, in order to get into character, is another important aspect of the process. Local theaters do not have the money or means to hire a professional make up artist. In order to help newcomers to the stage avoid common cosmetic pitfalls, when it comes to applying theater makeup, experts have some simple tips.
The way you're accustomed to making yourself up for the street is not the way you need to approach getting into character. Subtlety in your cosmetic choices will wash you out as soon as the stage lights hit your face. You need a ton of foundation lathered onto your face and neck. If you're concerned about what color will work best, a cosmetic consultant in your favorite department store should have some good suggestions.
Your eyes are all important, and to emphasize them, you are going to have to invest in some good quality fake eyelashes. The cheap ones don't fit and could fall off in the middle of your performance. Even if you manage to keep them on, they will itch the whole time. Eye shadows in gold, pink, and brown shades are good onstage.
Highlighting your facial structure can be very effective, but you don't want to overdo it. A lot of inexperienced actors are too conservative with blush. They're afraid they'll look like clowns, not realizing the stage lights will wash them out unless blush applied with a liberal brush. You must remember to fill in your eyebrows as well. Blondes need extra applications of filler.
You might be fortunate enough to get a role that requires special effect make up. If so you will need how to apply it effectively. If your character is knifed or shot, you have to learn the technique of creating an open wound effect. You can use liquid latex or school glue around the wound. Face paint or black and red eye shadow are great for creating blood.
Smudging black and purple eye shadow will simulate bruising if you need to show the aftermath of a fight scene. As the bruise ages, during the course of the play, you can begin to introduce yellow and green shades depicting the fading of the bruise. This may seem like a small detail, but audiences notice.
If you ever have the opportunity to show your character aging as a play progresses, you will have to create lines and wrinkles on your face and neck. You can do this using the liquid latex, or school glue. When it dries, you remove it and apply foundation. It's important to rub the foundation into the creases to highlight them.
You might never become an internationally acclaimed actress, but you will have lots of fun on the stage. It will give you plenty of chances to express yourself creatively. Applying your own makeup is a good way to make your character uniquely your own.
The way you're accustomed to making yourself up for the street is not the way you need to approach getting into character. Subtlety in your cosmetic choices will wash you out as soon as the stage lights hit your face. You need a ton of foundation lathered onto your face and neck. If you're concerned about what color will work best, a cosmetic consultant in your favorite department store should have some good suggestions.
Your eyes are all important, and to emphasize them, you are going to have to invest in some good quality fake eyelashes. The cheap ones don't fit and could fall off in the middle of your performance. Even if you manage to keep them on, they will itch the whole time. Eye shadows in gold, pink, and brown shades are good onstage.
Highlighting your facial structure can be very effective, but you don't want to overdo it. A lot of inexperienced actors are too conservative with blush. They're afraid they'll look like clowns, not realizing the stage lights will wash them out unless blush applied with a liberal brush. You must remember to fill in your eyebrows as well. Blondes need extra applications of filler.
You might be fortunate enough to get a role that requires special effect make up. If so you will need how to apply it effectively. If your character is knifed or shot, you have to learn the technique of creating an open wound effect. You can use liquid latex or school glue around the wound. Face paint or black and red eye shadow are great for creating blood.
Smudging black and purple eye shadow will simulate bruising if you need to show the aftermath of a fight scene. As the bruise ages, during the course of the play, you can begin to introduce yellow and green shades depicting the fading of the bruise. This may seem like a small detail, but audiences notice.
If you ever have the opportunity to show your character aging as a play progresses, you will have to create lines and wrinkles on your face and neck. You can do this using the liquid latex, or school glue. When it dries, you remove it and apply foundation. It's important to rub the foundation into the creases to highlight them.
You might never become an internationally acclaimed actress, but you will have lots of fun on the stage. It will give you plenty of chances to express yourself creatively. Applying your own makeup is a good way to make your character uniquely your own.
About the Author:
You can get an overview of the factors to consider when purchasing theater makeup kits and view our selection of kits at http://www.taylormaidbeautyandtheatrical.com/about-us right now.
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