There are many benefits for an actor who knows how to apply their own theatrical makeup. In some respects it can be a good way of developing a character as you consider what is most appropriate. As you do so you then become more in tune with the character as you are physically creating it.
It also helps when you are an actor or a director to know how to apply it for yourself. As a director it helps to know what you are looking at. You want to be sure that when the actors go on stage that they look right so it helps to know the process of how it is applied and whether or not it is smooth, presentable and works in the context of the production.
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.
After you have finished applying and have checked it over either blow some baby powder on your face or get someone else to do that. This will make it easier to keep the make up on. It is also important to wash your hands once you are finished to prevent accidentally staining your costume. It sounds obvious but it is easy to forget if you are rushing to get on stage!
In short it helps to know how to effectively apply theatrical makeup. You can find various tutorials and tips online. Be sure to check carefully and if you can practise this before you are due to go on stage. Look online to find out more and to help you become more confident with applying your own makeup.
It also helps when you are an actor or a director to know how to apply it for yourself. As a director it helps to know what you are looking at. You want to be sure that when the actors go on stage that they look right so it helps to know the process of how it is applied and whether or not it is smooth, presentable and works in the context of the production.
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.
After you have finished applying and have checked it over either blow some baby powder on your face or get someone else to do that. This will make it easier to keep the make up on. It is also important to wash your hands once you are finished to prevent accidentally staining your costume. It sounds obvious but it is easy to forget if you are rushing to get on stage!
In short it helps to know how to effectively apply theatrical makeup. You can find various tutorials and tips online. Be sure to check carefully and if you can practise this before you are due to go on stage. Look online to find out more and to help you become more confident with applying your own makeup.
