{"id":3147,"date":"2018-08-28T18:49:27","date_gmt":"2018-08-28T22:49:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seatup.com\/blog\/?p=3147"},"modified":"2025-03-04T16:46:26","modified_gmt":"2025-03-04T21:46:26","slug":"guide-to-theater-makeup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seatup.com\/blog\/guide-to-theater-makeup\/","title":{"rendered":"Behind the Scenes: A Guide to Theater Makeup"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text text_direction=”default”]\r\n
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Before performers take to the stage to entertain patron’s waiting in their theater seats at home<\/a> or at a performance venue, sitting with a professional makeup artist ensures that their look is ready to dazzle. A theater makeup artist has a wealth of professional knowledge and expertise in theatrical makeup and its application as well as hair-styling skills and understanding of facial hair and wigs. Performers working in small theaters may need to take care of their own hair and makeup application, but larger theaters, such as those that might host live tapings to be later enjoyed in home theaters, will usually have professional makeup artists on staff to assist performers with hair and makeup applications and special effects. Makeup artists may also train and teach performers how to create specialized looks so the performers can do it independently, if necessary.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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History of Stage Makeup: The Art of Makeup to be Visible from Home Movie Theater Sectionals, Not Up-close<\/h2>\r\n\r\n

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The use of stage makeup has a history dating back to ancient civilizations and is much different from the makeup that ordinary people apply daily. It’s intended to be seen from a distance, by those watching a performance from theater seats or from their media room sectionals<\/a>. In Greek theater, the actors often wore masks to enable one actor to play multiple roles without the need for makeup adjustments, but in Asia, actors preferred to use makeup instead of masks because this enabled them to use facial expressions. Actors tended to apply makeup in bright colors with bold designs. During the 1500s and 1600s in England, theatrical makeup was used to accentuate and highlight facial features, and false beards were common. White face powder with India ink for applying lines and bright pink or red rouge were part of the typical stage makeup kit of this era.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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Professional Makeup Kit<\/h2>\r\n

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A basic theatrical makeup kit contains makeup suitable for a wide range of performers. Foundation in fair, medium, and dark shades will fit most skin colors. A palette of cheek colors, lip colors, and eye shadows will provide ample color options. Eye liner pencils, highlighting eye cream, lip pencils, and translucent powder will also be necessary in a makeup kit. Finally, add foam sponges, stipple sponges, powder puffs, blotting papers, applicators, and makeup remover for applying and adjusting makeup.<\/p>\r\n

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Makeup Types<\/h2>\r\n\r\n

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Choosing the appropriate makeup depends on several factors. Theater lights introduce cold tones, so makeup needs to add warmth and color to the face with reds and oranges. The type of performance, scene, costumes, and gender of the performers are all factors that determine the makeup and application technique used. Water-based makeup is easy to remove, but this type of makeup also tends to bleed easily. Oil-based makeup stays on effectively, but it is more difficult to remove.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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Basic Makeup Application<\/h2>\r\n

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Starting with a clean face, apply foundation in a shade slightly darker than the natural skin color. The darker color is important to ensure that a performer isn’t washed out by stage lighting. The foundation must cover not only the face but also the neck and ears. Rouge should complement the skin tone. Rouge starts at the middle of the cheeks and extends back toward the ears. For eyeshadow, choose a neutral shade for the brow bone area and a slightly darker shade for the eyelids, blending the two colors carefully where they meet. Brown or black eyeliner along the top lash line will define the eyes: The thicker the line, the more dramatic the effect. Lip liner in the same color as the lipstick will prevent the lipstick from bleeding and helps create a nicely defined lip shape. A dusting of translucent powder over theater makeup will help set it.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

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Becoming a Licensed or Certified Makeup Artist<\/h2>\r\n

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Makeup artistry programs can teach students the skills needed to succeed in theatrical makeup. Technical schools and beauty academies usually offer programs and classes to train makeup artists. While these skills include the standard application of makeup, students may also learn special techniques for creating animal or horror characters such as mold-making, sculpting, hair application, and designing eyes and teeth. A professional who is a licensed makeup artist will have completed an extensive cosmetology course of study with a specific number of class hours. This program involves learning about anatomy, physiology, and infection control as well as completing hours of both in-school training and clinical practice before taking a state exam to become licensed. A certified makeup artist has less training without the same level of regulation and testing as a licensed artist. A makeup artist can often become certified after completing a single makeup class. Both professionals can be skilled and talented, but a licensed makeup artist receives more training.<\/p>\r\n

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Home Theater and Makeup Resources<\/h2>\r\n\r\n

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