How to Make a Budget for Makeup for a Theatrical Play

Being the Head of Makeup for a theatrical production is an important job. Turning an actor into a character through the use of makeup is a fulfilling accomplishment for any makeup artist. However, before the fun begins, the makeup and supplies have to be purchased. Determining what the budget for the show’s makeup will be takes some pre-planning. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Cast List
• Makeup charts
• Paper and pen
• Makeup color charts

How to Make a Budget for Makeup for a Theatrical Play

1. Make an inventory of makeup-if any-that the theater already owns. The best time to do this is after a show is over, while the items needed are fresh on your mind. If the inventory wasn’t done at that time, do it as soon as the show is cast. In addition to makeup, inventory makeup supplies such as sponges, brushes, cotton balls and swabs, paper towels, makeup remover and so on. Begin a list of items needed.
2. Makeup Chart Meet with the Director and Producer and go over the cast list. Ask the Director what he envisions for each actor. Use a makeup chart for each actor and make notes about these ideas.
3. Attend an early rehearsal and meet with each actor. First determine if they own stage makeup and note this on their makeup chart. Find out if they need something that they do not already own and add it to your list.
4. If an actor doesn’t own stage makeup, find out if they had allergies or sensitive skin. Certain types of stage makeup can irritate sensitive skin. Use the makeup color chart to select makeup for that actor. Under typical theater lights, the foundation base needs to be one shade darker than the actor’s skin color. Fill out their makeup chart.
5. Gather the makeup charts and count how many actors have their own makeup and how many will use the theater’s make. Also count how many actors have specialty makeup, such as age, animal, or special wigs. Make a shopping list based upon these charts.
6. Multiply the number of actors with their own makeup by 15. Multiply the actors without makeup by 20. Multiply the actors with specialty makeup by 25. Add these amounts; that is the basic makeup budget.
7. Take your shopping list to the store and get a general idea of the cost of the items. Be sure to round each item up to allow for price changes. Add the tax percentage to that amount. Add this to the basic makeup budget. If there is not a local place to purchase theatrical makeup, add postage. Based upon the size cast, add an addition $50 to $100 to cover unexpected expenses. This is your budget

Tips & Warnings

• Theatrical makeup costs about the same street makeup and lasts longer. Theatrical foundation base weighing ½ ounce has approximately 150 to 175 applications.
• Keep receipts from each show to help plan the budget for the next show.
• The $15, $20 and $25 amounts are not set in stone. You might have to adjust these amounts based upon price changes and the difficulty of the show.

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