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Stage Makeup

    Stage Makeup Editor's Picks

    • How to Do Stage Makeup

      Applying makeup for stage is an art in which cosmetics are the paints, and the human face is the canvas. Different situations require different makeup application techniques. Stage makeup is applied in a very dramatic manner to ensure the audience can see the actor's visual expressions. Makeup artists apply stage makeup in a way that... more »

    • How to Put on Stage Makeup

      If you are performing in a play or musical, or are participating as part of the stage crew, stage makeup is an important factor. Because the cast is at a distance from the audience, you will need to apply makeup differently than you would for everyday occasions. On the stage, men as well as women will require makeup. Once you learn... more »

    • How to Do Stage Makeup for Old Women

      Part of putting on a convincing theatrical production is making the characters believable through use of props and makeup. If you are planning to host a production featuring an elderly woman, you'll want to make sure the makeup is done just right, so your actress wows the audience. more »

    • How to Apply Stage Makeup to Look Old

      Stage makeup is gentle enough to use repeatedly and lasts only a few hours. There are subtle techniques of makeup used for intimate media, such as film and television, where the audience sees every line on a character's face; and there are more broad applications for grand settings such as opera, dance and the theatre, where makeup is... more »

    • How to Find Theatrical Makeup Classes in Michigan

      Stage actors are seen from further away than actors on the screen, making their makeup more specialized. Many higher-learning institutions have drama departments where all aspects of theater are taught, including the art of theatrical makeup. Some independent agencies provide theatrical makeup and staging classes, as well. Here's how... more »

    Stage Makeup Quick Guides

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    Wikipedia

    Theatrical makeup

    In the performing arts, stage makeup is used by actors to assist in creating the appearance of the characters they portray.

    Background

    In Greek and Roman theatre, makeup was unnecessary. Actors wore various masks, allowing them to portray another gender, age, or entirely different likeness . Thespis, considered to be the first actor, used white lead and wine to paint his face. In Medieval Europe, actors altered their appearances by painting their faces a different color. Performers who portrayed God painted their faces white or gold; actors playing angels painted their faces red . During the Renaissance, actors were creative and resourceful when making-over their faces. They used lambs wool for false beards and flour as face paint..

    Advancements in Stage lighting technology required stage makeup to evolve beyond one over-all face color to a multi-dimensional craft. Originally, theatres used candles and oil lamps, these two sources of light were dim and allowed for crude, unrealistic makeup applications . Once Gas lighting, Limelight, and, Electric light was introduced to theatres, there became a need for new makeup materials and more skillful application techniques. In 1873, Ludwig Leichner, a Wagnerian opera singer, began commercially producing a non-toxic greasepaint stick, easing the application of makeup.

    Highlight and Shadow

    Through the use of makeup, specifically highlighting and shading, the shape of an actor’s face can be changed(Corson 6). By highlighting the faces protruding bones, the features become pronounced; shadowing cavities can add depth (Westmore 2). Sagging jowls, forehead wrinkles, eye pouches, and prominent veins can be created by manipulating highlights and shadows (Corson 8). A highlight is a base makeup that is at least two shades lighter than the base. It is applied on the bridge of the nose, cheekbones, and areas under the eyes and below the brows (Westmore 29). Using a color two shades deeper than the read more at » http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theatrical+makeup

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