Most people working in the performing arts will refer to the smell of greasepaint when they talk about life backstage. The success of any stage show, whether it's a play or a ballet, depends on more than just the performers' skills and talents. The stage set, the lighting, the costumes and the theatrical makeup can make or break the performance.
Take a stroll through the dressing rooms as the performers prepare and you'll likely see them sitting at heir mirrors, applying thick layers of eyeliner, mascara and other cosmetics. The reason for this is that, like in everyday application, those cosmetics enhance a person's features. It's even more important in the harsh lighting of the stage because the performer's facial expressions are crucial to how convincing their portrayal will be and those expressions can be difficult to see if the audience is seated far away.
Cosmetics also help to create a more convincing fantasy. No matter how great a performer's acting is, it will be difficult to convince the audience that the character is dying if the performer has rosy cheeks and glowing skin, for example. The right use of color can help the performer transcend the bounds of age, gender and even species to be any kind of character, from a bird to a fairy.
The cosmetics that are used on stage is usually much more long lasting than those for normal, everyday use. It's important that they should be resistant to water since performers sweat quite a lot on stage, both from the exertion physically and from the heat coming from the stage lights. The cosmetics also have to be heat resistant so as not to melt underneath the glare of the lights.
You may have noticed that when performers are wearing their makeup, they usually look like they've been overdoing it. In normal light the cosmetics do show up much more intensely but under the stage lighting, the performers will look just right. If the performers apply their makeup too subtly, you won't be able to see it on stage. Those thick layers of powder are essential too because they reduce shine.
The stage lighting has a huge effect on how a performer's face will look to the audience. Red light, for instance, can make cool tones appear grey while green light has the same effect on warmer tones. Pinkish lighting tends to be the most flattering. Before deciding on how to paint your face, have a talk with the lighting designer to find out what colors will be used.
During their theatrical training, performers often learn about most of the tricks of the trade, from lighting and props to how to apply makeup. You can also ask more experienced performers for advice on what would work best given the lighting and the character you're portraying. If you can, invest in the services of a professional makeup artist, especially for the all-important opening night.
There is a wide variety of theatrical makeup ranges available online and from suppliers for the theater industry. You'll even find kits specifically for certain types of characters, such as clown kits or animal kits. They make a fun present too, because they don't necessarily have to be used on stage. Imagine what a great Halloween costume you can create with the help of some good, durable cosmetics that won't coming off during tricking or treating.
Take a stroll through the dressing rooms as the performers prepare and you'll likely see them sitting at heir mirrors, applying thick layers of eyeliner, mascara and other cosmetics. The reason for this is that, like in everyday application, those cosmetics enhance a person's features. It's even more important in the harsh lighting of the stage because the performer's facial expressions are crucial to how convincing their portrayal will be and those expressions can be difficult to see if the audience is seated far away.
Cosmetics also help to create a more convincing fantasy. No matter how great a performer's acting is, it will be difficult to convince the audience that the character is dying if the performer has rosy cheeks and glowing skin, for example. The right use of color can help the performer transcend the bounds of age, gender and even species to be any kind of character, from a bird to a fairy.
The cosmetics that are used on stage is usually much more long lasting than those for normal, everyday use. It's important that they should be resistant to water since performers sweat quite a lot on stage, both from the exertion physically and from the heat coming from the stage lights. The cosmetics also have to be heat resistant so as not to melt underneath the glare of the lights.
You may have noticed that when performers are wearing their makeup, they usually look like they've been overdoing it. In normal light the cosmetics do show up much more intensely but under the stage lighting, the performers will look just right. If the performers apply their makeup too subtly, you won't be able to see it on stage. Those thick layers of powder are essential too because they reduce shine.
The stage lighting has a huge effect on how a performer's face will look to the audience. Red light, for instance, can make cool tones appear grey while green light has the same effect on warmer tones. Pinkish lighting tends to be the most flattering. Before deciding on how to paint your face, have a talk with the lighting designer to find out what colors will be used.
During their theatrical training, performers often learn about most of the tricks of the trade, from lighting and props to how to apply makeup. You can also ask more experienced performers for advice on what would work best given the lighting and the character you're portraying. If you can, invest in the services of a professional makeup artist, especially for the all-important opening night.
There is a wide variety of theatrical makeup ranges available online and from suppliers for the theater industry. You'll even find kits specifically for certain types of characters, such as clown kits or animal kits. They make a fun present too, because they don't necessarily have to be used on stage. Imagine what a great Halloween costume you can create with the help of some good, durable cosmetics that won't coming off during tricking or treating.
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