Friday, January 17, 2014

Why And How Performers Use Theatrical Makeup

By Amanda Bean


There are few places as exciting as backstage just before and during a theater performance. The sense of anticipation, the running around to get everything just right, the peeking through the curtains to see how big the audience is and the smell of the greasepaint all contribute to the magic of show business. That greasepaint is actually much more important than one might think. The use of theatrical makeup can enhance the performance but it can also completely ruin it if it's not applied correctly.

Much of the performer's preparation in the dressing room involves the application of makeup. It might be tempting to go on stage au natural but this is rarely a good idea. The intensity of stage lighting can easily make your face look washed out and because you're quite a distance from the audience, it's easy for your facial expressions to 'disappear'. Some cosmetics to enhance your features will counteract this and bring warmth and personality to your performance.

Cosmetics also help to transform the performer into the character he or she is portraying, whether it's a person or an animal. The clever use of different colors can make a healthy, sporty young woman look like a tragic heroine dying of tuberculosis or it can make a young teenager look like an old man. It can even help someone transform into someone of a different gender or ethnic background.

Stage makeup tends to be more heavy-duty than cosmetics for everyday use. This is because it has to withstand the heat of the stage lights without melting away. In addition, the exertion of performing, especially for dancers or for a dramatic or operatic role that requires lots of physical activity, will cause you to sweat, so water-resistant cosmetics are a must.

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 way that the colors show up is also affected by the colors of the lights used. Green light, for instance, will make reddish colors look grey while yellows and blues will take on a greener tone. Red light will have the opposite effect, making warm colors stand out more and cool colors look grey. The best lighting for makeup tends to have pink tones.

Theater schools usually teach their students about all aspects of show business, including the application of makeup. This means that good performers usually know how to apply their stage faces themselves. However, some theater companies and individual artists also employ the services of an expert, especially for opening night.

Theater supply stores usually sell theatrical makeup but you can also order products online. There are even special kits available for transforming yourself into certain types of character, for instance animals or clowns. You don't even have to be a performer to be able to use these products. They're great for Halloween, theme parties or for painting your face in your team's colors on match day.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment