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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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