It seems like try-outs were just yesterday, however, I realize that the Guild is
now well into two months of rehearsals and that the actual performance dates
will be here very soon. As I will be your " Cosmetic Coordinator" again this
year, I thought it would be helpful to offer some tips. The Theatre Guild
provides all make-up for each performance. However, because of the large cast,
I cannot guarantee that the choice of colors will match your particular skin
tone or that that cheek color, lip color, or eye colors will be to your liking.
Also, I recognize that for hygenic reasons, some individuals prefer not to share
(we do provide make-up spatulas, individual mascara wands, and individual eye
shadow applicators). Therefore, I offer the following thoughts:
1) There are a number of theatrical specialty stores which sell full make-up
kits and singular products. I would suggest that if you are concerned about the
make-up base matching your particular skin tone, visit one of these specialty
stores and purchase a base color that suits you. In the past, some of our
female performers have preferred to use the same base they wear daily. This is
fine . . . but remember, your will need a heavier application for performances;
2) For mascara, I would purchase the stuff in the hot pink tube with the lime
green top (Maybelline, I think). It is economical and goes on relatively thick.
From personal experience, purchase the "waterproof" kind. The non-waterproof
tends to smear in normal daily wear, so you can imagine what is going to happen
if you perspire under those hot stage lights. This may be purchased at any
grocery, drug, or discount store (i.e. Target, Wal-Mart, etc.);
3) For Eye Shadow colors, any economical brand will do. Ladies you may desire
to try and coordinate colors with your costumes. Gentlemen, I know how anxious
most of you are to wear this stuff, so I recommend "neutral colors". I suggest
anything in the creme, beige, tan, and brown family. If you decide to purchase
your own, get two colors . . . a light color for all over and a darker color for
contrast;
4) The Guild has several pink and coral cheek colors to pick from and I will be
adding a few more;
5) The Guild also has a variety of lipcolors in the pinks and corals. However,
for the ladies I know that we all tend to have a few favorite colors that we use
most of the time, so you are free to bring these or if you want. I will be
trying to purchase more of a light bronze color that was very popular with the
gentlemen last year. Guys, if you do want to purchase this for yourself, stick
to the lighter neutral colors that will enhance your appearance. Since we are
not doing "Cabaret", only the female cast members lip color should be
distinuishable from the audience;
6) Eyeliner always helps, but I know some people have a problem drawing on lines
or flinch when another party is aiming pencil at their eye. We did not make
this mandatory last year, so we will take the same approach this year, unless
our Director says you absolutely need it;
7) If purchasing your own powder, you can purchase for a specialty store or any
translucent blend will do;
8) Lastly, there will be products available to clean your face at the end of
each show. However, if you have sensitive skin or use a dermatologist
recommended product, you may want to bring that.
Check the Announcements again next week for a list of "specialty" stores where
theatre make-up can be purchased, if you desire to go this route. Or . . check
with your fellow performers for recommendations. Remember too, mascara, eye
shadow, lip color, and cheek colors can be purchased at any grocery, drug, or
discount store, or any beauty supply store. Again, please remember, you are
NOT required to purchase your own make-up. These are just suggestions for those
of you want your own personal kits.
Lastly, I will be at the theatre before each performance to provide assistance.
If you have any questions or need any assistance in this area, just let Jill,
Bill or Mike know and I will be glad to come to some practices and give you
ideas.
As promised, I am providing names of several places that specialize in
costuming, props, and theatrical make-up for those of you interested in
purchasing your own make-up. Again, for those of you who choose not to purchase
your own make-up, there will be products available for you supplied by the
Guild. I will be checking with Jill regarding any special make-up requests she
may have. If you choose to purchase your own, you may want to ask her (before
you spend money) if she has any special requirements for your character.
In speaking with Rae Lynn, this is where
she purchased a theatrical make-up kit last year.
In looking over the cast list for this year, most everyone involved has had
prior theatre experience and knows ( . . or should know by now) how to apply
their make-up for the show. Because I am also helping Tom Miller with Sound
this year, my time will be split and I cannot spend the entire time doing
make-up before the show each night. Therefore, I need the experienced
performers to be responsible for applying their own make-up ( . . you need
only to have appeared in one other theater production to qualify as
"experienced"), so that I can offer more time those less experienced. Those of
you who are less experienced, I assure you you will be pros at this by about the
third show. You can and should seek input from your fellow performers too.
Remember, if Sir Evelyn can learn to apply mascara, you can too!!! I have
already spoken to Jill regarding this plan. Usually, during Dress Rehearsal
week, Jill will require full make-up at least one night. She and I will both
offer comments if we think you need to do anything different on your make-up.
Thank you all for your help in this!!!!
StCyrilTheatre@hotmail.com
More Make-up:
bill@advantagegolf.com
