Theatrical Make-up - Animal Exploration
Arizona Essential Standards
Identify and demonstrate the basic physical
and chemical properties of the technical aspects of theatre.
Work collaboratively and safely to select
and create elements... of makeup that will suggest their designs.
Describe and compare responses to their
own works and works by others.
Materials
Old magazines
Scissors
Make-up supplies
brushes, sponges, cold cream or remover, tissue,
paper towels, junk shirts for covering
clothing, wide variety of make-up colors
Activity #1
Offer students a variety of old magazines
containing pictures of animals. Ask students to choose an animal
and cut out four or five different pictures of the animal. Pictures
should show as much facial detail as possible and can include realistic
and/or animated features.
Activity #2
Students can work independently, in pairs,
or in groups of three. It all depends on the available facilities,
supplies, and time restrictions. Have students begin by studying
the features of the animals and choosing a realistic, fantastic, or combination
style. Students will focus on one characteristic or feature and begin
exploring with line and color on the face. If students are in pairs
or small groups, allow time for students to switch or continue the project
another day.
For example: Let’s say one student focuses
on the eyes of a leopard and wants to work on a realistic design.
She will study her face or her partner’s face, comparing the shape and
size of the eyes, the distance between them, surrounding color and folds,
etc. with the eyes of the leopard. She will use brushes and sponges
to sketch out shape, and explore color on the face.
This is a beginning study of line, color,
and translation of animal features, characteristics, and patterns.
Students are not expected to have a complete make-up design at this time.
We are concentrating on the techniques and creativity of the process.
Discussion
Ask students what led them to decide on a
realistic or fantastic style; was there a particular
feature or pattern they were drawn to, and
how did they realize that aspect?
Discuss problems and the creative ways they
were overcome.
Allow time for students to ask others about
design specifics, color mixing, abstract
additions, etc.
Designed by S.R.
Pictures of the BIG Cats
Realistic
Make-up Design
Picture of Zebra
Stylized
Make-up Design
