Stage makeup is a critical part of every performance.
The Greeks, who helped create drama, hid the actor’s face behind masks as not to offend the gods. The Japanese used a stylized form of makeup for their Kabuki theater. In Shakespeare’s time, men disguised as women played the female parts, complete with makeup, wigs and dresses. Throughout theatrical history, the role of the makeup artist has been an important one that required skill and artistry to achieve the proper effect for the character. Creating an elderly character is among the most challenging assignment, but one easy to learn and master with experience.
Instructions
Applying Old Age Makeup
1. Wash the face, neck and hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. Pull the hair back away from the face and put a towel around the shoulders. Wipe the skin with cotton balls dipped in an astringent to close the pores. Let the skin dry naturally. Record a log of each makeup item, manufacturer and shade for the character.
2. Mix equal amounts of the darker and normal skin tone foundations on the palette to create the base. Apply an even amount with a makeup brush, working down the face and following the natural contours. Make sure to brush it into the hairline and on the neck, ears and back of hands. Blend it with a sponge over the skin and down the chin and neck. Dab with a tissue to remove excess.
3. Wrinkle the forehead to produce frown lines. Use the darker foundation to brush shadow on the lines. Brush frown lines around the eyes, nose and lips. Follow the veins on the back of the hands for shadows. Use the lighter foundation to brush a highlight under each shadow and sponge to blend it. Dab with a tissue to remove excess.
4. Apply the darker foundation under the eyes, jaw line and cheekbones to create a sunken or sagged appearance. Apply a highlight to each shadow; then blend it with a sponge. Brush a highlight down the center of the nose and blend it down the sides to give dimension to the nose. Dab with a tissue to remove excess.
5. Examine the makeup under stage lights. Shadows and highlights should look natural, and be visible throughout the theater. Reapply a shadow or highlight, if necessary. If makeup is approved, apply face powder to seal the makeup, so it does not run or shine under stage lights. Put on a wig and costume to complete the character's appearance. Record all makeup applications in the log for reference.
