Theatrical Make-Up: Getting into the Characters

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In the performing arts, it is necessary that the actors are equipped with the proper costumes and other necessary accessories to help them carry out their characters effectively. Aside from that, it is essential that they have the right make-up such that their appearance will be appropriate for the roles that they are going to portray.

By using these enhancements, the apparent shape of the performer’s face will certainly be changed, like they would appear to have sagging jowls, eye pouches, protruding bones, prominent veins, and more. Especially if the play deals with spooky themes, then a lot of highlighting and shading needs to be done so that artists will appear to look really scary.

Now, there a number of cosmetics styles that are commonly used theatres such that the actors will look more effective in the characters that they portray. Here is a list of some of the most popular ones.

Straight
This style of make-up is intended to make the performers look most realistic with the roles they are going to portray. This is usually done by applying some foundation to let them have a more even skin tone. Aside from that, mascaras and eyeliners are also used so that their eyes will look more noticeable especially from the faraway parts of the hall. Also, fake eyelashes are sometimes utilised to add more glamour and effect.

Kabuki
This a popular Japanese theatre art which usually uses a variety of colours to display the appropriate emotions that the actors need to carry out. Normally, these tints have different meanings: gray indicates dreariness, pink means light, purple represents mobility, and black signifies terror.

Fantasy
Since this type of category usually involves witches and fairies, the make-up artist can definitely make use of his vivid imagination and creativity. Especially for vampires, he can put white tints on the performers’ faces to make them look pale, and use black eye shadows to make them appear more creepy.

These are some of the most common make-up styles used in theatres. By using cosmetics, the actors will be able to carry out their roles more effectively.

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