Friday, October 3, 2008

The Many Uses of Theatrical Makeup for Halloween Costumes

By Susan West

On Halloween night, regular 'ol everyday makeup is just not going to do! Time to break out the hard stuff; theatrical makeup. With a dab of this and a dash of that, theatrical makeup can transform you into whomever, or whatever you want to be. Not too mention those characters that require much face makeup, such as clowns and mimes. A person would be hard pressed to create the striking clown look without the use of theatrical makeup.

Halloween is such as fun holiday, since both children and adults can dress up as anything imaginable. Stage makeup can be used to make a cute little girl look like a fairy, or even a little boy look like the scariest vampire. Stage makeup can be used to create scars or wounds for those dressing up as zombies and goblins, or it can be used to put fake blood on a witch or other magical character. Stage makeup can make the young look old, the old look young, and the prettiest look like an ugly hag. Theater makeup is great to achieve almost any look for Halloween, and it is fun for all ages.

Since theater, makeup can transform anyone into something very different; it is good for school plays and other performances. The use of stage makeup can alter a child or adult into a yellow daisy or a red apple. While performing in classroom history plays a child can use stage makeup to add wrinkles, a beard or mustache to appear older. Children can enact as any favorite cartoon, movie or fairy tale character while putting on a play and using stage makeup. Since stage makeup is easy to use, a child can transform into almost anything for a school play.

Mimes and clowns make use of Halloween clown makeup to complete their appearance, which really offers the children some good laughs. Mime performers, while painting their entire face white and then adding various colors in different designs and shapes around the eyes and mouth often use clown makeup. Children are thoroughly entertained at birthday parties and other events by clowns and mimes in their colorful stage makeup.

Theater makeup works for adding additional characteristics to almost any character, such as pointed ears or fake wounds. The theater makeup helps to blend the prosthetic parts onto the face and other parts of the body, making them look much more realistic than if they didn't have any makeup. Moles can be added for a witch costume, and funny ears can be applied for fairy or elf costumes. The theater makeup can also add additional effects to the latex prosthetic pieces, such as adding fake blood or pus by using different colors.

Once you have stage makeup you'll be surprised how often you really can use it. Fan of any particular sports team? Every wanted to be an "A"? Get out the appropriate color and get to painting! If it's too cold to go shirtless, simply paint your face. What better way to introduce little Johnny and Suzy to the world of athletics, but with a little team spirit?

Theatrical makeup is surprisingly versatile. Obvious uses include creating ghosts, goblins, vampires and witches on Halloween (how can you be the wicked witch without her signature mole?). But it also comes in handy for those quarterly school plays. Try to think of creative ways to use the makeup. School carnival? Be a face painter! Every little girl wants a little heart or butterfly on her cheek. Sporting event? Get into the spirit with those team colors! There are numerous uses for stage makeup. Don't be afraid to add a little dash here and there for dramatic effect. Edited by Glinda Zuladra - 15252

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