Makeup in Drama – JSS1 Cultural & Creative Arts Lesson Note (Third Term)

Makeup in drama is the use of cosmetics, paints and materials on an actor’s face and body to change their appearance for a performance.

• Character: helps the actor look like the person they play.
• Visibility: makes facial features clear from a distance under stage lights.
• Storytelling: creates special effects such as scars, bruises and spirit faces.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Define makeup in drama and state why it is used.
2. List the types of stage makeup.
3. Name the basic makeup materials and tools.
4. Describe the steps of basic makeup application.
5. State the safety and hygiene rules for using makeup.
6. Give examples of Nigerian traditional makeup.

What is the history of theatrical makeup?

Theatrical makeup has developed from masks and natural paints into modern cosmetics and special effects products.

• Ancient Greece and Rome: actors used masks and basic paints.
• Traditional Africa: face painting with natural materials such as chalk, charcoal and clay was common.
• Nigerian festivals: traditional performances such as Eyo, Egungun and other masquerades use painting, masks and costume.
• 19th century: modern stage makeup developed as theatres adopted gas lighting.
• Today: traditional techniques are combined with modern products.

Why is makeup important in drama?

Makeup is important in drama because it changes the actor into the character, makes the face visible, supports the story and creates atmosphere.

Character transformation

• Appearance: changes the actor to match the character.
• Age, health and status: shows how old, sick or wealthy the character is.
• Non-human roles: creates animals and spirits.
• Many roles: separates different characters played by one actor.

Visibility enhancement

• Distance: makes facial features visible to people far from the stage.
• Bright lights: stops stage lights from washing out natural features.
• Definition: sharpens the eyes, lips and face structure.
• Expression: lets the whole audience see the actor’s expressions.

Storytelling support

• Development: shows ageing or injury as the play goes on.
• Time and place: indicates the period and setting.
• Emotion: shows a character’s state, such as fear or illness.
• Plot points: shows scars and bruises that matter to the story.

Creating atmosphere

• Mood: establishes the mood and type of play.
• Effect: adds to the drama on stage.
• Design: fits with costume, lighting and set.
• Unity: makes a group of actors look like one company.

What are the types of stage makeup?

There are four types of stage makeup: straight, character, fantasy (special effects) and cultural (traditional).

Straight makeup

• Purpose: enhances natural features without changing the face.
• Skin tone: corrects colour for stage lights.
• Use: the most common type for realistic plays.

Character makeup

• Purpose: turns the actor into a specific character.
• Details: adds ageing, scars or other distinctive features.
• Structure: changes the apparent shape of the face.
• Facial hair: includes beards and moustaches.

Fantasy or special effects makeup

• Purpose: creates non-realistic looks.
• Examples: monsters, aliens and spirits.
• Effects: wounds, burns and supernatural looks.
• Materials: uses prosthetics and special products.

Cultural or traditional makeup

• Purpose: represents the traditions of a people.
• Markings: tribal marks and patterns.
• Designs: religious or ceremonial patterns.
• History: makeup of a past period.

What materials and tools are used in stage makeup?

Stage makeup uses four groups of items: foundation products, colour products, application tools and special effects materials.

Foundation products

• Pancake foundation: a pressed, solid foundation applied with a damp sponge.
• Cream foundation: a thick base that gives good cover.
• Liquid foundation: a light base for an even skin tone.
• Setting powder: fixes the base and prevents shine and smudging.

Colour products

• Eye shadow: adds colour to the eyelids.
• Lipstick and lip liner: colour and shape the lips.
• Blush or rouge: adds colour to the cheeks.
• Eyeliner and brow pencil: define the eyes and eyebrows.
• Coloured creams and paints: used for bold designs and face painting.

Application tools

• Sponges: natural and synthetic, for spreading foundation.
• Brushes: different sizes and shapes for different areas.
• Powder puffs: press setting powder onto the skin.
• Cotton swabs: fix small mistakes.
• Tissues and removers: clean the skin after use.

Special effects materials

• Spirit gum: an adhesive for beards and attached pieces.
• Fake blood: stage blood for wounds.
• Scar wax: a soft wax shaped into scars and wounds.
• Latex: a liquid rubber used for skin effects and prosthetics.
• Crepe hair: artificial hair for beards and moustaches.
• Bald caps: make an actor look bald.

What is basic colour theory in makeup?

Colour theory is the study of how colours relate to each other and how they affect the eye.

• Primary colours: red, blue and yellow.
• Secondary colours: green, orange and purple, made by mixing two primaries.
• Warm colours: red, orange and yellow, which seem to come forward.
• Cool colours: blue, green and purple, which seem to move back.
• Complementary colours: colours opposite each other on the colour wheel, such as red and green.
• Highlights: light colours that make a feature stand out.
• Shadows: dark colours that make a feature seem to sink in.

How do face shapes affect contouring?

Contouring is the use of dark and light shades to shape the face, and the approach depends on the face shape.

How is basic makeup applied?

Basic makeup is applied in six steps: preparation, foundation, contouring and highlighting, eye makeup, lip makeup and final details.

Step 1: Preparation

• Face: clean it thoroughly and apply moisturiser if needed.
• Hair: tie it back from the face.
• Clothing: cover it with a cape or towel.
• Materials: lay out all items within reach.

Step 2: Foundation application

• Shade: choose the correct shade for the character.
• Spreading: apply evenly with a sponge.
• Blending: blend into the hairline and neck.
• Setting: set with powder to prevent smudging.

Step 3: Contouring and highlighting

• Shadows: apply darker shades where depth is needed.
• Highlights: use lighter shades to bring features forward.
• Blending: blend carefully for a natural effect.
• Features: define the cheekbones, nose and jawline.

Step 4: Eye makeup

• Eyebrows: define them with pencil or shadow.
• Eyelids: apply a base colour, then darker colours for definition.
• Lining: line the eyes so they show from a distance.
• Mascara: apply it if the character needs it.

Step 5: Lip makeup

• Shape: define the lips with a liner.
• Colour: fill with a colour that suits the character’s age and style.
• Visibility: make sure the lips can be seen from a distance.

Step 6: Final details

• Blush: add rouge or blush to the cheeks.
• Balance: check the whole face.
• Powder: set with a final layer of powder.
• Effects: add special effects if required.

What are the age makeup techniques?

Age makeup uses shading and colour to make an actor look older or younger than they are.

Making an actor look older

• Lines: draw wrinkles with a brown pencil.
• Age spots: dab on brown dots (stippling).
• Grey hair: add grey or white to the hair and brows.
• Sagging: contour to suggest loose skin.
• Lips: use pale colour and reduce fullness.
• Eyes: add dark circles underneath.

Making an actor look younger

• Foundation: use a lighter shade.
• Colour: give the cheeks and lips a rosy tone.
• Skin: hide lines and blemishes for a smooth, even tone.
• Eyes: brighten them with fresh colours.
• Glow: add a little shine to suggest youth.

What are the basics of special effects makeup?

Special effects makeup creates wounds, scars and bruises that look real from the audience’s seats.

Creating scars

1. Use scar wax or latex to build the shape.
2. Blend the edges into the skin.
3. Colour with reds and purples.
4. Add shine if the wound is recent.

Making bruises and black eyes

1. Start with a red base.
2. Add purple and blue.
3. Add yellow-green at the edges.
4. Blend naturally, bearing in mind how old the bruise should look.

Using fake blood

• Product: use commercial stage blood.
• Washable: it must wash off skin and costume.
• Flow: apply it so it runs the way real blood would.
• Cleaning: clean it off immediately after use.

What is cultural and traditional makeup?

Cultural makeup is makeup that shows the traditions, beliefs and identity of a people.

What are Nigerian examples?

• Egungun masquerade: Yoruba ancestral masquerade with bold colours and designs.
• Gelede masks: Yoruba masks that honour women, with carved faces showing beauty.
• Tribal markings: marks that identify a people or community.
• Festival makeup: bright colours and patterns worn at celebrations.

What guidelines apply?

• Research: find out what the design means.
• Respect: keep the traditional meaning.
• Colours: use the colours the culture uses.
• Authenticity: copy the design correctly.
• Appropriation: avoid using a sacred design without understanding or permission.

What are the safety and hygiene rules for makeup?

Safety and hygiene rules protect the actor’s skin, eyes and health when makeup is used.

Personal safety

• Allergy test: test products on a small area of skin first.
• Eye makeup: never share it.
• Tools: use clean tools.
• Removal: remove makeup thoroughly.
• Expiry: avoid expired products.

Hygiene practices

• Hands: wash before application.
• Brushes and sponges: clean regularly.
• Sharing: use disposable applicators.
• Storage: keep makeup in a cool, clean place.
• Replacement: replace old products.

Skin care

• After the show: remove all makeup.
• Cleanser: use one that suits the skin.
• Moisturiser: apply it after cleaning.
• Rest: give the skin time without makeup between shows.
• Irritation: treat any irritation promptly.

What is the makeup design process?

The makeup design process has four steps: script analysis, character research, design creation and testing.

Step 1: Script analysis

• Character: read the character description.
• Setting: note the time period and place.
• Needs: identify special requirements.
• Change: note how the character changes through the play.

Step 2: Character research

• References: study pictures.
• Background: consider where the character comes from.
• Age and health: note both.
• Changes: plan changes through the play.

Step 3: Design creation

• Sketch: draw the makeup design.
• Palette: choose the colours.
• Products: list what is needed.
• Time: plan how long application will take.

Step 4: Testing

• Trial: try the design before the performance.
• Lighting: adjust it under stage lights.
• Approval: get the director’s approval.
• Record: document the final design.

What practice activities can students do?

1. Basic application: practise straight makeup on yourself.
2. Age exercise: make a classmate look older.
3. Character creation: design makeup for a fairy tale character.
4. Cultural research: study traditional Nigerian face painting.
5. Special effects: create a simple scar or bruise.

What career opportunities are there in makeup?

Makeup offers careers in theatre, film, fashion and traditional arts.

• Professional makeup artist: works for clients and events.
• Special effects artist: creates wounds, creatures and prosthetics.
• Film and television makeup artist: works on screen productions.
• Fashion and runway makeup artist: works on shows and photo shoots.
• Theatre makeup designer: plans the makeup for a play.
• Makeup instructor: teaches others.
• Traditional makeup specialist: works with cultural designs.

What tips help student makeup artists?

Student makeup artists improve by starting simply, practising often and keeping to hygiene rules.

1. Start simple: learn basic techniques first.
2. Practise: do it regularly.
3. Observe: study faces and features.
4. Learn: watch professional tutorials.
5. Kit: build your makeup kit gradually.
6. Mistakes: learn from them.
7. Records: photograph your work.
8. Hygiene: keep to the standards.
9. Care: be patient and precise.
10. Comfort: respect the actor’s comfort.

Evaluation

1. Define makeup in drama.
2. State four reasons why makeup is used in drama.
3. List the four types of stage makeup.
4. Name three application tools and three special effects materials.
5. State four safety or hygiene rules to follow when using makeup.

Assignment

1. Write out the six steps of basic makeup application in the correct order, with one action for each step.