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

Makeup in drama refers to the cosmetics, paints, and materials applied to an actor’s face and body to transform their appearance for theatrical performances. Stage makeup helps actors become their characters, enhances facial features for visibility from a distance, and creates special effects that support the storytelling process.

Behavioural objectives

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

• define makeup in drama and state why it is used
• list the types of stage makeup
• name the basic makeup materials and tools
• describe the steps of basic makeup application
• state the safety and hygiene rules for using makeup
• give examples of Nigerian traditional makeup

What is the history of theatrical makeup?

• Ancient Greek and Roman actors used masks and basic paints
• In traditional African performances, face painting with natural materials (chalk, charcoal, clay) was common
• Nigerian traditional performances use makeup in festivals like Eyo, Egungun, and masquerades
• Modern stage makeup developed in the 19th century with gas lighting
• Today’s makeup combines traditional techniques with modern products and technology

Why is makeup important in drama?

Character transformation

• Changes actor’s appearance to match character
• Shows age, health, social status
• Creates non-human characters (animals, spirits)
• Distinguishes between multiple characters played by the same actor

Visibility enhancement

• Makes facial features visible from a distance
• Compensates for bright stage lights that wash out natural features
• Defines eyes, lips, and facial structure
• Ensures expressions can be seen by the entire audience

Storytelling support

• Shows character development (ageing, injury)
• Indicates time period and setting
• Reveals character’s emotional state
• Supports plot points (scars, bruises)

Creating atmosphere

• Establishes mood and genre
• Enhances dramatic effect
• Supports overall production design
• Creates unity in ensemble performances

What are the types of stage makeup?

Straight makeup

• Enhances natural features
• Corrects skin tone for stage lights
• Defines features without changing appearance
• Most common type for realistic plays

Character makeup

• Transforms actor into a specific character
• Adds ageing, scars, or distinctive features
• Changes face shape and structure
• Includes facial hair application

Fantasy or special effects makeup

• Creates non-realistic appearances
• Monsters, aliens, spirits
• Wounds, burns, supernatural effects
• Uses prosthetics and special materials

Cultural or traditional makeup

• Represents specific cultural traditions
• Tribal markings and patterns
• Religious or ceremonial designs
• Historical period makeup

What materials and tools are used in stage makeup?

Foundation products

• Pancake foundation (pressed powder)
• Cream foundation
• Liquid foundation
• Setting powder
• Various skin tone shades

Colour products

• Eye shadows
• Lipsticks and lip liners
• Blush/rouge
• Eyeliners and brow pencils
• Coloured creams and paints

Application tools

• Sponges (natural and synthetic)
• Brushes (various sizes and shapes)
• Powder puffs
• Cotton swabs
• Tissues and makeup removers

Special effects materials

• Spirit gum (adhesive)
• Fake blood
• Scar wax
• Latex
• Crepe hair
• Bald caps

What is basic colour theory in makeup?

• Primary colours: Red, blue, yellow
• Secondary colours: Green, orange, purple
• Warm colours: Red, orange, yellow (appear to come forward)
• Cool colours: Blue, green, purple (appear to recede)
• Complementary colours: Opposite colours that contrast
• Highlights: Light colours make features prominent
• Shadows: Dark colours make features recede

How do face shapes affect contouring?

How is basic makeup applied?

Step 1: Preparation

• Clean face thoroughly
• Apply moisturiser if needed
• Tie hair back from face
• Cover clothing with a cape or towel
• Organise makeup materials

Step 2: Foundation application

• Choose the correct shade for the character
• Apply evenly with a sponge
• Blend into hairline and neck
• Set with powder to prevent smudging
• Create an even base tone

Step 3: Contouring and highlighting

• Apply darker shades to create shadows
• Use lighter shades for highlights
• Blend carefully for a natural effect
• Define cheekbones, nose, jawline
• Enhance or minimise features as needed

Step 4: Eye makeup

• Define eyebrows with pencil or shadow
• Apply base colour on eyelids
• Add darker colours for definition
• Line eyes for visibility
• Apply mascara if appropriate

Step 5: Lip makeup

• Define lip shape with liner
• Fill with appropriate colour
• Consider character’s age and style
• Ensure visibility from a distance

Step 6: Final details

• Add rouge or blush to cheeks
• Check overall balance
• Set with final powder
• Add special effects if required

What are the age makeup techniques?

Making an actor look older

• Add lines and wrinkles with brown pencil
• Create age spots with brown stippling
• Add grey or white highlights in hair and brows
• Contour to show sagging skin
• Pale lips and reduce lip fullness
• Add dark circles under eyes

Making an actor look younger

• Use lighter foundation
• Create rosy cheeks and lips
• Minimise lines and blemishes
• Enhance eyes with bright colours
• Create smooth, even skin tone
• Add shine to suggest youthful glow

What are the basics of special effects makeup?

Creating scars

• Use scar wax or latex
• Build up the desired shape
• Blend edges into skin
• Colour with reds and purples
• Add shine for recent wounds

Bruises and black eyes

• Start with a red base
• Add purple and blue
• Add yellow-green at the edges
• Blend naturally
• Consider the age of the bruise

Fake blood

• Use commercial stage blood
• It must be washable
• Apply realistically
• Consider flow patterns
• Clean immediately after use

What is cultural and traditional makeup?

Nigerian examples

• Egungun masquerade: Bold geometric patterns
• Gelede masks: Feminine beauty ideals
• Tribal markings: Specific cultural identifications
• Festival makeup: Bright colours and patterns

Guidelines

• Research cultural significance
• Respect traditional meanings
• Use appropriate colours
• Maintain authenticity
• Avoid cultural appropriation

What are the safety and hygiene rules for makeup?

Personal safety

• Test products for allergies
• Never share eye makeup
• Use clean tools
• Remove makeup thoroughly
• Avoid expired products

Hygiene practices

• Wash hands before application
• Clean brushes and sponges regularly
• Use disposable applicators when sharing
• Store makeup properly
• Replace products regularly

Skin care

• Remove all makeup after performance
• Use an appropriate cleanser
• Moisturise skin
• Allow skin to breathe
• Treat any irritations promptly

What is the makeup design process?

Step 1: Script analysis

• Read the character description
• Note time period and setting
• Identify special requirements
• Consider how the character changes through the play

Step 2: Character research

• Study reference images
• Consider the character’s background
• Note age and health
• Plan changes throughout the play

Step 3: Design creation

• Sketch the makeup design
• Create a colour palette
• List required products
• Plan application time

Step 4: Testing

• Try the design before the performance
• Adjust under stage lights
• Get the director’s approval
• Document the final design

Practice exercises for students

1. Basic application: Practise straight makeup on yourself
2. Age exercise: Transform a classmate to 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?

• Professional makeup artist
• Special effects artist
• Film and television makeup
• Fashion and runway makeup
• Makeup designer for theatre
• Makeup instructor
• Traditional makeup specialist

Tips for student makeup artists

1. Start with basic techniques
2. Practise regularly
3. Study faces and features
4. Watch professional tutorials
5. Build your makeup kit gradually
6. Learn from mistakes
7. Photograph your work
8. Maintain hygiene standards
9. Be patient and precise
10. 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.
2. List five ways to make an actor look older.