All acting majors and costume design/tech majors are required to take stage makeup as a part of their training. This two-quater course is designed to teach students the skills necessary to express their artistic choices through stage makeup. Students start by learning the principle of color, light, shadow face sculpting, age, and youth makeup. They are then taught a wide variety of other techniques, learning how to use wax, latex, crepe hair and fake blood to create effects. Over the course of twenty weeks, students gain confidence in their ability to extend their artistic vision as actors, designers, and technicians.
The makeup program also offers an advanced course during spring quarter for those who have completed the regular makeup sequence. In this class, students learn how to make prosthetics, ventilate wigs, and other advanced skills to further their abilities to transform themselves.
The makeup program is run by faculty member Nan Zabriskie, who has designed makeup, costumes, and sets for numerous productions throughout the country. A more detailed biography can be found under Faculty & Assistants.
Makeup Shop Guests
Michael Shannon came into the Makeup Shop this week to learn his makeup for the upcoming Off Broadway production of Mistakes Were Made directed by Theatre School faculty member Dexter Bullard. Nan Zabriskie will be flying to New York later this year to do makeup advising on the show.
