Make-Up For Theater And For Fun

Ellen Dennis, Professor of Costume Design and Stage Make-up in the Theater Arts Department at Southern Oregon State College, is the instructor for this in-depth look at the art and craft of creating makeup for theatrical productions. Following an introduction by Pat Patten, the Associate Director of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, the first tape introduces basic concepts such as character analysis, facial structure, effective use of light and shadow, make-up charts, and color wheels. Moving from idea to practical application, Dennis next takes viewers on a tour of the make-up kit (chockfull of the specialized powders, oils, gums, brushes, and pencils of the trade). A model is then brought on for an extensive "corrective" makeup ("corrective" here is an industry term for basic make-up for the stage; it is not a pejorative word). The last two segments on the first tape demonstrate period make-up (the model is made up for a 1940s look), and how to put on a wig (including a brief introduction to creating hair pieces and wigs). The second tape has an extended, and fascinating, step-by-step creation of the "old age" look, followed by detailed instruction on working with hair pieces, and the grand finale: a fantasy make-up session, in which a young woman is made-up like a tiger. This one of a kind production is not the slickest item on the market, but it does provide a good introduction to the subject. Recommended. (Available from: Ashland Video Productions, 341 Mowetza, Ashland, OR 97520.)