Theatrical Makeup Artist Course

Lesson 1 • Colour Theory Fundamentals

Teaches the colour wheel, complementary relationships, and neutralisation. Provides the perceptual framework applied throughout every makeup technique.

Lesson 2 • Sanitation and Hygiene Standards

Establishes industry sanitation protocols to prevent cross-contamination. Directly supports safe practice in all subsequent hands-on chapters.

Lesson 3 • Skin Anatomy for Makeup Artists

Covers epidermis layers, skin types, and undertones relevant to product selection. Connects anatomical knowledge to safe, effective application.

Lesson 4 • Tools, Brushes, and Equipment

Introduces professional brush families, sponges, and specialty tools. Students learn to select the correct tool for each application technique.

Lesson 1 • Foundation Formulas and Coverage

Compares cream, greasepaint, water-activated, and airbrush foundations. Students select formulas based on production type, skin tone, and durability needs.

Lesson 2 • Setting and Longevity Techniques

Covers translucent powders, setting sprays, and baking methods for durability. Ensures makeup withstands performance conditions including sweat and heat.

Lesson 3 • Application Techniques for Even Coverage

Teaches stippling, buffing, and layering methods for seamless coverage. Builds manual dexterity skills used in all subsequent character makeup work.

Lesson 1 • Highlighting for Dimensional Effect

Covers matte and shimmer highlighters placed to project features under lights. Students learn to balance highlight intensity with production scale.

Lesson 2 • Sculpting Diverse Facial Structures

Applies contouring principles across varied face shapes and bone structures. Builds adaptability essential for working with a diverse cast.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Light and Shadow

Explains how stage lighting flattens features and how makeup compensates. Establishes the perceptual logic behind all contouring and highlighting decisions.

Lesson 1 • Lip Design and Colour Application

Covers lip lining, filling, and colour selection for stage readability. Teaches reshaping techniques to alter perceived lip size and shape.

Lesson 2 • Eye Makeup for Stage Visibility

Teaches liner, shadow, and lash techniques exaggerated for stage distance. Students balance drama with character authenticity and production style.

Lesson 3 • Corrective Eye Techniques

Addresses hooded, monolid, deep-set, and protruding eye shapes. Teaches adjustments that ensure visibility and flattery across all eye types.

Lesson 4 • Eyebrow Shaping and Styling

Covers brow mapping, blocking, and drawing techniques for character expression. Brow shape communicates age, emotion, and personality from a distance.

Lesson 1 • Age Progression Makeup Techniques

Teaches stippling, highlighting, and shadow to simulate ageing on young performers. Covers subtle middle-age through advanced elderly progression.

Lesson 2 • Makeup Design Boards and Continuity

Teaches creating professional design boards and continuity charts for productions. Ensures consistent looks across multiple performances and quick changes.

Lesson 3 • Period Makeup Research and Accuracy

Covers research methods for historical cosmetic practices across major eras. Students build reference libraries used throughout production design.

Lesson 4 • Script and Character Analysis

Teaches reading scripts for character clues including age, status, and arc. Analysis directly informs every design decision made in subsequent sections.

Lesson 1 • Introduction to Special Effects Makeup

Introduces SFX categories including wounds, burns, and texture effects. Establishes material safety and skin preparation protocols specific to SFX work.

Lesson 2 • Bald Caps and Hair Alterations

Covers applying vinyl and latex bald caps for age and character transformation. Teaches blending cap edges and integrating with wigs or natural hair.

Lesson 3 • Removal, Skin Care, and Aftercare

Teaches safe removal of adhesives, prosthetics, and SFX materials post-performance. Protects performer skin integrity across a long production run.

Lesson 4 • Foam Latex and Silicone Prosthetics

Teaches applying pre-made foam latex and silicone prosthetic pieces to performers. Covers adhesive selection, blending edges, and painting for realism.

Lesson 1 • Blending Hairlines and Lace Fronts

Covers adhesive application and makeup blending to conceal lace and wig edges. Seamless hairlines are critical for close-up camera and front-row visibility.

Lesson 2 • Facial Hair Application and Styling

Teaches applying crepe hair, lace beards, and moustaches for character transformation. Covers adhesion, trimming, and blending with natural facial hair.

Lesson 3 • Wig Preparation and Fitting

Covers pinning natural hair, applying wig caps, and securing wigs for performance. Proper fitting prevents slippage during movement-intensive scenes.

Lesson 4 • Wig Styling Techniques

Teaches setting, cutting, and styling wigs on a block for character looks. Students create period and contemporary styles using heat and wet-setting methods.

Lesson 1 • Strike, Inventory, and Portfolio Building

Teaches post-production cleanup, inventory reconciliation, and professional documentation. Students build a portfolio from production photography and design boards.

Lesson 2 • Pre-Production Planning and Budgeting

Covers building a makeup breakdown, sourcing products, and estimating costs. Efficient planning prevents shortages and overspending during production.

Lesson 3 • Run-of-Show Maintenance and Repairs

Covers daily makeup maintenance, prosthetic reuse, and mid-run repairs. Ensures consistent quality from opening night through the final performance.

Lesson 4 • Collaboration with Production Departments

Establishes protocols for working with directors, costume designers, and lighting teams. Effective collaboration ensures makeup integrates with the full production vision.