Theatrical Make-up
Makeup and the Actor
Makeup application is one of the fundamental tools used by any theatrical artist. It's just as important in film. Many actors are actually quite shy. Whether the performance is for a camera or a live audience, makeup helps many actors get into character. As with wearing a mask, makeup is as much a part of the alter ego of the character under portrayal as is the costume.
Makeup hides flaws, blotches, freckles, and even uncertainty. It enhances big green eyes, good cheekbones, and emotion. Putting on the makeup before a performance helps the actor focus and set the internal stage for his performance. In live performance, the contours of the face need to be brought out or the face flattens out. If the eyes are not accentuated, they almost disappear. The "faceless" actor cannot hope to hold the attention of the audience.
Creating the Role
Regardless of their school of technique, actors create a role or persona for themselves. To further that persona, they can use makeup and costuming to completely depart from their everyday selves. For some actors, putting on make-up can be a calming ritual.
All the make-up in the world will not make a performance by itself. But makeup transforms. It allows the actor to become someone else, be it a sequined diva or a monster from the bowels of hell. For many actors, it lends a mantle of confidence that becomes a stellar performance -- all that with a brush of blush and heavy eyeliner.
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