Course Syllabus
Course: THEA 1223
Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
Department: Theater Arts
Title: Stage Makeup
Semester Approved: Spring 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2026
End Semester: Fall 2027
Catalog Description: This course is a practical examination into the techniques and artistry of makeup for the theatre. The primary focus is on one- and three-dimensional techniques in corrective, aging, character and period styles.
Semesters Offered: Fall, Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 1; Lab: 2
Prerequisites: none
Corequisites: none
Justification: As a result of this course, students will develop a general background in stage makeup techniques that they will need as they pursue a career in theatre. This course will also serve as introductory training for those wishing to go into makeup design as a profession.This course is offered by most theatre departments throughout the state as a lower-division credit. This course fills a lower-division core for theatre, and similar courses exist at most other four-year institutions in the state of Utah.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to identify and understand the structures of the human skull and facial muscles. Students will demonstrate their understanding through demonstration, in-class participation, reading reflections, and applications.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to execute detailed makeup application techniques. Students will demonstrate their ability through in-class participation of demonstrations and applications, and actual practice through lab hours on Snow College main-stage productions.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to use makeup skills to develop individual characters appropriate to a wide range of plays. Students will demonstrate their skills through demonstration, in-class participation and applications based upon selected play texts.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to identify the major facial differences of the aging process. Students will demonstrate their ability through demonstration, in-class participation, and application practice/projects in the the application of age techniques, covering middle-age, old-age, and potentially the use of latex, prosthetics, and other methods.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to apply makeup techniques from different historical periods. Students will demonstrate their ability and understanding through demonstration, in-class participation, and reading responses.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to explore specialty techniques like wounds, non-human elements, fantasy, etc. Students will demonstrate their ability through demonstration, in class participation, and actual practice in the creation and use of makeup to create a fantasy character through applications and the final project.
Content:
This course will include lectures, demonstrations, studio work and play reading. Topics taught in this class will include:Unit 1. Discussion of the history of makeup and its practical uses on the stage.Unit 2. Understanding the physiology of the face and skull and its importance in creating effective makeup designs.Unit 3. Practical examination of corrective makeup techniques. Unit 4. Practical examination of middle-aged techniques. Unit 5. Practical examination of old-aged techniques. Unit 6. Practical examination of latex old-aged techniques. Students will gain experience through demonstration and actual practice in the application of latex to create the aging effects.Unit 7. Practical examination of prosthetic techniques, beard and mustache techniques.Unit 8. Practical examination of historical techniques. Unit 9.Practical examination of fantasy techniques.Readings, selections, and articles presented to students come from various sources, offering a broader scope of stage make up to students. Students will explore the use of makeup throughout historical periods and cultures. Demonstrations, projects, and assignments are presented without gendering or stereotype. The use of makeup may be explored by anyone but can be a sensitive topic.
Key Performance Indicators:
Students will be evaluated on:
Attendance/participation 20 to 40%
Reflection assignments (reading/performance) 10 to 15%
Makeup applications 20 to 40%
Lab hours 10 to 20%
Final exam 5 to 15%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Foundations of Stage Makeup by Daniel Townsend, Focal Press. (current edition)
Ben Nye Makeup Kit:Component selection based on skin tone: Five Creme Foundations, Creme Contour Wheel (Cheek Rouge, Lip Color, and two Creme Colors), Highlight, Shadow, two Creme Colors, Pressed Rouge, Eyebrow Pencil, Lip Pencil, Black Pencil, Nose & Scar Wax, Hair Color, Translucent Face Powder, Spirit Gum, Spirit Gum Remover, Quick Cleanse, Stage Blood, Rouge Brush, Velour Powder Puff, Latex Sponge, Stipple Sponge, Flat Brushes No. 0 and No. 6, Eyebrow/Lash Comb, Swab Applicators.
Pedagogy Statement:
This course will include, lectures, demonstrations, textbook reading, lab hours, and class projects/applications. Students will be expected to work on assigned portions of each of the Snow College Theatre Department's main-stage theatrical productions.Via demonstration days, practice days, and application days, students will explore the topics of this class.Students are encouraged to critically and respectfully critique their own and others work in an environment where all voices and perspectives are welcome. Students will develop increased skills and abilities in working as a collaborative member of a creative team in an open atmosphere. As part of this learning environment the instructor will work with the needs of each individual student regarding circumstances that may prevent the successful completion of this course.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Maximum Class Size: 17
Optimum Class Size: 12
