I chose to do makeup for Wicked because I know the source material more than the other option, Labyrinth. I’ll be doing a makeup look for the character Madame Morrible, a witch and teacher at Shiz University. I’m going to research the wicked musical, book and my character to get a better understanding of the material. I’ll also be researching theatre makeup and wigs so I know what the expectations are and how the industry works.
Theatre Research
What is Theatre makeup?
From my own experience, I know that the main things to consider for theatre makeup is lighting, distance and longevity. Theatre makeup needs to be two shades darker than the actors skin tone and colours need to be more vibrant because the lights will wash it out. Because the audience is further away, everything needs to be more exaggerated to be seen. This also means it doesn’t have to be perfect but shapes need to be more defined. Makeup for theatre needs to be completely matte both so it lasts longer and because if the lights hit something sparkly or shiny, it’s very distracting for the audience.
Wigs
Wigs are a key part of theatre. Wigs allow actors who’s natural hair doesn’t match the character without completely changing their hair for every show. They help show the time period and setting of the performance. Wigs also help save time because it’s faster to style a wig before a long running production and simply prep it after each show and put it on an actor’s head than it would be to style an actor’s hair every day before shows.
References:
https://patriciastrongcreatives.com/role-of-make-up-and-wigs-in-theatre-and-film-production
Case Studies
Joe Dulude II
Joe Dulude II is an American makeup designer on Broadway, who has worked on many shows including Wicked and Beetlejuice. He has also worked in fashion, editorial and film and tv.
His interest in makeup started from watching old horror movies as a child. He did theatre in high school and university, working both on stage and backstage and took one theatre makeup class in college and after that, designed makeup for a production of Sweeney Todd at his university. He worked in a clothing shop where he applied makeup for photoshoots and fashion shows and worked in MAC later on as a cashier.
Magazine, O.M. (2022). PROFILE: JOE DULUDE II – On Makeup Magazine. [online] On Makeup Magazine. Available at: https://www.onmakeupmagazine.com/profile-joe-dulude-ii/.
Joe Dulude II. (n.d.). Joe Dulude II. [online] Available at: https://www.joedulude2.com/.
Wicked Research
Wicked is a musical written by Winnie Holzman and produced by Marc Platt and David Stone, based on the book ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ by Greggory Maguire. The book is based on the film ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and the book ‘ The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’ by L. Frank Baum.
Plot and Themes
‘Wicked’ acts as a prequel and retelling of The Wizard of Oz, focusing on the witches Elphaba and Glinda and their time at Shiz University in the first act and the second act focuses consequences of the actions from the first.
The themes of the musical are oppression and fascism and how different people react to it based on their position in society.
Madame Morrible
I’ve seen the film Wicked, which covers the first act of the musical. Morrible is portrayed as a cold, manipulative headteacher and ally to the Wizard who is power hungry and dangerous. She tutors Elphaba because she thinks that her and the Wizard can use her to push their propaganda and control of Oz, but when Elphaba finds out the Wizard is the one oppressing the animals and refuses to join him, Morrible and the Wizard make the public see her as the Wicked Witch of the West.
Morrible is also a witch who specialises in weather magic, which has been shown throughout her portrayals by giving her hairstyles reminiscent of clouds.