Make Up:

I always recommend using a foundation makeup that matches your natural skin color as closely as possible. By doing so, you can apply the foundation down to just a little below your jawbone, then blend it into your neck with your fingers, and no one can tell where the makeup stops. By not carrying the makeup all the way down into your collar, you make the costumer much happier.

I have my own personal preferences in regard to makeup (Kryolan AquaColor, to be specific), but I'm not a religious zealot about it. I have no objections to people using Ben Nye, or Stein, or Mehron, or whatever they're accustomed to using. In your case, it might be advisable to buy some foundation that matches your skin tone and that is advertised as hypoallergenic, to avoid the reaction you mention.

Ruddigore cast members are encouraged to bring their own favorite makeup with them, but for those who can't fit it into their luggage, or just don't have any, I'll be shopping for makeup here and bringing a minimal (within our budget, I hope) supply for the company with me.

We all come from widely separated locations and have widely differing methods of doing makeup, usually according to the traditions of our "home" company. It would be nice if, for this production, we all used the same techniques (if the deciding vote is with me, I vote for "my way"). But again, I'm not fanatic about that, though I will suggest it. I'll be bringing makeup sketches and diagrams to help simplify the process. If time and schedules permit, I'd like to have a makeup workshop at which we can talk through the procedures and special requirements for character makeup (such as the ghosts).

As all of the ghosts must be created during the interval, I'd like to recruit as many women from the chorus as are willing to help me do that, so that we can get them all done in the time allotted. Anyone who wants to volunteer to help with general makeup, too, will be welcomed with open arms.

Looking forward to working with you all,

Dave Kirby

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