Makeup and Costumes
As part of every production, all students cast in the show are required to wear makeup, style their hair, and wear appropriate costumes. Each look is determined by the costumer for each show. In selecting the look for a student, the costumer considers the show’s setting and the character the student is portraying. And yes, even boys are required to wear makeup!
Please take a look at this video demonstrating basic makeup for performances. Please keep in mind specific requirements may be requested for specific shows and characters. If no special requirements have been made, this is what each student should wear: Basic Theatre Makeup
JTC prides itself on having access to an extensive collection of costumes and accessories as well as high-quality makeup and wigs. However, there are several items which must be provided by each student. Below is a list of items separated by gender which are required or recommended for students participating in our shows. Additional items such as specific shoes, socks, tights, etc. are sometimes required, and these will be communicated as needed.
We recommend each student bring a bag to contain and organize all these items. The bag may be left in the dressing room between performances. All items owned by the student should be clearly marked.
Finally, we ask that all students shower daily during performances and dress rehearsals. Clean bodies will ensure our costumes last longer!
For Every Show
- Hair brush
- Comb
- Bobby pins matching hair color
- Pony tail holders – if hair is long (at least 2)
- Waterproof mascara
- Liquid eyeliner
- Deodorant
Nice To Have
JTC makes every effort to keep supplies as clean as possible. The following are supplies which JTC provides for communal use. If you would like to have your own, these are the specifics of what you should purchase:
- Ben Nye foundation and blush: These are specialty theatre foundations and blushes which work well under theatrical lights. It is required that every actor wear this foundation — not their own. Feel free to work with the shades JTC has to determine your perfect shade. These are links to purchase foundation and blush.
- Foundation applicators: The Ben Nye foundation is a pressed powder which is applied with a damp sponge. The particular sponges which work best are non-disposable sea sponges. These can be rinsed and sanitized in the microwave for future use. You can purchase them here: Amazon.com — makeup sponges
- For girls — Strapless bra: Bra straps should not be seen on stage. If your costume shows your straps, please invest in a strapless bra.
- For boys — Plain, white t-shirt: A fresh one for each performance.
- Hair spray: Maximum hold, aerosol-type.
- Eye shadow
- Wig cap
- Brow pencil
- Lipstick
- Makeup remover wipes
- Disposable eye-shadow applicators
Glossary
Occasionally you will be asked to provide a specific item. Below is a glossary of items for your reference:
- Bustier: close-fitting, sleeveless, strapless top, often elasticized, usually having boning or facing to give it shape. These are typically found at specialty retailers such as David’s Bridal. Can sometimes also be found at other retailers such as Target.
- Slip: undergarment worn beneath a dress or skirt to help it hang smoothly
- Camisole: loose-fitting undergarment for the upper body, typically held up by shoulder straps. Should be skin-tone colored to provide coverage under see-through costumes. Can be found in most lingerie departments.
- Spanx: A snug fitting undergarment for the entire torso or just the bottom. Compression shorts work as well. Skirt-wearing students whose underwear could be seen by the audience during movement should wear these.