As I mentioned in my May 21, 2008 blog, one of the joys of retirement is being involved in theatre as an actor. I am re-cooping from my latest adventure into our community theatre production of Oliver with 110 folks in the cast.  Yes, you heard me right, 110; over 70 being the orphans and Fagin’s gang. In each production I always learn something new.  This time I learned about under eye makeup and seeing in a blackout. 

Makeup Tips

As I was playing Old Sally, a drunken sot who dies in her one scene where she admits to stealing Oliver’s mother’s locket when she died giving birth to Oliver, I decided to darken my teeth, have a cough, and make myself look like I was on death’s door.

On page 200 of my book The Drama Teacher’s Survival Guide I included a picture of myself as a pirate.  One of the ways I accomplished this was to paint on white eyebrows.  I used this eyebrow technique and originally put dark brown/black above and below my eyes but changed to dark purple.  It carried so much better.  I also lined my upper and lower lid with brown liner along with frown lines and lip lines.  I also was very lucky to have a great costume that only enhanced this very simple makeup.

Seeing in a Blackout

As there were many blackouts during the show our director gave us a super technique for seeing in the dark — close your eyes! As soon as the lights go out, close your eyes and then open them and you can see.  If only I had known this years ago!  I mentioned this to a friend of mine and she nodded — that is how she gets up in the middle of the night and turns on a light in the house — she closes her eyes, turns on the switch and then she isn’t blinded by the change from dark to light. Such a simple solution to a somewhat dangerous situation. 

I am now working on Queen Margaret in Richard III. I have directed and taught Shakespeare but never acted in a show — another new experience for me.