For my first task, I have been asked to research the roles of the makeup artist, hair stylist, stage manager and the director of a production team.
Makeup artist:
The makeup artist is responsible for manipulating a person’s appearance, using a range of products, to create a character. Makeup artists must consider lighting, hair, props, costumes, and characteristics/personality of a character, as well as the story/script itself. Without makeup, it would be difficult for an audience to read and understand a character.
On a production team there are 4 types of makeup artist: key makeup artist, makeup artist, makeup artist’s assistants, and a special effects makeup artist. They key makeup artist is the head of the makeup team. They are responsible for designing character makeup, assigning Mua’s to actors, overseeing the makeup artists and working on main characters and complicated designs. A makeup artist’s job is to work on a range of cast members, support and work openly with the whole team, and execute the key makeup artist’s designs on the actors. A makeup artist’s assistant is there to organise the Mua’s kit and workspace, assist with application where needed, and photograph an Mua’s work, to ensure consistency throughout designs in the case of a re-take or touch up. And finally, a Special effects (SFX) makeup artist is there to apply or assist with prosthetic pieces, and create effects, such as cuts and bruising.
Hair stylist:
Hair stylists are responsible for creating hair styles to compliment a character’s style and personality. Like the Mua, a hair stylist has a lot of factors to consider when planning a design, such as lighting, props, costume, height and weight of design, length of hair, face shape, hair colour, time period in which the event is set, character personality, and much more. Hair stylists may also need to add extra steps into their routines, such as cutting and/or dyeing hair, applying wigs, and treating and/or shampooing hair.
On a production team, you have a key hair stylist, and a hair stylist. The key stylist’s job is to oversee and supervise the work of the stylists, as well as creating and assigning designs. The stylist is responsible for executing these designs to the best ability, and then ensuring it is maintained to this standard the whole performance.
Hair and makeup artists work alongside each other, before, during and after performances ensuring that their clients have the best results possible. Their job is to give advice on how to achieve and maintain healthy skin and hair, teach clients appropriate application and removal techniques, but most importantly create a hair and makeup look to the highest standard possible, therefore ensuring the actor looks and feels their best. They also must ensure they consistently maintain the hair and makeup throughout the production.
Director:
A director’s job is to oversee all the creative aspects of a film or production. They must interoperate a script or musical score, in a practical but creative way, and then guide the actors and crew through the processes to bring this visualisation to life. Directors must select scenes, locations, lighting, and sounds to ensure the production goes as they visualised.
Stage manager:
A stage manager is the directors right-hand. They are responsible for communicating the directors’ visions and wishes to the crew, to ensure a smooth running of the production. The stage manager oversees all the departments work to make sure everything is how it should be. They support and organise all separate teams involved in creating a production. Stage managers are also responsible for scheduling and running rehearsals.
Director and stage manager work directly alongside each other to clearly communicate orders to the cast and crew members. The stage director oversees the passing down a director’s visions to the different teams working on a set, so the vision can come to life on stage.
Megan Hoff 