Stage Presence

Archive for the ‘Arts’ Category

Broadway plays are always known for some high-energy performances, great dance numbers and amazing costumes. One of the biggest jobs in Broadway happens behind the scenes and that is designing the costumes for the shows. Designing great costumes for Broadway is hugely important because your designs will help give the play a look and a felling.

This type of job is a lot of hard work, but when you see the crowd’s reaction, it’s well worth all those blood, sweat and tears.

If you haven’t already, try and become active in theatre production in some way.  In order to succeed as designing costumes for Broadway it’s good to know how production works in Broadway and the types of costumes shows are known for using. Take whatever job you can get backstage and learn the ropes of how things work. In time, you can work your way up when you prove yourself. Just speak up about wanting to assist in some way with the production.

Get your degree in costume design. With your degree you can score a great internship or a job as an assistant in a production where you will get hands on experience and learn from professionals who have been in the industry for years. Remember to take classes on sewing; it’s the most important part of designing costumes for Broadway.

Working as an assistant for a costume designer will let you learn how the job is done. You’ll also get a lot of sewing experience, which is an important part of the job. Building a great reputation, as a worker and designer will make finding a job designing costumes for Broadway happen.

If you are a movie lover or enjoy going to a performing arts theatre, you have likely seen the product of costume design. As costume design pertains to the arts, it has become a very distinct part of any performance – one that can be felt in a broad sense, from a Shakespearean play to modern stories.

In the long history of performing arts, costume design has played a distinct role. Sources point to ancient times when costumes, props (such as masks), and other aspects of the theatre would use these elements for the show.

Depending on the artistic eye of the director, costume design can be as ornate and complicated as desired or minimalist as well. These options fill the mind of the production team and applicable writers, as well as how to obtain such costumes. Making costumes is an option for some, while many opt for purchasing costumes from a company, such as comstumeexpress.com.

Perhaps the best example of this is the ancient Greek theatre. The mask (prosopon) itself was of great importance itself, an important element in worship as well. It would help the audience interpret what the character was thinking. In ancient Greece when the drama and comedy were born, costume design was already understood as an important aspect of such productions.

The long line of costume history certainly dates back to ancient, and even Biblical and pre-historic, points in time. Since it has begun costume design has been dependent on the artistic eye of the director, or one who is in charge of the production. Thus, whether it is a Greek drama, Shakespearean play, or modern musical, costume design plays an important role for the one in charge to approach.

As costume design continues to play a significant role in many types of artistic productions, it appears that costumes will continue to have added importance for the overall quality.

One of the biggest theatre questions people always wonder about is how the actors are able to change their amazing costumes in just a matter of seconds. This has been probably the best-kept secret in the theatre industry.

Actors only have a few seconds to change into their various costumes in the play. This is known in the theatre world as a quick change. These are done in a special booth so actors can feel more comfortable and have their privacy. Each actor will probably have one, maybe two, dressers who are helping them quickly change so that it happens quickly and easily.

The production crew will give an actor a corner that’s a little out of the way from where everyone is at or a special booth before the play begins. Before anything, it’s important that your dressers will know where you’re going to be so that they can be there waiting for you. Also be sure they have everything you need to make sure the quick change goes without a hitch. Check all your items yourself. Even if you’re dresser forgets something, it’s all on you.

The crew will also need to be informed on where your booth is going to be. There isn’t any time to go into your dressing room to change and you have to change close to the stage as possible. While you will have your own privacy, you will still be around set pieces and hear a lot of people walking around. Don’t get distracted.

Before the play starts, practice changing costumes as fast as possible. It can be frustrating at times, but if you keep trying you’ll get the hang of it and become a pro.  Get really creative to help make the quick change be as quick and smooth as possible. Practice makes perfect.

There are many things you can do with working in the exciting world of the theatrics. If you love doing makeup and want a career in it, one option would be working as a makeup artist for the theatres.

Before landing a job you’ll need to have proper training. To get your training you should work for your local community theatre as a makeup artist or head of the department. This is a great way to gain real world experience doing makeup.

You’ll need to take classes in theatrical makeup from a professional school. These classes will show you why certain types of makeup being used for actors working in theatre. You’ll also learn how to apply the makeup for different types of people and characters and how to properly care for your theatrical makeup.  Makeup isn’t cheap so it’s important to know how to properly take care of our makeup and supplies.

If you have a few schools you have in mind than contact the theatre department there and find out if they offer any classes in doing makeup for the theatre. If they say yes than ask them if they will count towards continuing education or if they’re only offered to anyone that’s registered there.

You can even contact any performing arts center close to you since many of the larger places are going to have training classes for people that want to do theatrical makeup.

Contact local stores that sell theatre makeup to professional makeup artists. You can even ask if the stores offer any classes on doing theatrical makeup. If you take a class or two you might even be able to get a nice discount.

Kryolan is a popular makeup line that many professionals use when doing theatre makeup. Some makeup companies will even send people to teach makeup lessons. They’re fairly short and the payment, if there is one, will include a pretty nice makeup kit.

Take a class on learning how to remove your makeup and cleansers. Learning how to properly remove makeup is just as important as learning how to apply it.

When working as a makeup artist in the theatre you’ll need a lot of theatrical makeup. This ranges from foundation to blush, shadow, lipstick, brushes and other makeup tools. This will be your biggest investment as a makeup artist.

Keeping all your makeup and tools clean and completely sanitary is important in not just protecting your big investment but also protecting the skins of anyone you apply the makeup on. Once you properly clean you’re makeup, you’re going to have to make sure to store it the right way. Doing this will help make your tools and makeup last longer.

First you’ll want to wipe everything using a facial tissue. You will need to do this step if you’re transferring product from one contain into another.

Take a few paper towels and put them onto the counter you’re going to set your makeup on. You’ll want the lids to be facing up so that you can sanitize those as well. It doesn’t matter what type of makeup you have, all the containers and products will need to be sanitized.

Take a cheap spray bottle and put some rubbing alcohol in it. Before applying makeup, spritz the makeup with the rubbing alcohol. The rubbing alcohol won’t ruin the makeup in any way. Once everything has dried go ahead and change the lids on your products.

Use brush cleaners to clean all your applicators and brushes.  Wipe all your brushes until the makeup is completely gone. If you’re makeup brushes have a lot of makeup on it than keep grabbing fresh cotton balls. Keep cleaning until the brushes are completely cleaned.

If you’re out of brush cleaner, baby shampoo will clean the brushes. Clean your brushes using hot brushes until all the makeup and soap is removed. Let your brushes dry over night by placing them on a few paper towels.

Store all your clean brushes in a container that’s completely cleaned.  To keep your bristles from bending, warp them using a paper towel that’s cleaned. Make sure your container isn’t around anything that’s really hot or in front of a lamp.

Many students dream about being a performer in some way when they grow up. They even wish and pray that they could attend a performing arts high school. Most performing arts high schools have been flourishing recently, providing prospective students with special courses and chances to have a career showing off their special talents.

There are a few private performing arts schools, but they will cost you quite a bit more money. With performing arts schools that are public, the tuition and fees will be lower.

In order to attend a performing art high school, see if there is one in the school district you’re in or if there’s one close enough for you to commute to on a daily basis. Once you’ve found one, check out the school’s website and contact the administration department to see if you could get additional information.

Once you’ve done that see that the requirements are to apply and to attend the performing arts school. If the school is a private performing arts school than the same process would apply. But not the tuition cost and fees.

Even though it could cost more to attend a performing art high school, they do offer students with scholarship and financial aid. If you contact the school they could provide you with any information or answers to your questions.

Be sure to fill out the application and get together any other information that’s required in the application process. Most will require a birth certificate, your transcripts from your previous school, a resume and immunization records.

Be prepared to create an audition tape or to audition in person. Majority of the performing art schools will have two rounds for students to audition. Even if both your auditions go well, it doesn’t mean you’ve gotten in.

Now sit back and wait to receive a letter of denial or acceptance from the performing arts school.

Many people aspire at attend a performing arts college. Many wonder if it’s anything like the performing arts school featured in the musical film “Fame” where you see dancers and singers on top the tables in the cafeteria doing fun song and dance numbers. They are rarely like this. But these schools will provide you with some of the best training for actors, singers, dancers and artists.

Through the schoolwork, projects, performances and Internships, students who attend a performing arts college will get the skill sets needed to make a successful career using their talents.

According to reports from the U.S. Department of Labor, they’re predicting that there will be a 25 percent increase in jobs in performing arts from now until 2014.

Most, if not all, performing arts colleges will feature the main curriculum that’s not like your typical college. There will be your regular coursework, but there will also be performances in that student’s particular area of interest. Most colleges for performing arts will have certain files like dance, theater, music, artist, arts administration and stage management. Most students start college with more than one area of discipline so they can see what opportunities they have out there for them.

There are many different kinds of performing arts schools out there. The two most popular for community college programs would be Citrus Community College, which is located in Calif. than there is Kirtland Community College, which is in Michigan. The Calif. college will offer degrees in merchandising and music management. This is included with the regular performing arts programs.

There are multiple things you should think about when you’re thinking about sending in your application to a performance arts college. Tuition and fees could be pretty high and it could take a little while to earn your degree. This is something that you need to really consider.

Go through the school’s course catalog and see everything they have to offer. You want to get a feel of what it would be like to attend the school. If you’re able to, check out the campus in person.

What makes the theatre production most of the time are the costumes. In order to create the amazing costumes, you’ll need to know how to sew. Costume designers don’t always just go out and purchase the costumes, there are times when they’ll buy the fabric and sew it themselves. This will help the company save a ton of money.

Any designer will know the first step in sewing theatre costumes. It’s important to know each size of the actors in the play. Make sure to get the proper measurements. Measure their chest, bust, hips, back, head, neck, waist and arms. Knowing these measurements will cover and costume and accessories. It’s better to be fully prepared just in case. Don’t get rid of the measurements. You might need them later on.

If the play is set in another time period, do some research on how the clothes looked back then. It’s important to be as accurate as possible. If you have any questions on what their vision is for the costume, try and speak with the director.

Use images from the Internet or magazines for inspiration. Save them so you can reference back to them when you’re creating your sketches. Just don’t copy those outfits; they’re just there for a little inspiration.

It’s time to start creating your costumes! Pull out your card that has the measurements on them and start sewing your costume. You can use a regular stitch to add embellishment to your costumes. If you want the embellishments to stick a little better than go ahead and use some hot glue.

Let the actors try on the garments before finishing up. That way if it needs altering you can do that right away.

It’s important to help your child focus in getting interested and staying interested in the field of arts and entertainment. Why is this so important? For one, the field is very rewarding and timeless. If your child shows an active interest in that area, they are preparing themselves for a lifetime of an appreciation and love for the arts and sciences. How can you get your child involved in the local arts? Canada for instance has a resource site at Canada 411 where individuals can go to find local art theaters and those that work specifically with children and grooming them for a performing arts lifestyle.

Also, by exposing your child to arts and theater at every available opportunity, you are helping them to learn to love and respect the industry. Let them participate in local community theatrical events, even encouraging them to do so. Help them understand the history behind certain elements by taking them to various museums, to art tours, through art books and of course, online sources where there is an abundance of information and sites to read about arts.

Local Arts

Rich history is involved in performing arts, entertainment and theater. There are many famous writers and entertainers who have contributed to the industry in various ways. Many contributions were personal sacrifices made by those who love arts and all that it offers. For instance, Canada has a beautifully rich heritage of the arts in its community. There are a few performing arts organizations that are well known in the area and well-respected for the impact that they have made on the community. They include the Canada Arts Presentation Fund, the Ontario Arts Council Foundation and the Canada Council for the Arts. These organizations are very interested in helping individuals become educated and appreciative of performing arts and how it affects the local communities.

Dance is rhythmic movements that has been used as a form of expression since the beginning of time. There are lots of different modes of dance, some well known dance styles include the waltz, hip-hop, tango, salsa, and disco. Dance is performed for a variety of reasons. Ceremonial, social, performance, and erotica are examples of some primary reasons for a dance to be performed. Dancers are lithe, flexible, and have total control of their body movements. While a dance performance usually has some kind of musical accompaniment, certain dance styles can be performed without music. Tap is a dance style that can be easily performed without music.

Many times an artist will use their presence, face, and body as instruments for communication. This is known as performing arts. Besides dance, some other styles of performing arts are spoken words, opera, magic, circus arts, and theatre. There are several genres for these types of performances, they are Satire, Tragicomedy, Lyric, Tragedy, Comedy, Epic, Drama, and Romance. Performing arts is a vast field with a wide variety of artists, performers, and entertainers. Stand up comedy, acting, singing, music, and songwriting are some of the most pursued occupations in performing arts.

A Performing Arts Library with thousands of items directly related to the study and performance of music, dance, and theatre can be found in most universities. A library of this sort houses a large collection of western music and art from historical periods of time. These carefully stored collections are the complete works of famous composers. The library also has a collection of chamber music, musicals, operas, theatre scripts, and musical scores. Each university library offers comprehensive online references for performing, and classical performing arts, as well as databases filled with books and music scores. You will also find an extensive collection of periodical titles.