Character Makeup Analysis

Assignment:

1) Choose a character in a play or musical (not a film) as a subject for a Character Makeup Analysis.

The character must be from a historical period play (pre 21st century period). The play must be set within that period. In other words, you cannot study Mrs. Lovett from Sweeny Todd then place her in the 21st century. Analyze her makeup characteristics for her appropriate time and place. With plays that are not set in a definite period (such as many Shakespeare plays), you have much leeway. to make choices.

  • Read the play (again, if you have read it before)
  • Research the period and visual style which the character inhabits
  • Research the character whose makeup you will be designing and applying
  • Write the analysis of the character

Do not write an analysis on a character you have already played on stage.

Specifics:

Using the information from the text book and the script and from class notes as a guide, determine what factors that would affect makeup are given to you by the author and which you could interpolate. You should include:

  • character’s age
  • sex /gender status
  • temperament/personality
  • physical aspects/physiognomy
  • heredity/genetic heritage /race
  • socioeconomic status
  • health
  • disfigurements
  • environment /location
  • climate/weather effects
  • occupation
  • period style and fashion
  • other factors that could affect a person’s appearance

Do not be afraid to make bold choices for your character.

As in acting, decisive choices are more interesting than inconclusive ones. Pick an interesting major character from an interesting play. Do not pick a minor character as there may not be enough information within the play to write about.

***You will be designing and applying the make up for this character later in the term.

Parameters:

In addition to the above, the paper must include:

  • the name of the play
  • name of the author
  • place that the play occurs year of writing
  • year(s) that the play takes place in
  • social and/or artistic period it is set in (if appropriate)