Every performer in the theater should know apply makeup
Makeup done for the stage is not about enhancing the overall appearance of the performer. It is instead used to allow the audience to see the performer's features from distance. As a result, makeup for the stage has a marked difference from the cosmetics used for everyday wear and holds no gender bias--men and woman wear makeup on stage.
Work With the Lighting
Large theaters have the advantage of lighting designers that directors can work with to plan color patterns that maximize the makeup used on stage. According to the website for Dance Here, smaller theaters do not have such a luxury and are often stuck with lighting plots that have too much blue and red in them, which washes out the facial features of performers on stage. Paying close attention to the highlighting of the cheekbones, brow and nose in the makeup process can reduce this washout effect from poor lighting.
Teach the Men
According to the website for Musical Theatre Audition, teaching actors to apply makeup cuts down on the stand-around time before performances and frees up makeup artists to handle tasks that require skilled hands. This is particularly true of male actors who will often have less experience putting on makeup than female actors. A male actor should at least know his base--the makeup color that most closely resembles his own complexion. Experienced actors may already be aware of what color best suits them while younger actors may need some help from the makeup artist at first.
Consider the Work
The makeup that is chosen is often just as important as where it goes on the performer's face. If actors are sweating a lot on stage due to a physically demanding role, you shouldn't be using water-based makeup. Try water-resistant or "grease paints" for performers that are in these roles, but apply them carefully, as this type of makeup can easily get on costumes and prove difficult to launder out. You may also try products that seal in the makeup to avoid using grease paint-type makeup.
