How to Improve for Next Time

I learned so much working on Drood, about makeup, hair, and what I needed to do to deliver better design work for the next show (FRC's 'South Pacific'). Because I don't want to forget it all by then, I'm going to put all my notes down here! Very proactive, if I do say so myself...

1.  I have to take the designs more seriously.

See, the thing is, I never want anyone to think that I think I'm better than anyone else, or that I think that the hair and makeup is SO CRITICAL TO THE SUCCESS OF THE SHOW. So, I down play a lot of it. By trying to make myself seem unimportant, I am inadvertently making the design seem unimportant. That is a disservice to the show, because I don't take the time to explain and teach, so my hot cast members know what to do. SO,

2.  I have to start earlier on the concrete designs. 

Without a doubt, I started obsessing over the shows the minute I was asked to take part in them. In my mind, they've been a VERY BIG DEAL for months. Now I have to move to putting my ideas on paper (or on Glamzy, thanks to Allie!). A basic plan based on what I understand of the show, it's characters, the time period it's set in and all that goodness. THEN,

3.  As soon as my hot cast is cast, I will do the specific face maps,

Based on the appearance of each cast member. Those will be shared with the cast as soon as they are approved by the director. They will also be posted in the dressing rooms when the show hits the stage. ALSO,

4.  I will explain my design to the cast in more detail.

Now, my cast ladies are very, very good at bringing my designs to life, no matter how little I give them; but some people might be new to makeup or hair, or need more assistance in how to apply it/style it. I will explain exactly what products should be used and, if asked, give a demo on how to apply them. They know I'm no hair stylist, but, thank the Maker for YouTube.

5.  I'll look at the BIG PICTURE.

I love details, and I can easily get lost in the bits and pieces of designs. In the reality of theatre, some period specific details might not work when the bright lights are shining. Or, some hair looks might not stand up to dancing. This ain't a documentary. I can ease up on worrying if the 'such and such' would have been used in the 'whosey-whatsey' time/place.

So, there it is. I want to get better and better, and offer more and more to each show. So, let's get 'er done, son!