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The Designer In Me

I suppose I've always been a designer of sorts.
It started in earnest when I saw a classmate doodling during 10th grade study hall. Being bored (or nosey), I peeked over. She was drawing clothing! I was intrigued. At the time, I was not confident in my size, which was compounded by the fact that finding fashionable and flattering clothing options for larger girls was difficult. This grew into a passion, and I attained my B.P.S. in Fashion Design from Marist College.


My freshman year of college I saw a Help Wanted sign in the Fashion Department from an upperclassman who needed help with costumes for a show. I volunteered simply because I thought it would be fun to work in theater, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Even my fashion designs were theatrical. Every piece I've ever designed has had a couture aspect to it; wearable, but a little 'out there.' My Senior Capping Project was a collection based on being shipwrecked. I should have known then that makeup was only a step away.

For over ten years after college I worked the costume circuit as a designer, costume shop manager, and wardrobe supervisor/dresser. The thing is, most regional and community theaters don't hire separate hair and makeup artists - the costume designer is often responsible for the entire look, head to toe, for every character in the show. So, along with my first professional costume design came my first professional makeup design. Since transitioning from costuming to hair and makeup, I realized this: artistic creativity combined with taking care of the performers is why I made the transition.

As a result, The Makeup Curio Unusual is rooted in theatrical makeup and wig services. We offer three tiers of design services for Middle and High Schools, as well as local Community Theaters. Over the next month we’re working backstage on FIVE productions. Fellow theater nerds out there know that Tech Week is a looooong week full of collaboration and excitement, and requires a lot of patience. When working with student-age performers, all those things are intensified. It’s going to be busy, but so much fun!

We often get hired for Disney shows, or similar shows such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang or Shrek. And rightfully so, because of the non-human characters and dramatic transformations that happen. But this spring Drama Club season is bringing a series of High School productions that range from fairy tales to period pieces. No matter the show, when we do a production, we’re all in! If The Makeup Curio Unusual or my name is listed as makeup designer, even if all that is required is a few specialty makeups, you better believe every single person is wearing makeup designed to bring out their individual character! At each performance the entire cast lines up for foundation, powder, blush, lipstick, and eyeliner...at the very least. In the next few weeks, we’ll be working on monkeys, bombshells, rock stars, witches, prisoners, clowns, and more! Can you guess which shows?

Keep an eye out for The Makeup Curio Unusual designs in the following productions:

Legally Blonde the Musical
Voorheesville High School
March 20, 21 & 22

The Wizard of Oz
Fonda-Fultonville High School
March 20, 21 & 22

Pippin
Mohonasen High School
March 27, 28 & 29

Rock of Ages
Tamarac High School
April 3 & 4

Chicago
Bethlehem High School
April 3 & 4

And make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook to see these designs at work!

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