Module 8: Character Makeup

In this module, you’ll delve into the fantastical world of character makeup, unleashing your creativity to bring unique personas to life. You’ll learn how to interpret a design brief, develop your own concepts, and transform actors into striking characters.

You’ll also practise applying products like latex bald caps and crepe hair while recreating iconic designs such as Oliver Twist’s Fagin. This module builds on your skills in design, application, and transformation.

Why This Module Matters

Character makeup is where artistry and storytelling meet. By learning to design and execute transformative makeups, you’ll gain the skills to work across theatre, film, and television productions.

• Learn the steps for designing character makeups.
• Explore bald cap types and their uses.
• Practise applying bald caps and crepe hair.
• Recreate iconic character looks with optional prosthetic details.

By the end, you’ll be confident turning design briefs into polished, performance-ready transformations.

What You’ll Learn

• Character Makeup Design
  Understand the steps to design and apply a character makeup from concept to finish.
• Bald Cap Techniques
  Compare different types of bald caps and their uses in realistic character transformations.
• Crepe Hair Application
  Learn how to apply crepe hair to create wigs, beards, and other hair effects.
• Iconic Character Makeup
  Practise recreating classic character makeups, building accuracy and creativity.

What You’ll Do

• Design Transformative Character Makeup
  Design and apply a transformative character makeup from concept to completion.
• Apply and Adapt Bald Caps
  Apply and adapt bald caps to support realistic character creation.
• Use Crepe Hair Techniques
  Use crepe hair techniques to create wigs and facial hair for character design.
• Recreate Iconic Characters
  Recreate iconic character makeups—such as Fagin—with accuracy and creativity.

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 8, you will:

• Design and apply transformative character makeups from concept to completion.
• Apply and adapt bald caps for character creation.
• Use crepe hair techniques to create wigs and facial hair.
• Recreate iconic character makeups, such as Fagin, with accuracy and creativity.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

Our tutors will help you refine your design process and technical application, giving feedback on your creativity, accuracy, and transformation. They’ll support you in building both artistic and professional confidence.