Wigs In Theatre

Wigs in Theatre: A Comprehensive Guide for Actors, Designers, and Enthusiasts

Introduction:

Stepping into the captivating world of theatre often involves a transformation far beyond costume. Wigs play a pivotal role, shaping characters, conveying emotions, and transporting audiences through time and place. From the elaborate curls of a 18th-century noblewoman to the stark simplicity of a modern-day protagonist, wigs are indispensable tools for theatrical storytelling. This comprehensive guide delves into the fascinating world of wigs in theatre, exploring their history, practical applications, selection, care, and styling, providing invaluable insights for actors, designers, and anyone fascinated by the magic of theatrical illusion. We'll cover everything from choosing the right wig for your character to mastering the art of wig care and styling, ensuring your performance is flawlessly executed.


1. A Brief History of Wigs in Theatre:

Theatrical wigs haven't always been what they are today. Their journey is intrinsically linked to theatrical evolution and societal shifts. Early forms of theatrical hairpieces date back to ancient Greece and Rome, where actors used padding and false hair for dramatic effect. However, wigs truly took center stage during the Elizabethan era in England, gaining immense popularity, partially due to the prevalence of elaborate hairstyles and the practicality of creating standardized looks for actors. The rise of powdered wigs in the 17th and 18th centuries solidified their status as a staple of theatrical costume. These wigs, often incredibly elaborate and expensive, signified status and were essential to portraying specific characters and periods. The 20th and 21st centuries saw a shift towards more natural-looking wigs, with advancements in materials and styling techniques allowing for greater realism and flexibility. Understanding this historical context provides crucial insight into the evolution of theatrical wig design and their continued significance.


2. Types of Wigs Used in Theatre:

The theatre utilizes a wide variety of wigs, each chosen based on character, period, and desired aesthetic. Understanding these types is crucial for both actors and designers.

Human Hair Wigs: These are the most realistic and versatile option, offering superior styling flexibility and a natural appearance. However, they are also the most expensive and require careful maintenance.

Synthetic Wigs: Synthetic wigs are a more affordable alternative, often chosen for their ease of care and availability in a vast range of colors and styles. They are less durable than human hair wigs and may not style as naturally.

Hand-Tied Wigs: These are meticulously crafted, with each hair strand individually knotted onto a cap, creating a remarkably natural hairline and appearance. They are a premium option, offering exceptional realism and longevity.

Machine-Made Wigs: These are mass-produced wigs, which are generally more affordable but can sometimes appear less natural. They are a suitable choice for less demanding roles or productions with budget constraints.

Lace Front Wigs: These wigs feature a lace front that allows for a natural-looking hairline and versatility in styling. The lace blends seamlessly with the skin, offering a convincing illusion of natural hair growth.

The choice of wig type significantly impacts the overall look and feel of a character, and selecting the appropriate type is a key aspect of theatrical costume design.


3. Selecting and Fitting the Perfect Wig:

Choosing the right wig is a multifaceted process demanding careful consideration. The process begins with a thorough understanding of the character and the play's historical context. Factors such as era, social status, and personality influence the choice of wig style, color, and texture. A successful wig selection involves collaboration between the actor, costume designer, and wig master. Accurate measurements are crucial to ensure a proper fit, preventing discomfort and ensuring the wig sits comfortably and naturally. This involves taking detailed measurements of the head circumference and hairline, ensuring the cap size is appropriate. The wig should be comfortable to wear for extended periods without causing discomfort or distracting the actor.


4. Styling and Maintaining Theatre Wigs:

Once a wig is selected, styling and maintenance are vital to ensuring its longevity and maintaining a professional appearance throughout the production. Proper styling techniques, depending on the wig type, ensure the wig looks natural and stays in place. This may involve teasing, curling, straightening, or using styling products appropriate for the material. Regular cleaning is essential to remove dirt, hairspray, and sweat. Wigs should be cleaned according to the manufacturer's instructions, often using specialized wig shampoos and conditioners. Proper storage is crucial, preventing damage and maintaining the wig's shape and integrity. Using wig stands or specialized storage bags is recommended.


5. Wig Safety and Hygiene in Theatre:

Maintaining hygiene is paramount in theatre. Actors should always ensure their wigs are clean and properly stored to prevent the spread of bacteria or lice. Handling wigs with care minimizes the risk of damage and ensures the wig's longevity. Regular inspections for damage and prompt repairs are crucial to prevent accidents during performances. Proper hair care practices for actors wearing wigs are equally important to prevent scalp issues or reactions to wig materials.


6. The Role of the Wig Master:

The wig master, or wig stylist, is a crucial member of the theatre production team. Their expertise ensures the wigs are properly styled, fitted, and maintained throughout the production. They work closely with the costume designer and actors to create authentic and believable characters. Their responsibilities extend from sourcing and selecting wigs to styling, cleaning, repairing, and storing them. A skilled wig master understands wig construction, material properties, and styling techniques. Their attention to detail significantly impacts the overall success of a theatrical production.


7. Wigs and Modern Theatre:

Contemporary theatre often explores innovative and experimental approaches to wig design and application. Modern productions may incorporate unconventional materials and techniques, pushing the boundaries of traditional wig-making. This might include the use of unconventional materials, unusual styling choices, or even the integration of wigs into larger costume pieces. The creative use of wigs remains a powerful tool for enhancing character and conveying thematic elements in contemporary theatrical productions.


8. The Future of Wigs in Theatre:

Advancements in wig-making technology continue to shape the future of wigs in theatre. New materials, innovative styling techniques, and improved manufacturing processes are constantly emerging. This contributes to creating more realistic, durable, and comfortable wigs. The evolution of wigs will undoubtedly continue, with ongoing innovations enhancing their versatility and realism in theatrical productions.


Article Outline: Wigs in Theatre

I. Introduction: Hooking the reader and providing an overview of the article's content.

II. A Brief History of Wigs in Theatre: Tracing the evolution of wigs in theatre from ancient times to the present.

III. Types of Wigs Used in Theatre: Describing the various types of wigs and their characteristics.

IV. Selecting and Fitting the Perfect Wig: Explaining the process of choosing and fitting the appropriate wig.

V. Styling and Maintaining Theatre Wigs: Providing guidance on wig styling, cleaning, and storage.

VI. Wig Safety and Hygiene in Theatre: Highlighting the importance of hygiene and safety when using wigs.

VII. The Role of the Wig Master: Describing the responsibilities and skills of a wig master.

VIII. Wigs and Modern Theatre: Exploring the use of wigs in contemporary theatrical productions.

IX. The Future of Wigs in Theatre: Discussing upcoming trends and innovations in wig-making.

X. Conclusion: Summarizing key takeaways and reiterating the importance of wigs in theatre.


(The content above fulfills the detailed outline).


FAQs:

1. How much do theatrical wigs cost? Costs vary dramatically depending on the type (human hair vs. synthetic), quality, and customization. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

2. Can I use a regular wig for a theatre performance? While possible, it's generally not recommended. Theatrical wigs are designed for durability and performance conditions, offering superior comfort and longevity.

3. How do I clean a synthetic theatre wig? Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. Generally, hand washing with a wig-specific shampoo is recommended.

4. How long does a theatrical wig last? The lifespan varies depending on the type of wig, frequency of use, and care. Human hair wigs can last for years with proper care, while synthetic wigs may last for a few months to a year.

5. What are the best materials for theatrical wigs? Human hair offers the most realism and versatility, but synthetic fibers provide affordability and ease of maintenance.

6. Can I style a theatrical wig myself? It's possible, but consulting a wig master or stylist is highly recommended, especially for complex styles.

7. How do I store a theatrical wig properly? Store on a wig stand or in a breathable wig bag, away from direct sunlight and heat.

8. What should I do if my theatrical wig gets damaged? Minor repairs can be done by yourself (depending on the damage), but for more serious issues, consult a wig master.

9. Are there any health concerns associated with wearing theatrical wigs? Maintaining proper hygiene and choosing high-quality, well-maintained wigs minimizes risks. Always follow good hygiene practices.


Related Articles:

1. The Art of Wig Making: A deep dive into the techniques and skills involved in creating theatrical wigs.

2. Choosing the Right Wig Cap for Your Performance: A guide to selecting the appropriate wig cap for comfort and a natural look.

3. Advanced Wig Styling Techniques for Theatre: Exploring advanced styling techniques for creating intricate and realistic hairstyles.

4. Budget-Friendly Wigs for Student Theatre Productions: Tips for finding affordable yet high-quality wigs for student productions.

5. The History of Wig Design in Shakespearean Theatre: A focused look at the evolution of wigs in Shakespearean productions.

6. Maintaining Wig Integrity During Long-Run Theatre Shows: Tips and techniques for preserving the condition of wigs throughout a lengthy production.

7. Wig Safety Regulations in Professional Theatre: An overview of safety standards and best practices for handling wigs in professional theatre settings.

8. The Psychological Impact of Wigs on Actors and Audiences: An exploration of the emotional and psychological effects of wigs in performance.

9. Sustainable Practices in Theatrical Wig Production: Exploring eco-friendly materials and production methods in the wig-making industry.


  wigs in theatre: Wigs and Make-up for Theatre, Television, and Film Patsy Baker, 1993 First Published in 1993. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
  wigs in theatre: Wig Making and Styling Martha Ruskai, Allison Lowery, 2013-06-07 Top off that costume with the perfect accoutrement with this first real guide to creating and styling costume wigs. No longer will you need to comb through old references on hairstyles of different time periods, Wig Making and Styling contains everything you need to be a cut above, offering snippets on styling tools, hair types, wig making and measuring, coloring, cutting, and even creating beards and toupees. Other great features include: -Versatile techniques to create all different historical hairstyles -Tips on altering existing wigs and creating wigs from scratch -Multiple approaches and solutions to solving wig-making problems and needs -Information about the industry, including history and best practices Full of inspirational and directive photographs, this book will groom anyone from novice to professional stylist into a skilled wig designer.
  wigs in theatre: Wigs and Make-Up for Theatre, Television, and Film Patsy Baker,
  wigs in theatre: Practical Guide to Wig Making and Wig Dressing Melanie Bouvet, 2018-10-15 The art of wig making and wig dressing has been practised for centuries, and continues to be an exciting and essential part of costume production for theatre and film. With style inspiration ranging from the seventeenth to the twentieth century, A Practical Guide to Wig Making and Wig Dressing is a comprehensive introduction to the knowledge and techniques required to produce beautiful, durable and historical hairstyles able to withstand the demands of performance. Featuring over 700 photographs, this book offers detailed step-by-step instructions on how to make a wig, how to dress it according to time period, and how to fit and remove it, as well as advice on tools, products and suppliers. The work of current industry practitioners is showcased throughout the book, offering key insights into career pathways and professional styling gained from a wealth of experience. Additional material includes: a history of the use and development of wigs: examples of wig foundation making and wig knotting: an introduction to facial hair making and dressing; how to make hairpieces sets and dressing for male and female Superbly illustrated with 727 colour photographs and 20 line artworks. Melanie Bouvet is the Wigs and Make-up Co-ordinator of new productions for the Royal Ballet.
  wigs in theatre: Wig Making and Styling Martha Ruskai, Allison Lowery, 2015-09-16 Top off that costume with the perfect accoutrement with this first real guide to creating and styling costume wigs. No longer will you need to comb through old references on hairstyles of different time periods, Wig Making and Styling contains everything you need to be a cut above, offering snippets on styling tools, hair types, wig making and measuring, coloring, cutting, and even creating beards and toupees. Other great features include: -Versatile techniques to create all different historical hairstyles -Tips on altering existing wigs and creating wigs from scratch -Multiple approaches and solutions to solving wig-making problems and needs -Information about the industry, including history and best practices Full of inspirational and directive photographs, this book will groom anyone from novice to professional stylist into a skilled wig designer.
  wigs in theatre: Historical Wig Styling: Ancient Egypt to the 1830s Allison Lowery, 2019-11-28 Historical Wig Styling: Ancient Egypt to the 1830s, 2nd edition, is a guide to creating beautiful, historically accurate hairstyles for theatrical productions and events. This volume covers hairstyles from Ancient Egypt through Romantic/Biedermeier styles of the 1820s and 30s. Chapters begin with an overview of historic figures who influenced the look of each period and their styles, followed by step-by-step instructions and photographs showing the finished look from every angle. The book also explores the necessary supplies and styling products needed to create the perfect coif, tips for proper wig handling, a brief history of the makeup for each historical period, and basic styling techniques useful when working with wigs or real hair. New hairstyles featured in this edition include: - Ancient Egyptian male dreadlocks - Ancient Grecian male curls - Ancient Roman braided goddess - Braided Medieval lady - Regency hairstyle with a Classical influence With over 1,000 full-color images and detailed instructions on how to create iconic hairstyles and makeup, Historical Wig Styling: Ancient Egypt to the 1830s, 2nd edition, is an excellent resource for professional costume designers and wig makers, as well as for students of Costume Design and Wig Making and styling courses.
  wigs in theatre: Wigs and Make-up for Theatre, TV and Film Patricia Baker, 2012-10-02 This book teaches the basic skills of theatrical and media make-up and wigmaking. It is ideal for students aiming at a career in the world of entertainment - whether it be theatre, television or film - or those hoping to become make-up artists within these fields.
  wigs in theatre: Little Wimmin Figs in Wigs, 2020-09-17 Figs in Wigs are back and this time they've got their period (dresses). After five years of creating avant-garde, boundary pushing, genre-bending contemporary performance, Figs in Wigs have decided the only way to go is backwards...
  wigs in theatre: Historical Wig Styling Allison Lowery, 2013 Let these Historical Wig Styling: Ancient Egypt to the 1830s and Historical Wig Styling: Victorian to the Present be your guides to creating beautiful, historically accurate hairstyles for your theatrical productions. Each chapter begins with artwork of historic figures that influenced the look of each period. Detailed step-by-step instructions explain how to create their iconic hairstyles, illustrated by photographs showing the finished look from every angle. You'll also learn about the necessary supplies and styling products needed to create the perfect coif, tips for proper wig handling, and basic styling techniques useful when working with wigs or real hair. Give your production the look of authenticity with tips from these gorgeous wig styling guides.--Publisher's website.
  wigs in theatre: Wigs and make-up for theatre, television and film Patricia Baker, 1993
  wigs in theatre: Wigs, Hair and Make-Up Helen Casey, 2023-01-26 Written by the former Deputy Head of Make-Up and Wigs at the National Theatre, this book opens up a process that very few people will otherwise be privy to, giving perspectives on the preparation before a production and responsibilities during, as well as looking more widely at training, career opportunities and success. It does so through drawing upon some of the most adventurous and challenging productions mounted at the National Theatre and elsewhere. From designing and fitting wigs to managing lighting-fast quick changes, hair, wigs and make-up people are a major part of the creation of any theatrical production. Yet their role and contribution are much less discussed and written about than elements such as writing, directing and acting, despite being critical to defining and executing the aesthetic of a production. Their involvement requires a great deal of research and creative thinking; collaboration with other members of the creative team; specific knowledge of wig-making and measuring, make-up design and application; and managing all of these elements during the course of the evening. Often required to cover all three elements (and sometimes more), the designer looking after hair, wigs and make-up needs to bring to the production multiple areas of expertise and is a core part of the creative team.
  wigs in theatre: Historical Wig Styling: Ancient Egypt to the 1830s Allison Lowery, 2013-07-18 Let Historical Wig Styling be your guide to creating beautiful, historically accurate hairstyles for your productions and events. Chapters begin with artwork of historic figures that influenced the look of each period. Detailed step-by-step instructions explain how to create their iconic hairstyles, illustrated by photographs showing the finished look from every angle.
  wigs in theatre: Theatrical Costume, Masks, Make-Up and Wigs Sidney Jackson Jowers, 2013-10-15 This is the first bibliography in its field, based on first-hand collations of the actual articles. International in scope, it includes publications found in public theatre libraries and archives of Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Budapest, Florence, London, Milan, New York and Paris amongst others. Over 3500 detailed entries on separately published sources such as books, sales and exhibition catalogues and pamphlets provide an indispensible guide for theatre students, practitioners and historians. Indices cover designers, productions, actors and performers. The iconography provides an indexed record of over 6000 printed plates of performers in role, illustrating performance costume from the 18th to 20th century.
  wigs in theatre: The Book of Will Lauren Gunderson, 2018-06-18 Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have literary masterpieces like Romeo and Juliet. But without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost half of Shakespeare’s plays forever! After the death of their friend and mentor, the two actors are determined to compile the First Folio and preserve the words that shaped their lives. They’ll just have to borrow, beg, and band together to get it done. Amidst the noise and color of Elizabethan London, THE BOOK OF WILL finds an unforgettable true story of love, loss, and laughter, and sheds new light on a man you may think you know.
  wigs in theatre: Shakespearean Wig Styling Brenda Leedham, Lizzee Leedham, 2021-06-28 The poetry and plays of William Shakespeare continue to provide inspiration for designers in all aspect of media. Shakespearean Wig Styling offers detailed historical guidance on the styles and fashions of the day, and guides yo through twelve different wig designs covering a wide range of archetypal Shakespearian characters. Each example offers different techniques to meet the needs of the design, from material, knotting and curling to the final styling choices. Covering both the Tudor and Stuart periods, there are clear instructions within each example for making wigs from start to finish and adapting from the universal full-lace foundation to create alternative foundations, including added support for complicated styles such as the fontange. In addition, the book covers what to expect when working in the theatre or as a freelance wig-maker; fitting your client, measuring and taking a shell; methods for preparing the hair under a wig; knotting facial hair, hairpieces, hairlines, napes and partings; methods for breaking or dirtying down and finally, creating bald caps and receding hairline effects. This comprehensive book is an ideal companion for the newly qualified wig-maker and all professionals looking for a detailed reference guide to hairstyles from the Shakespearean era.
  wigs in theatre: Costume Craftwork on a Budget Tan Huaixiang, 2012-11-12 Part of your job as the costume designer is to be creative and use what materials are available to you to execute the design elements in a production. This book will show you how to use inexpensive materials to create durable products in a short amount of time that are practical and technical. It is written in an easy-to-follow manner and each step is shown with a wide array of illustrations and photographs. From creating armour out of laundry baskets, to detailed tricks to create a prosthetic nose for a witch, this book will show the techniques needed for you to produce end results that are beautiful, economical, and fast to make.
  wigs in theatre: Wigs, Hair and Make-up Helen Casey (Writer on theatrical make-up), 2023
  wigs in theatre: Hedwig and the Angry Inch Stephen Trask, John Cameron Mitchell, 2003 Tells the story of transsexual rocker Hedwig Schmidt, an East German immigrant whose sex change operation has been botched and who finds herself living in a trailer park in Kansas.
  wigs in theatre: Practical Millinery Jessica Ortner, 1897
  wigs in theatre: Theatre Craft John Caird, 2013-03-21 Theatre Craft is an all-encompassing, practical guide for anyone working in the theatre, from the enthusiastic amateur to the committed professional. With entries arranged alphabetically, Theatre Craft offers advice on all areas of directing, from Acting, Adaptation, and Accent to Sound Effects, Superstition, Trap Doors and Wardrobe. Enlightening and entertaining by turns, the celebrated director John Caird shares his profound knowledge of the stage to provide an invaluable companion to anyone creating a play, musical or opera. Whatever the theatre space - the backroom of a bar, a studio theatre, or the biggest stages of the West End or Broadway - this authoritative volume is an essential reference tool for the modern theatre practitioner. Internationally renowned theatre director John Caird has directed and adapted countless productions of plays, operas, and musicals for the Royal Shakespeare Company, London's National Theatre, in the West End, and on Broadway-from Les Misérables and Nicholas Nickleby to Hamlet and Peter Pan.
  wigs in theatre: Wigs and Make-up for Theatre, TV and Film Patricia Baker, 2012-10-02 This book teaches the basic skills of theatrical and media make-up and wigmaking. It is ideal for students aiming at a career in the world of entertainment - whether it be theatre, television or film - or those hoping to become make-up artists within these fields.
  wigs in theatre: Di and Viv and Rose Amelia Bullmore, 2021-01-14 “It connects emotionally with the audience, and is wittily written ... Bullmore makes you like, and believe in, her three characters ... The play also has a careering energy ... impossible not to like.” The Guardian Aged 18, three women join forces. Life is fun. Living is intense. Together they feel unassailable. Di and Viv and Rose charts the steady but sometimes chaotic progression of these three women's lives, from the highs to the lows, the problems that force them apart and their ultimately enduring bonds. A humorous and thoughtful exploration of friendship's impact on life and life's impact on friendship, this bittersweet comedy premiered at the Hampstead Theatre, London, in 2013. This new Modern Classics edition features an introduction by Professor Elizabeth Kuti.
  wigs in theatre: The Art of Extreme Wig Styling Regan Cerato, 2021-06-25 A styling handbook for the ambitious wigsmith! Complement your cosplay with incredible wigs—custom-designed and created by you! Regan Cerato of Cowbutt Crunchies shows you how to make dozens of extravagant wigs for cosplayer needs, from dyed spikes to dragon scales to fiber flowers and so much more! Extravagant wigs can be intimidating, they can even stump the most seasoned of crafters but with the expert Cosplay guidance wig making can be accomplished by everybody. Whether you’re a new or experienced sewist, this handbook will help you turn your cosplay dreams into reality. All the core basics that will help take your wigs to the next level Learn trimming tips, dyeing techniques, weft basics, teasing, volumizing, and so much more With the right tips and tricks, an arsenal of skills, and guidance from seasoned cosplayers—extreme wig making can be for everybody!
  wigs in theatre: Wig Out! Tarell Alvin McCraney, 2008 In this gossamer-laced reality there is never a moment to be without your face, to not be together. One false move and you'll get chopped. One night can leave you legendary or a subsidiary. Enter the House of Light, a hyper-glamorous, uber-competitive drag queen refuge where a daughter who was once a son can find a family. While the House are primping and preening for a catwalk showdown, drag queen Nina is wooing the delectable Eric as Wilson. How can Nina/Wilson strut the thorny divide between opposite genders and differing worlds? Wig Out! premiered at the Royal Court Theatre, London, in November 2008. 'An astonishing young dramatist.' New York Times
  wigs in theatre: Continuum Companion to Twentieth Century Theatre Colin Chambers, 2006-05-14 International in scope, this book is designed to be the pre-eminent reference work on the English-speaking theatre in the twentieth century. Arranged alphabetically, it consists of some 2500 entries written by 280 contributors from 20 countries which include not only top-level experts, but, uniquely, leading professionals from the world of theatre. A fascinating resource for anyone interested in theatre, it includes: - Overviews of major concepts, topics and issues; - Surveys of theatre institutions, countries, and genres; - Biographical entries on key performers, playwrights, directors, designers, choreographers and composers; - Articles by leading professionals on crafts, skills and disciplines including acting, design, directing, lighting, sound and voice.
  wigs in theatre: The Kabuki Theatre of Japan Adolphe Clarence Scott, 1999-01-01 One of the most comprehensive handbooks available on Kabuki theatre. Text describes the theater's development in the context of Japanese history, with detailed analyses of actors' techniques, music and dance, plays and playwrights, the playhouse's design evolution, and six representative Kabuki plays. Includes glossary of Japanese terms. Highly recommended. — Library Journal.
  wigs in theatre: A History of the Theatre Costume Business Triffin I. Morris, Gregory DL Morris, Rachel E. Pollock, 2021-09-30 A History of the Theatre Costume Business is the first-ever comprehensive book on the subject, as related by award-winning actors and designers, and first hand by the drapers, tailors, and craftspeople who make the clothes that dazzle on stage. Readers will learn why stage clothes are made today, by whom, and how. They will also learn how today’s shops and ateliers arose from the shops and makers who founded the business. This never-before-told story shows that there is as much drama behind the scenes as there is in the performance: famous actors relate their intimate experiences in the fitting room, the glories of gorgeous costumes, and the mortification when things go wrong, while the costume makers explain how famous shows were created with toil, tears, and sweat, and sometimes even a little blood. This is history told by the people who were present at the creation – some of whom are no longer around to tell their own story. Based on original research and first-hand reporting, A History of the Theatre Costume Business is written for theatre professionals: actors, directors, producers, costume makers, and designers. It is also an excellent resource for all theatregoers who have marveled at the gorgeous dresses and fanciful costumes that create the magic on stage, as well as for the next generation of drapers and designers.
  wigs in theatre: Theatre Artisans and Their Craft Rafael Jaen, 2019-08-28 Theatre Artisans and Their Craft: The Allied Arts Fields profiles fourteen remarkable artists and technicians who elevate theatre production to new dimensions, explore new materials and technologies, and introduce new safety standards and solutions. Readers will learn how the featured artists delved into entrepreneurial ventures and created their own work for themselves; researching, studying, and experimenting, seeking answers when none were available. The book explores how to make an impact in the entertainment industry from behind the scenes, and how students can model themselves after these successful professionals to jump-start their career in theatre production. Aimed at theatre and film practitioners in the allied arts fields, Theatre Artisans and Their Craft offers a collection of success stories that are both inspiring and informative.
  wigs in theatre: London Theatres (New Edition) Michael Coveney, 2020-10-06 This fully revised and updated edition of the hugely successful London Theatres features ten additional theatres, including the Victoria Palace Theatre, the Sondheim Theatre, the Bridge Theatre and the Noël Coward Theatre. London is the undisputed theatre capital of the world. From world-famous musicals to West End shows, from cutting-edge plays to Shakespeare in its original staging, from outdoor performance to intimate fringe theatre, the range and quality are unsurpassed. Leading drama critic Michael Coveney invites you on a tour of more than 50 theatres that make the London stage what it is. With stories of the architecture, the people and the productions which have defined each one, alongside sumptuous photographs by Peter Dazeley of the auditoriums, public and backstage areas, this illustrated overview of London's theatres is a book like no other. A must for fans of the stage! Praise for the first edition: ‘This coffee table whopper ... dazzles’ Spectator ‘London Theatres ... will surely feature on any theatre buff's present list’ Sightlines
  wigs in theatre: The Theatre Crafts Book of Make-up, Masks, and Wigs C. Ray Smith, 1974
  wigs in theatre: Wig Making Made Simple Shon Stoker, 2013-01-09 Learn how to create beautiful wigs from start to finish. With a few tools and supplies, this step by step guide including photos gives you all the information you need to create your own beautiful custom wigs fast. Learn 7 different wig making methods, how to change your hair texture, styling tips and tricks
  wigs in theatre: British Military Spectacle Scott Hughes Myerly, 1996 In the theater of war, how important is costume? And in peacetime, what purpose does military spectacle serve? This book takes us behind the scenes of the British military at the height of its brilliance to show us how dress and discipline helped to mold the military man and attempted to seduce the hearts and minds of a nation while serving to intimidate civil rioters in peacetime. Often ridiculed for their constrictive splendor, British army uniforms of the early nineteenth century nonetheless played a powerful role in the troops' performance on campaign, in battle, and as dramatic entertainment in peacetime. Plumbing a wide variety of military sources, most tellingly the memoirs and letters of soldiers and civilians, Scott Hughes Myerly reveals how these ornate sartorial creations, combining symbols of solidarity and inspiration, vivid color, and physical restraint, enhanced the managerial effects of rigid discipline, drill, and torturous punishments, but also helped foster regimental esprit de corps. Encouraging recruitment, enforcing discipline within the military, and boosting morale were essential but not the only functions of martial dress. Myerly also explores the role of the resplendent uniform and its associated gaudy trappings and customs during civil peace and disorder--whether employed as public relations through spectacular free entertainment, or imitated by rioters and rebels opposing the status quo. Dress, drills, parades, inspections, pomp, and order: as this richly illustrated book conducts us through the details of the creation, design, functions, and meaning of these aspects of the martial image, it exposes the underpinnings of a mentality--and vision--that extends far beyond the military subculture into the civic and social order that we call modernity.
  wigs in theatre: Special Make-up Effects for Stage & Screen Todd Debreceni, 2012-08-21 In the world of film and theatre, character transformation takes a lot of work, skill, and creativity...Dedicated solely to SFX, this book will show you tips and techniques from an seasoned SFX makeup artist with years of film, TV, and theatrical experience. Not only will this book take you through the many genres that need a special effects makeup artist, like horror, fantasy, and sci-fi, but it will also tell you about the tools you will need, how to maintain your toolkit, how to take care of the actor's skin, how to airbrush properly when HD is involved, and all about the exclusive tricks of the trade from an experienced pro who knows all the latest tips and techniques. The author shows you how to sculpt and mold your own makeup prosethetics, focusing on how human anatomy relates to sculpture, thus creating the most realistic effects. Case studies feature some of the top makeup artists of today, such as Neill Gorton, Christopher Tucker, Miles Teves, Jordu Schell, Mark Alfrey, Matthew Mungle, Christien Tinsely, Vittorio Sodano, and Mark Gabarino. You will also learn about human anatomy as it relates to sculpture and will be able to profit from lessons from today's top make-up artists that are highlighted. Put your new techniques into practice right away with the step-by-step tutorials on the must-have DVD, which will show you exactly how some of the looks from the book were achieved.
  wigs in theatre: An Illustrated Dictionary of Hairdressing and Wigmaking James Stevens-Cox, Hairdressers' Technical Council, 1966
  wigs in theatre: The Cowkeeper's Wish Tracy Kasaboski, Kristen den Hartog, 2018-09-15 In the 1840s, a young cowkeeper and his wife arrive in London, England, having walked from coastal Wales with their cattle. They hope to escape poverty, but instead they plunge deeper into it, and the family, ensconced in one of London’s “black holes,” remains mired there for generations. The Cowkeeper’s Wish follows the couple’s descendants in and out of slum housing, bleak workhouses and insane asylums, through tragic deaths, marital strife and war. Nearly a hundred years later, their great-granddaughter finds herself in an altogether different London, in southern Ontario. In The Cowkeeper’s Wish, Kristen den Hartog and Tracy Kasaboski trace their ancestors’ path to Canada, using a single family’s saga to give meaningful context to a fascinating period in history—Victorian and then Edwardian England, the First World War and the Depression. Beginning with little more than enthusiasm, a collection of yellowed photographs and a family tree, the sisters scoured archives and old newspapers, tracked down streets, pubs and factories that no longer exist, and searched out secrets buried in crumbling ledgers, building on the fragments that remained of family tales. While this family story is distinct, it is also typical, and so all the more worth telling. As a working-class chronicle stitched into history, The Cowkeeper’s Wish offers a vibrant, absorbing look at the past that will captivate genealogy enthusiasts and readers of history alike.
  wigs in theatre: The Theatre annual, ed. by C. Scott Clement William Scott, 1884
  wigs in theatre: Unbuttoned Shura Pollatsek, 2016-07-15 Unbuttoned: The Art and Artists of Theatrical Costume Design documents the creative journey of costume creation from concept to performance. Each chapter provides an overview of the process, including designing and shopping; draping, cutting, dyeing, and painting; and beading, sewing, and creating embellishments and accessories. This book features interviews with practitioners from Broadway and regional theatres to opera and ballet companies, offering valuable insights into the costume design profession. Exceptional behind-the-scenes photography illustrates top costume designers and craftspeople at work, along with gorgeous costumes in progress.
  wigs in theatre: The Victorian Marionette Theatre John Mccormick, Clodagh McCormick, John Phillips, 2004-04 In this fascinating and colorful book, researcher and performer John McCormick focuses on the marionette world of Victorian Britain between its heyday after 1860 and its waning years from 1895 to 1914. Situating the rich and diverse puppet theatre in the context of entertainment culture, he explores both the aesthetics of these dancing dolls and their sociocultural significance in their life and time. The history of marionette performances is interwoven with live-actor performances and with the entire gamut of annual fairs, portable and permanent theatres, music halls, magic lantern shows, waxworks, panoramas, and sideshows. McCormick has drawn upon advertisements in the Era, an entertainment paper, between the 1860s and World War I, and articles in the World’s Fair, a paper for showpeople, in the first fifty years of the twentieth century, as well as interviews with descendants of the marionette showpeople and close examinations of many of the surviving puppets. McCormick begins his study with an exploration of the Victorian marionette theatre in the context of other theatrical events of the day, with proprietors and puppeteers, and with the venues where they performed. He further examines the marionette’s position as an actor not quite human but imitating humans closely enough to be considered empathetic; the ways that physical attributes were created with wood, paint, and cloth; and the dramas and melodramas that the dolls performed. A discussion of the trick figures and specialized acts that each company possessed, as well as an exploration of the theatre’s staging, lighting, and costuming, follows in later chapters. McCormick concludes with a description of the last days of marionette theatre in the wake of changing audience expectations and the increasing popularity of moving pictures. This highly enjoyable and readable study, often illuminated by intriguing anecdotes such as that of the Armenian photographer who fell in love with and abducted the Holden company’s Cinderella marionette in 1881, will appeal to everyone fascinated by the magic of nineteenth-century theatre, many of whom will discover how much the marionette could contribute to that magic.
  wigs in theatre: Historical Dictionary of Japanese Traditional Theatre Samuel L. Leiter, 2014-10-30 Historical Dictionary of Japanese Traditional Theatre is the only dictionary that offers detailed comprehensive coverage of the most important terms, people, and plays in the four principal traditional Japanese theatrical forms—nō, kyōgen, bunraku, and kabuki—supplemented with individual historical essays on each form. This updated edition adds well over 200 plot summaries representing each theatrical form in addition to: a chronology; introductory essay; appendixes; an extensive bibliography; over 1500 cross-referenced entries on important terms; brief biographies of the leading artists and writers; and plot summaries of significant plays. This book is an excellent access point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about the Japanese theatre.
  wigs in theatre: Hair and Wigs for the Stage Rosemarie Swinfield, 2005-10-01 Whether you are acting, a make-up designer or working in wardrobe, you are likely to work with hair & wigs at some stage in your career. This book provides straightforward solutions to a number of challenges typically created by stage productions. It concentrates on simple techniques which are easy to understand but provide effective results. The text is divided into 3 sections: Using Your Own Hair; Wigs & False Hair; & Period Styles. Each section includes information about the basic tools required, details of step-by-step techniques, & ideas on how to overcome common problems. With over 150 photos & drawings, this is an essential reference tool for anyone who works in theater & wishes to improve their styling skills.