Amateurs actors quickly find out that there is more to a role on the stage than just learning lines and hitting marks. Learning to make themselves up, in order to get into character, is another important aspect of the process. Local theaters do not have the money or means to hire a professional make up artist. In order to help newcomers to the stage avoid common cosmetic pitfalls, when it comes to applying theater makeup, experts have some simple tips.

You might be great at making yourself up for work or a night out, but creating an effective appearance for the stage is something else entirely. The stage is not the place for cosmetic understatement. The lights will completely wash out subtlety. A good foundation is key, as is remembering to apply it to your neck as well as face. If you aren't sure about the right color, you can ask a store consultant at your department store's cosmetic counter.

In order to create a dramatic effect you will need a good set of eyelashes. Cheap eyelashes never fit correctly, and they itch. You don't want to be worrying about whether or not your eyelashes are falling off when you are in the middle of a dramatic moment. Brown, gold, and pink eye shadows are good, and liquid eyeliner works better than a pencil.

Highlighting your facial structure can be very effective, but you don't want to overdo it. A lot of inexperienced actors are too conservative with blush. They're afraid they'll look like clowns, not realizing the stage lights will wash them out unless blush applied with a liberal brush. You must remember to fill in your eyebrows as well. Blondes need extra applications of filler.

You might be fortunate enough to get a role that requires special effect make up. If so you will need how to apply it effectively. If your character is knifed or shot, you have to learn the technique of creating an open wound effect. You can use liquid latex or school glue around the wound. Face paint or black and red eye shadow are great for creating blood.

Smudging black and purple eye shadow will simulate bruising if you need to show the aftermath of a fight scene. As the bruise ages, during the course of the play, you can begin to introduce yellow and green shades depicting the fading of the bruise. This may seem like a small detail, but audiences notice.

If you ever have the opportunity to show your character aging as a play progresses, you will have to create lines and wrinkles on your face and neck. You can do this using the liquid latex, or school glue. When it dries, you remove it and apply foundation. It's important to rub the foundation into the creases to highlight them.

You might never be famous, but you can have a lot of fun creating characters for the stage. It can be a wonderful creative outlet. Learning how to apply makeup effectively will add to your enjoyment of the process.