Theater and Make Up History

Earliest History of Theater Makeup

The earliest known use of theatrical makeup was by the Greek actor Thespis, who, in an effort to stand out from the Greek chorus, painted a toxic covering of white lead and mercuric sulfide to create a white and red face paint. It is debated whether these toxic substances continued to be used in Greek drama because linen masks representing comedy and tragedy (based on the muses Thalia and Melpomene), were used to convey expression. Although contemporary performance uses theatrical makeup to convey character, and facial expression and tone to convey emotion, these Greek masks continue to exist an instantly recognizable symbol for drama. The use of makeup for theater appears to have become more common in the 1500s and 1600s. Read more

Stage Lighting Terminology

Lighting Terms

Acting Area: This is the area within the performance space where the actor may move in full view of the audience.

Antipro: Lighting bar positioned just downstage of the proscenium arch.

Architectural Lamp: A type of linear filament lamp with contacts at 90 degrees to the filament which can give the appearance of a continuous line of light. (It is similar to neon, but dimmable). Read more

Stage Areas

STAGE AREAS

Closed The actor is turned away from the audience.

Cross Abbreviated X, it is a move from one place to another on stage.

Give, take When two actors are not equally open, one gives and the other takes the scene

Open An open position is one which faces the audience. An open turn is one which turns towards the audience. Read more

Basic Theatre Terminology

BASIC THEATER TERMINOLOGY

“The theater is so endlessly fascinating because it’s so accidental. It’s so much like life.” Arthur Miller

This information is to help dancers understand that there is more to dancing than just dancing. It’s important for all dancers to know this terminology and to understand that the stage is a very intricate part of our dance world. It is where magic comes alive and creative dreams are expressed. So I hope you enjoy learning theater definitive words and their meanings as much as you enjoy gracing the stage. Read more