Become a Theatrical Makeup Artist with Beauty School Training
You could be working behind the scenes of major theatrical performances on Broadway or on motion picture sets in less than a year.
Study at a cosmetology school or in a dedicated makeup program to learn the art of theatrical makeup and be on your way to a fast-paced career in the entertainment industry. If you have a strong sense of imagination, excellent interpersonal skills, and a flair for cosmetic application, consider registering at an accredited cosmetology school near you.
What Type of Beauty Education Does a Theatrical Makeup Artist Need?
Every makeup artist needs a cosmetology certification dedicated to makeup training from a recognized beauty institution. Makeup artist training includes instruction in skin care and cosmetic application, as well as some esthetics training like eyebrow shaping.
In addition to the theory learned in these courses, students must take part in several hours of apprentice work to gain vital hands-on training. Several subjects are covered in theatrical makeup artistry courses, including:
- Anatomy
- Corrective makeup
- Makeup technique for stage
- Makeup technique for film
- Prosthetics
- Hairstyling
- Traditional makeup techniques for Egyptian, Kabuki, Chinese Opera, Geisha
A beginner theatrical makeup artist may have a starting salary under $20K per year; however experienced artists can earn more than three or four times that after making a name for themselves in the business and getting to know key people in the industry. A renowned artist in the industry, such as Ben Nye, can go on to develop his or her own cosmetics line and teach workshops, at which point the earning potential is unlimited.
Can a Cosmetologist Do Theatrical Makeup?
Cosmetologists can work as theatrical makeup artists if their training has covered related subjects. It is advisable to upgrade your beauty education with theatrical makeup workshops or a specialized course offered by a school for makeup. There is heavy competition in this industry, so the right education is essential to ensure a successful career.
If you thrive on the creativity and drama the theater offers and prefer to be an essential behind-the-scenes player, this may be the perfect position for you.
Featured Schools
Prepare for an exciting new career at the Milan Institute.
- Clovis
- Bakersfield
- Cosmetology
- Esthetician
Start your career with training from Alameda Beauty College.
- Alameda
- Cosmetology
Get the hands-on training you need to succeed at Blake Austin College.
- Vacaville
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
Get hands-on training for a beauty industry career at the Milan Institute of Cosmetology.
- Visalia
- Fairfield
- Reno
- La Quinta
- Cosmetology
- Esthetician
If you've ever imagined yourself working in the fast-paced beauty industry, Marinello Schools of Beauty has a program to get your foot in the door. Whether you choose cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology or makeup artistry, Marinello will help you turn your passion for beauty into a career.
Marinello Schools of Beauty makes every student's success a top priority. Our schools are designed to simulate a working salon environment to provide students with real-life experience and a practical, hands-on education. Each campus is equipped with the latest visual and teaching aids, including the modern professional beauty equipment used in America's top salons.
- Redding
- Anaheim
- Cathedral City
- San Mateo
- Inglewood
- Los Angeles
- Hayward
- Bakersfield
- Paramount
- Concord
- Castro Valley
- Stockton
- Moreno Valley
- Bell Gardens
- Victorville
- Lomita
- San Rafael
- Huntington Beach
- Seaside
- San Diego
- Ontario
- Napa
- Lake Forest
- Chico
- Santa Clara
- Cosmetology
- Advanced Facial and Body Treatments
