I’ve been dedicating my time to designing and styling for AUB Productions' Emilia! as I’ve been fortunate to have been given the role of Hair and Make-up Supervisor, running my own department throughout the production. This has been an incredible learning experience.
From the outset, I knew this role would involve a lot of wigs, beards, and moustaches – elements I was immediately excited to work on! Although I anticipated the challenges it would present, I also knew the process would be incredibly rewarding.
As Hair and Make-up Supervisor, my responsibilities have included designing, styling, creating, and overseeing all make-up, hair, wigs, and facial hair for the production. I have also co-ordinated closely with other departments, actors, and the director to ensure we achieve the best possible outcome.
When I learned that Emilia! was set in the Elizabethan era, I initially felt apprehensive about the challenge of maintaining historical accuracy for each character, especially since I was responsible for designing looks for all 36 characters on my own. However, what I initially saw as a challenge quickly became one of the most exciting parts of the process. Bringing my character designs to life was truly the highlight of this project.
In total, I have created and styled nine wigs, two hair pieces, four beards, and seven moustaches. Each piece was custom-made and tailored to fit the actors' faces, with the help of several fellow Level 5 BA (Hons) Make-up for Media and Performance students. This collaborative effort allowed me to bond with second-year students, exchange ideas, and share in the excitement of the production. This has been one of the most rewarding aspects of the experience, as I’ve gained lasting friendships and connections.
While I was already familiar with collaboration and communication in a student environment, working on a live theatre production was an entirely new challenge. There was much more planning and time management involved, which gave me a deep respect for the intricacies of theatre production – a side of the industry I hadn’t fully appreciated before. The process has been challenging but incredibly fulfilling, and I’d highly recommend it to any student interested in large-scale collaborations.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was managing over 20 quick changes throughout the production, with some lasting less than a minute. To address this, I added extra hair pieces to help distinguish the characters in such a short time frame. This is where my close collaboration with the costume department proved invaluable. Early on, the Costume Supervisor and I worked together to identify ways our departments could complement each other, such as using hats and bonnets to assist with quick character transformations. This collaborative approach solved many challenges and highlighted how different departments can work together to enhance the overall production.
Working alongside other departments has not only improved my work but also provided an excellent opportunity to meet new people and build industry connections. Through this experience, I’ve learned how to navigate various aspects of production, which will undoubtedly benefit me in my future career.
Overall, this experience has been one of the highlights of my time at AUB. It has expanded my skill set and boosted my confidence, all while working with a talented and supportive community. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for theatre production, and I’m excited to carry these lessons forward into my future career.
