Students wishing to learn more about theatrical makeup design have several options. Many colleges and universities offer semester-long courses focusing on beginning or advanced makeup. Hundreds of universities around the world offer full four-year bachelor's degrees in theatrical design, typically combining makeup with costuming or as a comprehensive degree including several design aspects. A small number, such as the College-Conservatory of Music in Ohio, offer bachelor's and master's degrees specifically in makeup design. As an alternative to training at a university, many makeup artists attend vocational schools or training workshops with companies that work solely in the art of makeup. Two such well-established programs are Joe Blasco Cosmetics and Christine Blundell Makeup Academy.
Expect to have courses or training in basic makeup application, creating the look of aging, application of faux facial hair, special effects, recreating fake wounds, and creating prosthetic pieces out of latex or silicone. Makeup training often also includes the making and use of wigs as well as hairstyle creation. Training typically also instructs the artist on what hair and makeup designs are appropriate for various types of theatrical productions.
Students will be expected to have a number of real-world training experiences. If you are taking classes though a university's theater program, then the regular theatrical productions will provide a wonderful opportunity for you to practice your technique--or you might work for free with community theatres or other organizations, donating your time as you build up your portfolio.
Expect to purchase a set of high-quality makeup brushes, cleaner, lots of Q-Tips, a big makeup box, and a wide assortment of foundations, eye shadows, and blushes. Make sure to have on hand thick cake makeup, latex, liquid adhesives, and adhesive remover for special effects. You want to make sure to consider the ability to transport your items and the ease of cleaning them, as these are two of your most important factors in professionalism.
When considering theatrical makeup training, consider first the level at which you would like to be working. If you plan to work in community theaters and events, you may not need the level of training you would obtain were you planning to work on Broadway. Be prepared to be helpful to your classmates, as you often may be experimenting on one another. Makeup application requires that you can stand for long periods of time and that you pay close attention to detail.