Letter: Shared Theatrical Makeup

Shared makeup is an age-old practice, particularly among high school and community theater actors.  The incidence of cross infection is high, but teachers and amateur theater participants are either willing, or forced, to take the risks because of budgetary problems.

Many amateurs and most teachers are more and more concerned with the health hazards involved in sharing makeup.  Recently, at a Missouri school where sharing theatrical makeup is common practice, an entire cast was infected with impetigo.  While impetigo is nothing to laugh at, at least it is curable.  Unfortunately, that can't be said for all infectious diseases.  NOW is the time to put a halt to sharing makeup!  

In July 1991, the National Costumers Association addressed this topic at its annual convention, and the outcome will have some far-reaching-effects.  The N.C.A. unanimously voted to support the research and development of LOW-COST, individual makeup kits for the one-time actor or performer.  Several theatrical makeup companies have already responded to the request of the N.C.A., and by January 1, 1992, a new concept in makeup will be on the market!  

Kryolan Corporation is the first to introduce a kit which will supply enough makeup for approximately five applications (two dress rehearsals and three performances).  The kit contains a base, shadow, high-light, rouge/lipstick, pencil, brush, sponge, powder, and powder puff.  It all comes in a small zippered bag with space for the student/actor's name on the front, and will retail around $5.50.

This product will be available through National Costumers Association member shops, and from all stores that carry Kryolan make-up, by January, 1992.

Jo Gallagher, Robert Schmidt Costumes, Inc.  St. Louis, MO

Shared make-up and health problems also occur in colleges, professional theater, and film; we encourage the availability of these types of kits to everyone.  -Ed.


Art Hazard News, Volume 19, No. 9, 1996

This article was originally printed for Art Hazard News, © copyright Center for Safety in the Arts 1996. It appears on CAR courtesy of the Health in the Arts Program, University of Illinois at Chicago, who have curated a collection of these articles from their archive which are still relevant to artists today.