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Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
 Community Theater Green Room Discussion Board :Producing Theater :Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
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jdlewallen
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bullet Topic: Playing Older Character
    Posted: 1/14/07 at 1:22am

I know this should be in the thread about costumes and makeup, but for some reason, that is the only one on here that WON'T LET me post a message/topic!!

Anyway, I was looking for some tips on "aging".  I am 35, and have been cast as George in "Alone Together", thus playing a 53 year old.  My "sons" are about 5-8 years younger than I am!  I have very limited experience with any makeup so far

Thanks in advance for your help!
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Mike Polo
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bullet Posted: 1/14/07 at 7:37am
James,
 
The problem with posting in this forum has been fixed... sorry about that, there was a bad permissions setting.
 
As for aging makeup, I can't really help you much there; I think you're going to have to find someone to show you how. Hands-on is always best, although a good theatrical book will help along with practice. Remember to take into account the size of the theater... if it's a small theater, overdoing the ageing will look comical.
 
20 years isn't all that much to age. A few lines, some gray in the hair, and older hair style will all make a difference. Make sure you work on the physicality of the character as well; as we get older, we tend to move differently.
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jdlewallen
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bullet Posted: 1/14/07 at 2:45pm

"as we get older, we tend to move differently.."


LOL!!!  I think I already have that one down!!  During blocking the other night, I was moving a bit slowly and creakily getting off the bearskin rug to "jump up" and discover Michael, and it wasn't "acted" at all!!!



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Blithe
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bullet Posted: 1/18/07 at 2:16pm

First off, take an examination of how closely you alraedy look 50 plus.  You may not need much make-up.  I am being honest not flippant.  Next, determine how far away from the audience you will be and how bright the lighting.  If you are a distance away, I would suggest adding lines to the already natrual and existing lines on your face - in particular the smiles line from your nose to the edges of your mouth, under the eye and the crows feet at the outer edges of your eye.  Also, apply a line above your eyebrow.  You can determine these lines by smiling, squinting and raising your eyebrows.  Do not use black but use a brown or dark purple liner - very sharp!!  To create more depth, you can highlight the lines ON TOP with white.  The skin oft gets ruddy with age and you can use a stipling brush or the end of a stiff brish to ad ruddiness and texture.  One more idea; darken with a powder blush underneath your jowels.  Play around.  Good luck.

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red diva
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bullet Posted: 1/18/07 at 4:39pm
As I posted earlier on a makeup thread, makeup is useful in portraying age, but if you can't act the part without makeup, you can't act the part!  Study people of that age group, go for the movement patterns and mannerisms. 
"I've worked long and hard to earn the right to be called Diva!"
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jdlewallen
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bullet Posted: 1/18/07 at 9:50pm

Thanks!  The theatre seats about 400, with the closest being about 10 feet away, while the furthest would be about 100 feet or so away....

My real concern regarding the age thing is that the guys who are playing my "sons" are relatively close in age to me, while they are supposed to look some 20 years younger than I....




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