Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

What They Do

Theatrical and performance makeup artists transform actors and performers into their characters through carefully applied cosmetics, prosthetics, and special effects. They begin by studying scripts, consulting with directors, and researching historical periods or fantastical designs to understand the visual requirements for each production. During prep time, they create makeup plots, test different looks, and sometimes craft custom prosthetic pieces like scars, wounds, or aging effects in their workshop.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Cosmetology(certificate)Saint Paul College, MN
$32,987
Cosmetology(certificate)Florida State College at Jacksonville, FL
$29,668
Cosmetology(certificate)The Salon Professional Academy-Fargo, ND
$29,330
Cosmetology(certificate)The Hair Academy, ND
$29,327
Cosmetology(certificate)The Esthetic Institute, VA
$29,301
Cosmetology(certificate)Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body-Grand Forks, ND
$28,331
Cosmetology(certificate)Josef's School of Hair Skin & Body-Fargo, ND
$28,331
Cosmetology(certificate)Summit Salon Academy Kansas City, MO
$27,878
Cosmetology(certificate)Institute of Advanced Medical Esthetics, VA
$27,490
Cosmetology(certificate)Top Nails & Hair Beauty School, UT
$27,296
Cosmetology(certificate)Summit Salon Academy-Portland, OR
$27,110
Cosmetology(certificate)Aveda Institute-Des Moines, IA
$27,081
Cosmetology(certificate)Waukesha County Technical College, WI
$27,049
Cosmetology(certificate)Gaston College, NC
$27,008
Cosmetology(certificate)Elevate Salon Institute-Westminster, CO
$27,005
Cosmetology(certificate)Paul Mitchell the School-Austin, TX
$26,824
Cosmetology(certificate)Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, AZ
$26,795
Cosmetology(certificate)Champion Beauty College, TX
$26,736
Cosmetology(certificate)Tulsa Technology Center, OK
$26,713
Cosmetology(certificate)Aveda Institute-Denver, CO
$26,636
Cosmetology(certificate)DuVall's School of Cosmetology, TX
$26,435
Cosmetology(certificate)International Academy of Style, NV
$26,349
Cosmetology(certificate)Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics, MA
$26,234
Cosmetology(certificate)Capitol Beauty School, NE
$25,942
Cosmetology(certificate)The Salon Professional Academy-Nashville, TN
$25,878

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