Many Hands Make Light Work

       The Count of Monte Cristo started this week. I have had a wonderful and interesting experience working on the Count of Monte Cristo. I am the Supervisor over nine other students who help with the hair and makeup for the show. Now, some might think that 18 hands would be enough to help do all that is required. However, I am here to tell you even though we have 18 hands we are still a little tight with time. We have a cast of 37 people and only one hour to apply everything. 

                                                                    Some of the responsibilites we complete are:

       Getting all the cast into their wigs for the show. There are 18 wigs for the females and 5 switches (a small wig that is applied to a certain area of the head) for the men. The wigs and switches take about 15-20 minutes each to apply, depending on hairstyle, length of hair, pin curls, french braids and ability (talent of crew).  

       While the wigs are being applied the actors and actresses are putting on their makeup. They learn to put their own makeup on, so that when they graduate they can add that to their resume. As a crew, we make sure they apply the makeup correctly and with the right intensity. For a show held in the Dejong, the makeup has to be applied very heavily inorder for everyone to see. If the actors and actresses are not intense enough we tell them to apply more makeup. Once the makeup is complete, we spray them off with a final seal (a product that sets the makeup). 

       We have some pirates with tattoos. We apply a makeup that is alcohol base that creates the tattoo effect. The reason behind the alcohol base is because the product does not sweat as easyly as a cream or powder makeup. We hand draw the tattoos on. We do not use a stencil or a tattoo sticker. We do everything professionally. This application for one person can take up to 15 minutes. We have three pirates. 

       We have several facial pieces to apply as well. We use spirit gum (adhesive) for some of the facial pieces to stick to the face. On other facial pieces we use facial tape (adhesive). Depending on how quick they change facial pieces throughout the show will depend on which adhesive they use. The facial pieces take a few minutes to apply, because some of the adhesive has to get tacky before the actual application. 

        As a team we divide and conquer. We make sure that everything happens and is done within an hour. However, this past week we have been short a couple people. They have been gone for different reasons, but the work has been much heavier. At least, the work seems to be heavy, because there are less hands to prepare everything. I have learned, this week, that when we have everyone together the work seems lighter. Plus, everything gets done quickly and efficiently. Teamwork makes all the difference.

        I will never take for granted the hands of people. Working together is much faster than working alone. I feel liberated in learning this week that many hands make light work.