Character Creation

By Cheryl Walker and Willa Cotton

The session covers wig selection, fitting, and styling for the stage, along with foundational and advanced stage makeup techniques, including special effects applications for aging, injury, and character distortion. Emphasis is placed on creating durable, performance-ready designs that read effectively under stage lighting. A key component of the workshop focuses on costuming fundamentals, including accurate body measurement techniques, garment fit, and fabric selection.

Participants will explore age progression and aging effects in costumes, learning how to manipulate textiles through distressing, dyeing, structure, and silhouette to visually communicate a character’s life experience, socioeconomic status, and time period.

Designed for performers, designers, and technicians, this workshop equips attendees with practical, transferable skills that enhance character development, production value, and collaborative storytelling within theatrical spaces.

Friday, July 31, 9:00am – 11:00am
Ardmore 1, Benton Convention Center (Benton South)