Today, I went to a makeup class for the Dark Hollow Haunted Forest in Maple Valley. It’s expected that you’ll be present to apply makeup to the actors for at least one night of the haunt after taking the class; I committed to five. I would have committed to more, but October is a busy month for me, and I’ve got to work on my own Halloween costume and figure out how to do the makeup effects I want for myself (we’re going to a party with a big prize this year and I’ve got my sights set high (oh lord I have to dye fabric tomorrow and my kitchen will never be the same(goodbye deposit(hello obnoxious nesting statements(help me I can’t stop!))))), plus I’ve got the pumpkin carving party and an insane amount of food to prep because I can’t seem to throw a party half-assed. It’s whole ass or nothing!
The makeup style they’re doing is completely different from the style that I’m used to, and in the test application today I struggled more than I’d like to admit. It didn’t turn out as something I was pleased with, and so in my copious amounts of free time (uh oh) I am going to practice on myself until I’ve improved in both speed and technique. I was frustrated with myself because I feel like I should have done better–I’m one of those that wants to do something exactly right the very first time and those expectations rarely work out well for me.
The instructor/lead makeup artist is extremely knowledgeable, and another very talented artist showed up today as well–I am going to stick tight to both of them, as there is so much I could learn from them. Today, I asked a lot of (probably) really annoying questions about making prosthetics, GM foam, and whether working with it in my oven will kill me or just drive me out of the apartment, away from the smell of Satan’s Buttcrack emanating from the kitchen. I learned that while it probably WON’T kill me, the stench is almost unbearable and that it takes a LOT of time and effort to get the mixture correct so I’m probably better off not trying to experiment with it for myself this Halloween unless I’m looking to deal with a lot of mess and frustration with limited time.
I’m really looking forward to this experience–I’m definitely going to take a lot away from it. Experience PLUS contributing in my own way to causing someone to tinkle their undies in fear. This is the life! They encourage the artists to stick around for the haunt and act themselves, but I’m on the fence about it. I am simultaneously wooden and a laugher, which doesn’t bode well for scaring people wee-less.
I have also been informed that I sound exactly like a character from Daria when I talk. I haven’t seen the show and now I’m curious as to which one. If there’s an obnoxious one, it’s probably that one.
