By Molly Bello

Comment Staff

A big part of theater is the makeup. Stage makeup can transform an actor into any character

whether it be human or animal or inanimate object. Every actor must wear makeup in the shows.

CJ Hawes, a theater major, graduating in the fall of 2014, has taken the role of makeup artist in the Bridgewater State University theater department. Hawes works with the makeup designer, Steph Wooley, head of the costume shop, to create makeup looks for the characters. Hawes also works to both apply, and teach the actors how to apply these looks for the nights of the shows.

“I’ve had a fascination with beauty makeup,” Hawes said. “I used to do proms when I was younger and weddings, getting paid.”

Hawes also worked at the Bare Essentials makeup counter at a Macy’s in Boston. She started with stage makeup in high school.

Sophomore communications disorders major Alycia Patterson has performed in shows with Hawes and praises her makeup abilities. Patterson mentioned Hawes’ incredible ability to create wrinkles and transform the actors into the characters they play.

“Theater makeup is a lot more exaggerated,” Hawes said. “I’d rather do stage makeup because it is much more artistic and creative [than beauty or television makeup] TV and beauty makeup has to be more subtle.”

Linda Carlise, theater major, class of 2015, has worked with Hawes many times and loves her work, especially her ability to make someone look old.

“CJ is really good at pretty much anything having to do with makeup,” Carlise said. “I’ve thought many times before, that I wish I could have her do my makeup every day since her’s always looks awesome.”

Hawes participated in the makeup design for several of the movies featured in the Campus Movie Fest competition. She is looking forward to her first paying stage makeup gig this summer.

Molly Bello is a Comment staff writer. Follow her on Twitter at @mollybello or email her at mbello@student.bridgew.edu.