The University of Michigan is tackling equity issues in performing arts by launching a free, on-demand course in stage makeup and hair for diverse skin tones and hair textures. This course, funded by U-M’s Arts Initiative, is led by professionals from the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, including Sarah Oliver and drag artist Alex Michaels, also known as Alexis Michelle from “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Sarah Oliver created “Equitable Stage Makeup and Hair” to address the lack of training for diverse skin tones and hair textures in the industry. She observed that performers often struggle with makeup artists not trained for their specific needs, causing frustration. The course aims to provide comprehensive training on color theory, aging makeup, special effects makeup, and drag makeup and hair, making it inclusive for all learners.
Graduates have traditionally received uniform instruction, often neglecting non-white students, says Oliver. This new course offers tutorials on various makeup and hair techniques, making it accessible to global students via Michigan Online and Coursera.
“People are hungry for this kind of training. They just don’t know where to get it,” Oliver said. The course fills gaps in knowledge, helping performers and makeup artists work with diverse complexions, gender identities, and backgrounds.
“We found that U-M alums recognized the importance of this project and the significance of what we were trying to do,” Oliver added. The course, a three-year project, began when Oliver joined U-M in March 2020, coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic and a broader industry reckoning. She questioned how to teach makeup to 250-300 students and meet the moment’s needs.
“If we don’t address the problem by changing how we are instructing students, how are we going to see change in the industry?” Oliver said. The course enables instructors to apply and teach stage makeup and hair, even with a costume theater background.
Oliver’s own experience at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts highlighted a lack of training for Asian hair, pushing her to create this course. She hopes it prevents others from facing similar challenges.
“I have talked to so many students and so many people in my industry who have no access to training like this, even though they have the desire to learn,” she said. The course addresses the needs of many skin tones, techniques, and backgrounds, offering diversified training.
The course also includes perspectives from Detroit area actors and teachers. Janai Lashon, a Black artist, shared her struggle of becoming her own stylist due to lack of knowledge about her locs. Kurt Sanchez Kanazawa, an Asian artist, emphasized the need for understanding diverse Asian hairstyles.
Although it took time, Oliver is thrilled the course is now live and believes it will be impactful. “It is so exciting to now be able to point people to this opportunity,” she said.
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