Youth Theater Transformation: LTYC's Stage Makeup Master Class Prepares Students for 'The Lion King Jr.' at Booker T. Washington Middle School for the Arts
Leading up to their show-stopping performance, LTYC had the pleasure of hosting a stage makeup workshop at Booker T. Washington Middle School of the Arts in preparation for their production of The Lion King Jr. Student actors brimmed over with excitement at the chance to dive into the art of theatrical makeup, transforming into the beloved characters of this iconic musical.
From the moment you step into BTW it is clear that this is a school that loves the arts, and we at LTYC are all the way here for it. The students are trained and ready to unleash their inner artists having worked with our talented educators in the areas of theater, music, and media arts for the last four years. Our school-based educational programs have led to successful arts integration in this rock star school located in the heart of Baltimore, Maryland.
During this hands-on masterclass, students were awarded the opportunity to showcase their skills. The stage was set with an array of makeup supplies: brushes, sponges, and vibrant face paints that radiated under the stage lights. Instructors kicked off the workshop with an introduction to the basics of stage makeup, emphasizing how crucial it is in awakening the characters. After all, what’s Simba without his majestic mane or Scar without his menacing scar?
Led by Mr. Ivory, alongside our LTYC educators, students were guided through step-by-step tutorials expertly applying intricately-detailed tribal designs to transport the young actors to the Pride Lands of Africa. Students discovered the complex steps to making characters look more life-like from the audience’s perspective.
Next, it was the students’ turn. With brushes and palettes in hand, they proved to not only be talented on stage but behind it as well. Creativity won as students experimented with colors and techniques. They took pride in the finished product as they witnessed friends become lions, hyenas, and other spirited characters from the Savannah.
By the end of the day, students learned the technical skills of theatrical makeup and bonded over their shared experience. They gained a sense of accomplishment as they witnessed the commitment of months of preparation manifest into something palpable.
The students did not disappoint when the big day arrived. Their hard work and dedication outshined the glorious looks they were giving on stage. The Lion King Jr. at BTW was another one for the books! Students who began this production reluctantly or shyly displayed new confidence proving that youth empowerment through art is a real thing and must continue to circulate in Baltimore, the DMV and beyond.
