November saw the Level 3 Diploma in Special Effects, Theatrical and Media Make-up students and Level 2 Certificate in Make-up students take to the (back)stage for Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the Bristol Hippodrome.
The students were responsible for applying the make-up and wigs for BLOC productions: A Christmas Carol; a show that has been an incredible success with 5* reviews from The Bristol Post, What’s On Bristol and 365 Bristol. With special effects, faux snow-fall over the auditorium and a full orchestra, the show really was a spectacle to behold.
Students used theatrical make-up techniques that they have learnt at college to visually give the illusion of old age to cast members, to create ghostly make-up effects, as well as to ‘dirty down’ effects to appear as though the cast had been working in an iron forge. The team worked on a large cast of over 50 with tech-runs, dress-rehearsals and matinée performances as well as evening shows under their belts.
Tutor Kate Dowle said: “My students came together and put nearly 80 hours in over the course of the show week. Not only did they throw themselves into quick changes, costume changes, wig work and make-up but they established themselves as professionals.
“The feedback from the production crew was incredible. I cannot tell you how proud I am of them.
“This will be a week none of us will ever forget. I would like to thank; Melissa Turvey, Lydia Dziczkaniec, Freya Boyce, Chloe Oztoprak, Katie Gray, Kimberley-Anne Jenkins, Kianna Messina, Madison Wetten, Amie Courthold and Katana Lunnes for their incredible commitment and hard work.”
Level 2 Certificate in Make-up student Chloe Oztoprak said: “I am forever grateful to be a part of the makeup and wigs team for A Christmas Carol. It was the most amazing experience, meeting the most wonderful people and learning so much!
“It was so amazing to have the opportunity to do so many things over the week: quick changes, glueing facial hair, pinning wigs, dirtying up arms, and I’ve taken away so much knowledge from this, and I’m going to miss it greatly!”
Freya Boyce, Level 3 Diploma in Special Effects, Theatrical and Media Make-up student, said: “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and thankful for the learning experience; it definitely helped me with my confidence when doing makeup.
“On top of that, I am appreciative of the actors being patient with us and helping us develop our skills. Everyone was very kind, and I would love to do it again.”
Meli Turvey, Level 3 Diploma in Special Effects, Theatrical and Media Make-up student, added: “The opportunity to work in this industry has helped me develop my skills and confidence and pushed me to work outside of my comfort zone.
“Everyone was very welcoming, and it’s taught me to believe in myself more. I loved being involved in everything and would gladly do it all again. I love my course at COBC”.
