Coleg Gwent’s media make-up students conjured up a visual treat on a work placement for musical The Wizard of Oz.
Level 2 Theatrical and Media Make-up students had their brushes, rainbow palettes and plenty of creative inspiration at the ready when they transformed members of Abergavenny Operatic and Dramatic Society for their musical production of The Wizard of Oz.
Cerys Tugwell, Theatrical and Media Make-up Tutor at Crosskeys Campus, said: “The group were given a character to complete during the placement week, which helped them develop their own approach to individual characters over the few days.”
Jaci Brickley-Clark, Director of the junior section for Abergavenny Amateur Operatic and Dramatic society said: “Students and staff were fantastic – thoroughly professional and well-motivated with great ideas and the skills to match.
“They were incredibly accommodating and pleasant throughout the whole of the placement. Not only were they enthusiastic, their work looked wonderful on the stage, and really enhanced the production.
“I hope that the students gained some valuable experience and that they are successful in their future careers – I am sure they will be.”
Panto season is in full swing, but it was the work of Level 3 students which who took centre stage at a recent production of Scrooge, a pantomime presented by the Rubber Chickens Players at Newbridge Memo.
Cerys added: “The transformation of male players to dames and creating and applying prosthetic pieces was a fantastic opportunity for students to put their skills in to practice.”
With so many practical skills to learn, students have been busy getting advice and tips for successful future careers. Earlier in the term students met professional make-up artist Shevaun Mckenna, who has worked with Hugh Grant and Charlotte Church, for an Asian bridal make-up workshop.
The budding make-up artists also discussed job prospects with freelance airbrush artist Chris Gadd, who uses his skills to create stunning murals, theme park rides and advertising.