CMU Mainstage Theatre’s Production of
Kinky Boots
Directed by Terri Hanson
Costume Design by Ann Dasen
Hair & Makeup Design by Aleigha Cheng
I had the honor of designing the hair and makeup for Kinky Boots on the CMU Mainstage in 2022. I began by meeting with the Costume Designer to discuss aesthetics, researched Drag styles, took inventory of CMU wig stock.
"Day Drag" look Makeup Maps
"Finale" look Makeup Maps
Process
As I styled, I had actors in for wig fittings. I revised my design throughout the process to accommodate for unanticipated problems.
Double casting and quick changes were big challenges in this production. Some actors started the show playing male-presenting characters and needed to get into drag quickly offstage. Additionally, most of the ensemble played multiple characters which required lots of wig and costume changes.
To accommodate for this, specific styles were chosen for the actors who played many characters to make quick changes easier. This required lots of trial and error, but in the end, the result was beautiful!
Final Looks!
