Priscilla
Students from level two of the Foundation Degree in Make-up Artistry & Special Effects proved that College life was certainly not a drag with the most extravagant, spectacular project based on Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. They were asked to design and create wigs, make-up and costumes for Stephan Elliott’s famous theatrical production. The designs needed to pay particular consideration to the medium and so needed to be not only practical, but also ‘larger than life’.
Course Tutor Katherine Brenton explained , “The students were shown two different wig-making techniques before making their own. When designing they had to bear in mind the three characters in the show. Some devised themes, for instance sweets or peacock feathers. They either made the costumes themselves or hired them and designed make up to match. They were asked to be as creative as possible and have surpassed all expectations.
They then had to recreate the total look for a professional photo shoot, finding their own, ideally male, models which proved more a struggle. Brothers, boyfriends, dads and even the landlord of one student’s local pub were persuaded to model and helped to make this project such a success. There were some last minute cold feet where female students from Performing Arts stepped in. The pictures were shot on campus in the currently unused Garden Mills building. The bare, grimy surroundings were chosen as a deliberate contrast to the colour and glamour and it worked really well.”
You can see images from the fabulous photoshoot here
The results of this project were so amazing that a selection of the wigs and framed photographs are featuring in a special showcase exhibition in the Yorkshire Craft Centre from 11th to 27th April.
This display has highlighted that these elaborate wigs and headdresses really are works of art and visitors have marvelled at (and coveted) them.
You can take a closer look at some of the wigs in the showcase exhibition highlights here