about me.
My name is Sophie Pennell and I have designed the makeup and hair for 2 seperate major productions: The Fantasticks and The Matchmaker. As well as for a number of smaller projects. While my first love in theatre in performing, I began to experiment with the technical side of theatre 2 years ago. This way I can become a well-rounded thespian and fully understand this activity that I love so much.
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In my future, I aspire to become a theatre educator and performer. This way I can spread every amount of information I have about performing, designing, etc. to future thespians. Teaching kids about the wonderful art of theatre has become as exciting as performing for me.
Thought Process:
The Fantasticks
My thought process and concepts of my designs for both The Fantasticks and The Matchmaker were drastically different.
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For our production of The Fantasticks in 2021, my designs were mostly showcased through the Commedia Del Arte style masks my director instructed me to design for our ensemble. The color scheme of these masks was carefully selected to showcase the expression that the makeup crew and I wanted the masks to express. Our shop crew first made these masks using a sort of clay, that then lead to the decisions of the colors based off of the expression of the mask.
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Next, we also had dance ensemble members who we decided to not give a mask to ensure that they could fully se where they were going. We went through a variety of trials until we finally reached a consensus of a fully white base and colorful paint creating art and expression on their faces.
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Thought Process:
The Matchmaker
My thought process for The Matchmaker was complicated for a very different reason then my design for The Fantasticks was. The main challenge that I faced was staying truthful to the era of the 1880's for both the ensemble and the principle characters. I gave variety to the amount of old age makeup that I gave to each character because some were older then others. For example, Dolly Levi is described in the script of being at an unknown age. Since her age is up to audience interpretation, I decided to not give her any age makeup.
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The female hair was made up of all extravagant up dos with rolls in the front and all of the men had heavily jelled hair. On the topic of men's hair, their facial hair was used to show character whether in be though the use of mustaches, chops or eyebrows.
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If I am honest, I was much more organized this time around with the makeup design then I was for my designs in our production of The Fantasticks. I gave many of photos for inspiration and many more options then I did previously. Being more prepared and knowing what to prepare for made the process more enjoyable in a different way because the first time doing it was new and exciting and this time was a way to improve my skills and focus more on the designs themselves rather than the deadlines.
