Whimsical Work at The Mystery Theatre

There are so many different elements that go into staging a production in the theatre world. One of those is designing and applying hair and makeup to the actors. I had the pleasure of working on the show Eurydice at the Mystery Theatre in Kennewick, WA, and it was such an inspiring and lovely experience. It was my first time doing any type of theatre work at this newly established venue and I was very excited!

The cast of The Mystery Theatre's 2024 production of Eurydice

As I walk into the venue, I immediately get the vibe of a modern dinner-theatre sort of establishment. Just outside the front door, there are a variety of food trucks that actually work with the theatre during scheduled performances so the audience can have a nice supper as they enjoy the show. There are a few rows of round tables with cloth-covered chairs set around them, and a front counter where tickets are checked or sold. This front counter is also where the sound equipment is set up, as this space is more of a warehouse-turned theatre than a traditional one. The stage is a small one, in fact the actors in the picture above are taking up about 70% of the floor space on the tiny stage. There are two, older model stage lighting rigs set up pointed to the stage, and a makeshift lighting booth hidden behind a half wall between the stage, and the entrance to the bathrooms. On the other side of the booth, in the path of the bathrooms is a line a kegs for alcohol sales.

As I head into the bathroom, I go through the "cast and crew only" door that leads to the back of the warehouse and the green room for the actors. I set up my hair and makeup kit in my area, and I get to work making sure all wigs are maintained for the Stones. It's quiet at first, with only the crew members working on their pre-show checklists. Then, the actors slowly start to flood in and the room comes to life as I get to work transforming them into their characters for the night's performance.