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39-5091.00 · Task explorer

Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.

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This source lists 22 tasks, including 20 marked Core and 2 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2025.

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22 tasks shown

Core · Task 24008 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Clean supplies such as makeup brushes.

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Core · Task 14798 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Duplicate work precisely to replicate characters' appearances on a daily basis.

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Core · Task 14800 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Apply makeup to enhance or alter the appearance of people appearing in productions such as movies.

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Core · Task 14805 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Analyze a script, noting events that affect each character's appearance, so that plans can be made for each scene.

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Core · Task 14801 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Alter or maintain makeup during productions as necessary to compensate for lighting changes or to achieve continuity of effect.

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Core · Task 14797 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Confer with stage or motion picture officials and performers to determine desired effects.

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Core · Task 14806 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Requisition or acquire needed materials for special effects, including wigs, beards, and special cosmetics.

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Core · Task 14814 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Study production information, such as character descriptions, period settings, and situations, to determine makeup requirements.

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Core · Task 14799 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Establish budgets, and work within budgetary limits.

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Core · Task 14802 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Select desired makeup shades from stock, or mix oil, grease, and coloring to achieve specific color effects.

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Core · Task 14807 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Write makeup sheets and take photos to document specific looks and the products used to achieve the looks.

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Core · Task 14804 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Assess performers' skin type to ensure that makeup will not cause break-outs or skin irritations.

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Core · Task 14809 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Attach prostheses to performers and apply makeup to create special features or effects, such as scars, aging, or illness.

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Core · Task 14808 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Examine sketches, photographs, and plaster models to obtain desired character image depiction.

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Core · Task 14803 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Cleanse and tone the skin to prepare it for makeup application.

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Core · Task 14810 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Evaluate environmental characteristics, such as venue size and lighting plans, to determine makeup requirements.

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Core · Task 14815 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Provide performers with makeup removal assistance after performances have been completed.

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Core · Task 14811 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Design rubber or plastic prostheses that can be used to change performers' appearances.

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Core · Task 14812 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Create character drawings or models, based upon independent research, to augment period production files.

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Core · Task 14817 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Demonstrate products to clients, and provide instruction in makeup application.

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Supplemental · Task 14813 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Advise hairdressers on the hairstyles required for character parts.

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Supplemental · Task 14816 · 08/2025 · Occupational Expert

Wash and reset wigs.

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Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

Skill Workbench selected and adapted the occupational information and added its own fictional cases, calculations, guidance and worksheets. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.