"And then they Came for Me"

WOW. I first want to say that I am so honored to be apart of this production. Sure, I have the tiniest role in this play (*cough* the boys makeup artist *uncough*) but just knowing I did a little something to the people on stage makes me feel so overwhelmed.
On Tuesday afternoon, after eating lunch, I had to go over to the drama room and then go over too the dressing room to help the boys get ready for their dress rehearsal. Of course, boys will be boys as they were disgusted with the makeup they had to put on. And of course it was thick theater makeup (Ben Nye to be exact, GREAT coverage concealers!!) but for the most part, after some complaining and consistent questions of "why do I have to do this?!" and comments like "I feel like a robot", I had made three guys into flawless faces :) With a little bit of a flush and porcelain skin, they looked good. I also helped them out with hair, which one of them cringed due to the amount of gel and hairspray I had to use. And then I started to feel kind of bad because the guys were complaining of how weird they felt and looked, and so I apologized and then they were like "Why are you sorry?' -____- Well, gee, I dont know. Because you guys are unsatisfied with the way you look? Go figure. But they were like "You did a great job. I just hate this." Sighhh. They act like this was some huge sacrifice, makeup and gel. Boys will be boys, right? And then I went on over to the girls who seemed to have had their makeup situation under control. Since today was kind of like a "Go-Over" for tomorrows opening night, people who paid five dollars could get in and watch the show after school. I, of course, could get in for free (heh) which is one of the perks of being apart of this production. Anywho, when I was done with everything and had all my stuff pulled together, I was planning on going home. But then Mrs.B said, "Don't you want to stay around for the show to see how their makeup looks on stage and under all those lights? So then you can fix any mistakes tomorrow?"
So of course. I stayed. And I sat third row right in the center, with my English teacher behind me and my two friends Reeanna and Taylor beside me.
The play was very powerful. The set was AMAZING as well as all the actors. The play basically revolves around those who knew Anne Frank and Anne Frank herself. At certain moments of the play, the screen in the background comes to life and you see the actual Holocaust survivors sharing their story of what happened to them before, during, and after this tragic event. They also share their memories of how wonderful and beautiful Anne was, who died only six weeks before the war was over. The only thing left from Anne was her diary, which has made headlines all around the world.
As I said before, the actors were incredible. I could feel and sense the passion they put in, and I actually caught myself tearing up at a few parts. My good friend Megan never fails to impress me, esp. during this play. I cant wait to tell her how well she did in person.
So, today is Tuesday, and for the next three days I will have to arrive at the play at 5 pm, get started on their makeup, and then the show will be over at 8 in which I will stick around for. I mean might as well, right? So my plan is to go home after school, chill at home, eat, do homework, then at four thirty Ill head back to the school and then afterward I take it from there. I won’t post this blog just yet, I will do so on Friday so I can include any more stories (if I have any) and post pictures if I have the plays consent to do so. I’m so honored and proud to be a part of this production though, and I can't wait to experience it all over again!
*UPDATE* So today is Thursday, and I have now seen the play four whopping times. I won’t post this until Friday, but my goodness am I speechless of how amazing this play is! And I've been getting to know the cast a little bit better, so I’m quite happy with that! Wednesday was opening night, so I had to come back to my school at five fifteen in the afternoon, help out my friend Megan with her hair (French braids, if you are wondering) and then I had to rush over to the guys whom I didn’t even know were in their dressing room, but thankfully one of the guys girlfriends helped out with makeup, and so I was able to focus on Joe. Basically, for good old Joe, who plays a Nazi Youth as well as Eva's Pappy, I did a pale face with dark eyes. The guy is already pale, but I just used congealer all over his face & neck to hide any imperfections, and then I contoured his cheeks with a deep brown eye shadow to give him that kind of hallow look, along with contouring his eyes in the crease for more depth. Then I added a bit of flush just so that he wouldn't look TOO washed out, and I put some of my favorite lipstick (Neutrogena Moisture Shine in Plum Paradise) on his lips for a small flush on the lips. Nothing major at all. But it was kind of funny cause I was wearing the same lipstick at the time and we matched. Bahaha. And then I had to do a comb over for his hair and had to use some gel and hairspray to put everything in place. And woolahhh, Joe was transformed into a more sophisticated looking person. I guess. Haha, and then last minute I had to rush and do Megans makeup. Simple Eyeliner and Mascara, a little bit of Blush, and BAM she was good to go :) I know I didnt do much, but in all honesty, it was the 1940's, no one went heavy on their makeup at the time. We were aiming for just natural. But the lights wash them out if they werent to be wearing makeup so I guess that's one of the main reasons why they had to do it. So anywho, it was opening night and I decided to stay and watch the show. Two lovely ladies that no longer go to my school attended the play so we all sat next to each other, and watched as the set came to life and the cast did their job beautifully. Opening night was incredible. Afterwards, they all went out to the hallway to greet their families and friends and anyone else in the audience, and my ride had came so I hurridly hugged each member, told them how amazing they did, and bolted. Haha, it was a great night.
Today, being Thursday, did not go AS smoothly as opening night but it still went well. You see, today was Matinee, where there were 2 plays in one day. So the early one, starting at 10:00 am, was for the kids at the middle school up the street along with students from my school who wanted to see the play. I got to skip out on all my classes to focus on the makeup and hair for the cast, so that was awfully nice. So Megan and I leave at 8:00 from our history class together, and she has a tiny little crush on one of the guys in the play. I wont name names of course, but last night she texted me the little details that us girls always noticed, and apparently he hugged her after the play a bit longer and tighter than usual. SOO, me being a visual learner, I asked her to demonstrate. Right in the hallway. So she put down her bags, as did I, and she stepped forward and was demonstrating how exactly the hug happened when all of a sudden I look to my side and there’s Itzel, one of the cast members who plays Anne Frank, and she's looking at us all wide eyed, and immediately Megan and I break apart and Itzel was like "Ill pretend like I never saw that." It was the funniest thing in the world, and of course she was joking. So today, I did all of the guys makeup & hair. And I felt more comfortable with them today, probably because we've been working together for the past two days, so it was all loosey goosey and I definitely feel more at ease. It made me kind of happy because Joe was talking about how the guys never knew how to do their makeup and when I came they were all relieved. Haha, and so he told me on Tuesday that Mrs. B said "I hope you guys know that you guys should be paying attention when she's doing your makeup."
Guys: "Why?"
Mrs.B "Because she wont want to come for the next four days and do this all over again."
And so when they told me that, I was like "Of course not! Ill be coming to every single show to help you guys out, I cant leave you all hanging like that."
And so today when he reflected back on that covo, he was like, "I was so relieved when you said that." And then all the guys were telling me how I was awesome I was and how they really appreciate me etc. so that made me feel really good :D Haha, when it comes to any contribution I do, I'm that person that’s all for compliments :) So for the first show, I go into the the girls dressing rooms and give the girls all hugs and kisses, wishing them good luck due to the fact that this is going to be their largest audience. And then I step outside and I get the bejeezes scared out of me because Joe is right next to the door in the dark with his Nazi uniform on o_o And then the other two, Steven and Vince, were in front of him and I honestly couldn’t tell who was who. But I gave all of them a quick hug, wished them luck, and took my seat in the second row with Jacob and Stephanie.
So it really bugs me that high school students have no respect and laugh at parts that dont require laughing. And make unnecessary noises or cheers when its not needed. So of course, with a high school audience, they did just that but I have to acknowledge that- its highschool. Enough said. But the show wasnt as strong as opening night, but it still had an impact on me and I teared up a tinyyyy bit. After the show, it was so cute because all the little six graders went up to the cast members and began asking for autographs. It was the absolute cutest thing in the world, and of course I wanted to say, "Hey you want mine? I was the makeup artist!" but I didnt due to fear of being creepy & rejected. Haha, Joe said that one girl came up to him all scared with her paper and pen stretched out in front of her, and one of her friends had said "She's scared of you!" BAHAHAHAHA. I was dying laughing. But anywho, I stuck around for the little lunch break we had, then I did touch ups on hair and makeup, and then I watched the show again. I dont know why, but I began to cry again and had to bust out the tissue. Sighh. And then after the show I greeted the cast once again with hugs and praises. For some reason, the ending made me cry so I was still crying by the time I was out there with them and they were all staring at me wide eyed and shocked and asked what was wrong with me. Haha, it was kind of funny but more embarrassing at the same time. But tomorrow, I know the water works are going to come storming in mainly because its closing night on Friday, and Im really going to miss this whole experience. Im probably exaggerating it to you, mainly because I have such a minor role, but Ive never done anything like this and it makes me really really happy to know I did something to help complete this show. Not everyone can say "Oh, I did their makeup" or "I helped with the outfits." etc. I dont know, maybe Im weird.
Oh! I also got the cast members jumbo size cookie's & cream bars (Hershey kind) and I've typed them all a little note of how wonderful each and every single one of them are. I know, I know, Im so kind.
Haha, but Ill come back on Friday and post what I know will be a looooonnnnnggg blog! Ill also attach some photos :) Till Friday then!
*UPDATE ON FRIDAY* 11/5/010
MY GOODNESS. I really don't know where to start. First, I’ll just say, that I am amazed, proud, honored, overwhelmed, joyous, sad, and all together so appreciative of the experience I got out of this.
Today started off as any other regular Friday, the anticipation being so heavy on me because I knew tonight was going to blow me away. So 1st period, I tried to rack up some courage with Megan, second period I was excused from a quiz, third period was... well, slightly productive, fourth period is journalism and the paper came out today so I had to pass out papers to classrooms, fifth period was boring, and sixth period is just always terrible. BUT, as soon as I got home, I showered, did the hair, makeup, got dressed, and ate, I was out the door at five, arriving at my school 5:15. The girls were already there, who had tepee the boys dressing room, and we all just chilled together belching out to Natasha Benningfield and Colbie Calliet. It was pretty great :) I was also able to snag a picture with my beautiful friend Megan, whom I adore with all my heart.

And then finally there was an arrival of one of the boys, Vince, so I got working on his hair whom needs EXTRA attention, and then I worked on his makeup. Then came Joe, whom I started working on right after cause we were on a bit of a time crunch. So I did his hair and makeup, and then finally came the last musketeer, Steven. He's the easiest to work on, because his hair needs no doing and makeup is a piece of cake for him.
Finally, I hand them their little gifts and they seemed really appreciative about it which made me really really happy. I guess the number one thing I look forward to is appreciation, and that they were. They all read my little note and said it would have been cuter if I were to hand write it o_o Haha, my handwriting is not cool, that didnt seem like the best option. So then I go to the other side into the girls dressing room and I hand them their little gifts & cards, and them, being girls, were so shocked and EXTREMELY appreciative about it, hugging me & thanking me numerous times. It was extremely sweet and Im glad that they liked it. Megan though, was flabbergasted (which I dont really know why!) and she immediately made me follow her out to the hallway, into the green room, up the stage and over, and finally she presented me with a card. She held it out in front of her and I saw tears swelling up, as she told me that this week has been such a great week with me working with them and she couldn't have been more thankful. And then she said some more things but I wasnt full on listening because I was crying and so was she. And then I hugged her, thanked her, and went to the other side of the room where everyone else greeted me with hugs and telling me how nice I am & how great its been having me. And I completely understand if you think I'm typing false information to make me sound better. But its the truth, and Im taking what I can get, because I know my effort has paid off and I couldn't be happier that I was able to satisfy everyone I worked with. And then I tell Joe that Ive noticed that he gets a little shiny in the lights, so I gave him so blotting sheets (neutrogena, to be exact) and he stares at me wide eyed and goes "YOU ARE SERIOUSLY TOO NICE." Tehe :D But anywho, I wished them all good luck, and after some last minute hugs, I go to the hallway, mingle with the drama helpers, and then I make my way to the second row with my friend Bridget and her friends. My English teacher was behind me with his adorable daughter and my physics teacher who's weird and annoying at times was in front of me -___- But then the show began, and I was just so proud and impressed. Not a single mess up and each and every single one of them came out so strong that I was just so blown away by their performance. They honestly couldn't have ended it any better. I was just speechless. And heres where the funny/sad/overwhleming/emotional/beautiful part comes.
So since it was closing night, all the cast members came back out on stage, and Megan, with her beautiful projective voice, thanked the audience and then she thanked Mrs.B, our schools drama teacher, for helping them with such a great show. And then she thanked Emily, for being the directing assistant and putting together such a phenomenal play. And then she thanks Chiara, for helping out with the technical stuff, and at this point, I'm BAWLING. Mainly because the play is over, and I was just so proud of how well they all did. And then I hear Megan say, "And I would like to thank Caroline, our wonderful makeup artist who's help us so much this past week." And then I start crying even harder, if that's possible, and then she HASSS to say "Stand up, please, Caroline!" And so I stand up, and the audience applauds me, and I look like a hot mess, and so I smile embarrassingly, and I seriously like, run to the end of the row and sit down in one of the seats and starts crying even harder. WHY AM I SO EMOTIONAL?! Anyhow, she finishes off thanking everyone else, and then I go to the hallway and all the cast members are coming out. I first remember going up to Itzel who was crying and then we both started crying together, and then I see Megan and hug her with all my might and she starts tearing up and I start crying all over again. BUT THEN, Marketa, comes and hugs me, and shes already crying as it is, and we hug for the longest time just crying and hugging, so happy for an amazing performance, yet so sad that this is all over. And then I went up to good ole' Joe and I give him a hug. He told me that when he saw me walking towards the end of the row, they all thought I was going to go on stage and they would give me a great big hug (which probably would have made me cry even more) but then they realized that I sat down and it was kinda funny. BAHAHAH. This part is really funny. My friend Roxanna, funny funny girl, and I were talking about how she thought Joe was so hot and she adored all his lines (LOL) and it was just so funny, so after the show, I saw her come up to him and she held out her arm for him to sign, and then she goes "Put your number there too!" And so he puts a # sign, and then a 1. I was DYING. And I had to take a picture with her with it cause it was just adorable and so so so funny. So excuse the fact that I look as if I just got woke up, got punched, got punched AGAIN, and then rolled over in dirt and tousled down a hill. And then I had a hangover and decided to take a picture because I thought it would be creepy and funny and cute. Which I do not. But thats how it looks and seems.

So I apologize once again.

And then I went ahead and took a picture with Joe and Steve, pretty much two awesome guys that I was so happy to work with. Vince too, but he didnt make the picture ):

But he made this one! This is Megan, Vince, Joe, Steven, and I on Wednesdays play in the dressing room. I look horrendous, but they look good!

I got a picture with Joe BEFORE the tears, so I approve of this picture although I still dont look all that well.

And then I HAD to take a picture with Emily, the mastermind behind it all, and I absolutely adore her with all of my heart. I also met her boyfriend (and hes asian!) and ohmigosh cutest couple alive award should go to them!

And then I took a picture with Itzel, who I ADOREEEE as well. We never really were "friends", acquainted, indeed, but not a full friendship. Because of this production, we developed one, and I couldn't be happier. Shes so beautiful inside and out, and I finally understand why everyone loves her so much. We actually mentioned this right before this picture, and I said "Seriously, Itzel, will you dump Jake and be with me? You're pretty much everything I could want in a human being." And she thought long and hard and goes, "Are you crazy? OF COURSE I WILL! Jake cant do makeup as well as you! " I LOVE THIS GIRL. Im so thankful for the friendship I got out of this. And then there's Nia, one of the drama helpers, and I love her too! Shes pretty much the one who encourages my crying and adores my emotional side. Gotta love that <33

And then of course I had to take one with Megan and I! She looks stunning, I look like crap -___- Haha, I love her so much. She's done a goshawful lot, and helped me land this roles as their makeup artist, and I couldnt be happier. She's amazing and Im so happy to consider her one of my closest friends. Shes probably the sweetest person you will ever meet, and I cant say enough good things about her. I simply just love her with all my heart.

And then I took two photos with Joe and Megan, although they're kinda blurry :/ NOT COOL. But I still love these pictures <33

And so all these pictures conclude my night. Im so proud of everyone and so happy to have been apart of something so moving and heart touching. I made some great friendships and Im so sad that this is all over, but I know its not the last that Ill be seeing of them. I adore each and every single one of them and I'm so thankful for the experience.