VII. Cast & Crew

• Cosmetics
• Fatigue
• Heat Stress

1) Cream sticks: slice these out with dental spatulas on to individual papers such as butter trays.  Label and reuse them individually for touch-ups.
2) Lipsticks:  These too can be sliced and labeled.  For a long running show, individual lipsticks should be provided.
3) Pancakes and powders: Powdered products provide a less viable environment for infection, but try to individualize usage.  Supply powders in the smallest containers available.
4) Mascara: Use individual applicators/containers if possible.
5) Eyeliners and Eye makeup: Use individual products if possible.
6) Brushes: Use disposable brushes.
7) Sponges: Use disposable sponges whenever possible.  Reusable ones can be disinfected.  Give out individual sponges at the beginning of a show, and maintain separate use.
8) Miscellaneous: Any type of facial hair, skullcaps, sequins, or other face product should be disinfected before used by a new performer. Use an approved bactericide for disinfection.  These types of products should be carefully stored in labeled individual plastic bags between performances.

Makeup artists should make a practice of washing their hands between actors.  Sponges and brushes should be washed after use on each individual.

For special makeups, putty, wax, beeswax, and morticians' wax all can be used to build up a part of the face for theatrical purposes.  They all have similar properties, but they differ slightly in hardness.  Collodion can be used to create mock wrinkles or scars.  Latex can be made to function in many ways, and it also acts as a glue, as does spirit gum.  You can replace spirit gum with surgical adhesive when resistance to moisture and excessive motion of the skin are not called for.

It can be harmful to remove spirit gum and latexes by pulling them off of the skin.  Peel them off gently and apply as little solvent, such as acetone or alcohol, as possible.  Once they are removed, use oil, emollients, or moisturizers as needed to counter the drying effects of the solvents.

B. Fatigue
Fatigue is a serious safety concern that should be considered during all stage productions.  With performance dates approaching, most crew members can become severely overworked.

Follow these simple guidelines to avoid fatigue:

• Get proper rest. The average person requires 8-9 hours of sleep per night.
• Limit drugs that might contribute to fatigue (tranquilizers and cold/allergy medications)
• Reduce caffeine, nicotine and alcohol which can also contribute to fatigue.
• Take frequent breaks while working.  Repetitive or long work sessions can reduce one’s ability to concentrate on the work at hand.
• Plan ahead.  Having your building materials and equipment ahead of time can increase efficiency and reduce the work time required.
• Know when to quit.  Recognize signs of fatigue – loss of concentration, slow reaction times, memory loss – and knock off for the day.

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Drink plenty of liquids during a performance to replace the fluids lost from sweating – as much as one quart per hour may be necessary.  Water and/or sports drinks are recommended.  Caffeinated beverages such as cola, iced tea and coffee should be avoided.

Please see the Heat Stress Fact Sheet on the EHS web page for more information.

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