IATSE Local 798, a union representing film, TV, theater, and commercials makeup artists and hair stylists, teamed with the Brooklyn-based media and workforce development organization Reel Works on a new training program.

Supported by Netflix, AMC Networks and the Consortium for Worker Education, the IATSE Entertainment Industry Makeup Artist Training program focuses on educating makeup professionals from underrepresented communities in New York City, ensuring they are both prepared for successful union careers in theater, TV and film, and aware of opportunities available to them within the larger entertainment industry. The program expands on a previous hairstylist training between the union and nonprofit, and marks the third time the two have partnered on an initiative.

“It is an honor to continue our partnership with IATSE Local 798, as we expand into training makeup professionals,” said Reel Works Co-Founder and Executive Director John Williams. “It is with great enthusiasm that we are able to help provide training and mentorship to people of all backgrounds in order to accelerate them into their careers and increase diversity and inclusion across the industry. We would also like to take a moment to thank all the teachers, professionals, and brands who contributed to helping make this training a success.”

Twelve participants were named part of the inaugural cohort, with training held at the IATSE Local 798 Union Hall and at The Compleat Sculptor between July and November. Training took place at IATSE Local 798 Union Hall and at The Compleat Sculptor. Emmy winners Chris Milone and Josh Turi and notable members from Local 798’s jurisdiction of 22 eastern states and the District of Columbia were featured as part of the program.

“Many people do not understand the opportunities available as a makeup artist (and hairstylist) in the entertainment industry. Our program introduces the students to all the possibilities available to them in film, TV and theater,” said Jenn Bullock, Local 798 vice president and New York director of education. “Our goal is to educate the students so that they feel confident in their knowledge and skills when working. This program would be nothing without the Local 798 memberships support, specifically the educators of the program.”

During the training, student makeup artists took classes on topics like aging; airbrushing; 2D ballet eye and other 2D tricks; the history of African American makeup; tattoo transfers, application and covering; cuts, bruises and scars 2D; prosthetic application with adhesives, solvents, removers and prosthetic materials. The program also included a panel discussion featuring industry professionals, and trainees received makeup kits — with contributions from Alcone Company, Covergirl, No Trace, Sappho New Paradigm, Skindinavia, Kryolan, and MAC — to help prepare them for work on set and behind the scenes.

Following the training completion, one-on-one mentorship is available to students, as are additional work readiness classes to provide guidance with navigating the professional entertainment field in the craft.