Posts tagged sfx
Carve Out a Career!

Over the last few decades, Chicago has firmly cemented itself as a coveted film and television production destination. While theatre in the city has always reigned supreme, Chicago now has more than a handful of shows that work out of the city—including Chicago PD, Chicago Fire, Shameless, and The Chi—as well as blockbuster films like The Dark Knight and Transformers. Demand for skilled theatrical and special effects makeup artists is at an all time high!

We have some incredible workshops coming up this fall with leading industry professionals to help you learn the skills you need to break in. Check out some of our guest artist workshops below!


Special FX Workshop with Roy Wooley
September 19-20, 2020

This multi-day prosthetic workshop covers molding, creating, painting, and applying silicone and/or latex prosthetics. This class will be taught by Roy Wooley, Special FX artist and contestant on SyFy's Face Off, Seasons 3 and 5!

Roy Wooley is a highly skilled special effects makeup artist and prop master whose impressive resume spans more than two decades, and includes work on such box office hits as Zombieland and Rob Zombie’s Halloween II.  

In 2012, Roy appeared as a contestant on Syfy’s number one reality show Face Off, where he received the title, “King of Fabrication,” after producing some of the most memorable creations of Season 3. In 2013, Roy returned to Face Off for Season 5’s “Vets vs. Rookies.”

Roy works year-round on feature films while doing creature fabrication for Netherworld, which has become one of the country’s leading haunted attractions.


Theatrical FX
October 12-15, 2020

Over four days, students will learn advanced techniques in application of pre-made prosthetics, bald caps, the correct technique for laying facial hair, the use of sfx products, and more! Students are asked to bring their basic makeup kit, but all theatrical and sfx supplies will be provided. Taught by Chicago makeup and wig-making professional, Rick Jarvie!

Are you Halloween ready?

Advanced Theatrical
October 7th-10th, 2019

October is a profitable time for makeup artists, and knowledge of theatrical makeup is a must. With our Advanced Theatrical course, you can elevate your skills for a more successful Halloween season! Students will learn advanced, professional techniques in the application of pre-made prosthetics and bald caps, as well as the correct technique for laying facial hair and use of moldable spfx products.
This Advanced Course is open to the public. Theatrical A/B is not a prerequisite.

Students should bring their basic makeup kit—all theatrical and spfx supplies will be provided.

Spotlight on SFX Artist Tom Devlin!

Make Up First® is proud to host Tom Devlin for the upcoming Special FX Workshop September 22nd-24th.

Tom has been working professionally as a special makeup effects artist for over 17 years. Through his company 1313FX, Tom has provided creatures and special makeup effects for over 100 feature films, working with many of the actors and directors who inspired his path. 

In 2011, Tom appeared as a contestant on Season One of the SyFy reality series "Face Off". He quickly became a fan favorite with his winning horror villain "Teddy Told Me To", a terrifying take on the teddy bear. In addition to his work in film and television, Tom has created a line of Halloween masks for the Haunted Attractions industry. He sells his creations to some of the most well-known haunts across the country. 

We are excited and honored to have Tom Devlin teach our Special FX workshop.


Check out Tom in action:

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: SEPTEMBER 12TH