Theater

You most likely will never see the artistry of Vance Whitaker in a museum or a gallery because his is a temporary art form, one he likens to sand painting or writing a message on the shore – it disappears within hours of its’ creation. But the magic of the theater would not be as magical if he, and others like him, didn’t pursue their art night after night, creating the characters, emotion, and special effects which add to the expression of the story in theatrical productions.

Speaking with Vance about his craft is an education into an art form that is often overlooked as such because it’s most often viewed as secondary, or background to the greater message of the production. And, Vance acknowledges that 90 percent of his work is straight make-up – oils and creams applied to an actor’s face to counteract the effects of the hot, bright stage lights. But at other times, his creations play a more pivotal role in a story and

this is when his art is center stage and he has the most fun.
As the “go-to” guy when something special is needed, Vance has worked with all of the major production companies in our area, including, Townsend Opera, Modesto Performing Arts, Prospect Theater Project, Civic Theater, Merced Civic, and the now defunct, Gaslight Theater in Denair. For Prospect Theater he created the full body make-up of the Lizards in the play Seascape. For M.P.A.A. he created a duplicate head of the star of The Scarlet Pimpernel, which could be chopped off with a guillotine each night. For Townsend Opera he came up with a knife that bled for use by Sweeny Todd, and horse and mule masks for their productions of Don Quixote. Most recently, he created the whole look for the cast in TOP’s production of the Mikado – his personal favorite achievement.
Vance has been working at stage make-up for most of his life.

AlthoughVance has been working at he considered himself to be an artist since he was a kid, his interest became focused as a teenager when he purchased a make-up kit to be able to create monsters. From that point on, the dye was cast. Vance majored in theater arts at Stan State and did an internship as wig master with Pacific Coast Performing Arts. As a stay-at-home dad, Vance dedicates his free time to his art. In addition to being a “perk” for area actors and companies, he donates his time and talent to create characters for a group in San Jose who specialize in Live Action Role Playing – a group whose performances resemble Dungeons and Dragons.

The next time you attend a live theater performance and have your attention drawn to an especially vivid character or a special, special effect, check the program. Most likely these special moments of magic will be courtesy of Vance Whitaker.