[stylist] Calling all blind friends, need your help

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

Dear Friends,

I enrolled in a stage makeup calss for my spring semester, but the
instructor is strongly discouraging me from taking the class.  She says
she can't stop me, but she feels it will be too difficult and she has no
idea how to "teach" a blind student.  Mind you, I had this instructor
before for another theatre class in which she did not think I could
direct a scene as a blind person.  I was adament and stood my ground on
that one, and I would like to do the same again.

First, I have a background in theatre and long before I was blind, I
learned how to put on stage makeup.  I also, as a totally blind person,
usually wear makeup everyday and I apply it myself.  I often wear eye
shadow, eyeliner, rouge and everything else with success.

Here is my dilemma.  It is difficult to say yes or no without being in
the situation to truly figure out what I can and can not do as well as
figuring out any accomodations or tricks I may be able to use.

If anyone has ever taken such a class, or something similar, please let
me know how you handled this.  I know it can be done, and I know I can
do it, but it is difficult to give a detailed explanation of how it
might be done without being in the situation.  This instructor has valid
concerns as stage makeup is a visual process, but, as we know, that does
not mean it can not be done alternatively.

She is concerned with how I will handle things like shading and knowing
where I start when shading.  Also, how will I handle things like
creating age lines and working with some of the tools that allow an
actor to create certain allusions.  I know I can do this, or find a way
to do it, but I don't know how to explain it to her without
demonstrating in the environment we would be working in.

I am asking for your help and suggestions.  Please pass this along to
anyone who may be of help.

Bridgit P

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