Postiche - Templating

After learning how to whip we next learnt how to make beard templates. This is an essential step to do before making a beard so that it fits the actors face perfectly. For this we used tutu netting so that we didn't waste lace netting for practicing. I also used black threading so that I could show what I was doing.

1) First need to take 3 beard measurements:
 - from side-burn to the jaw
 - from ear to middle of chin
 - from underside of lip to Adams apple.

2) Wrap cling film over the bottom half of face (just below nose) it needs to cover the side-burn area. Needs to be taught but not so tight it's uncomfortable for the actor.

3) Cover whole area with sellotape so that it stiffens up can be drawn on.

4) Draw beard shape onto the cling film. If you tell the actor to not shave that morning then the natural hair growth can be seen underneath meaning you can follow it. The basic shape needed peters out halfway up the cheeks and has a W shape underneath the lip.

5) Put sellotape over the top of the drawing.

6) Cut the sellotape shape out of the piece of clingfilm.

7) Pad the wooden block with tissue to make a chin shape on the head with the cling filmed beard. Needs to be well padded so the template holds its shape.

8) Lay the netting over the template. Put points in at the front and at both sides (just above sideburns). Also put points in low on the neck to stretch out the lace.

9) Place finger on the chin area to darts appear under the chin - need between 2 and 4 darts for a beard. Fold them inwards and point them into place.

10) Knot the darts in using the same method as before. Start the knots at the line of the bottom of the beard and go up to the tip of the triangle. I used black thread so it could be seen in photos but for a real piece of postiche we would use lace netting and invisible thread.

Evaluation:

I am pleased with the final result of the template and practice netting. For the templating I could have done better in drawing the of the beard shape. It would have been easier if before hand I has looked up pictures of typical male beards therefore if I do this again I will research a lot of different types of male beards. I also should have used a bigger block to put the template onto as I only used as 52 inch block which is a very small head shape. This meant the padding for the chin didn't sit very well. I am pleased with whipping of the beard as I think the knotting was neat and tight enough. You can also see from the pictures where the net is put onto Kate's chin that it fitted well so therefore the beard would fit well when it was finished.