CCM student wins USITT Make-up Design Award

“I am very thankful to have incorporated all the work I’ve done as a professional in the industry,” Jones says. She learned of the USITT award very early in her collegiate experience, and has now come full circle, winning the award in the final semester at CCM before she graduates this spring.

A Design and Architectural Studies graduate of UC DAAP, Jones tells of how she ended up pursuing an MFA in Make-up and Wig Design. “Both of my parents attended and met here at the University of Cincinnati, as well as my older sister who took CCM classes, so I have had a long family history at UC as well as in-depth research about the Theatre Design and Production (TDP) program at CCM. I made sure that after I received my bachelor’s degree in design, to go straight into pursuing my Master of Fine Arts at CCM!”

Jones has accomplished much in her time at CCM and is a passionate entrepreneur, licensed cosmetologist, and a well-rounded designer. She has held numerous professional positions, including Wig and Make-up Staff Artist at the Santa Fe Opera in New Mexico, and she has organized and presented in master classes and workshops. Recently, she was hosted by the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park’s Leading Ladies. “I did a live demonstration on the Old Age Theatrical Makeup Technique,” Jones says. “This gave me so much motivation to continue my pursuits in my craft as well as being able to teach others.”

During her time at CCM, Jones has worked on the design team on many productions, including Once On This Island (musical), Fellow Travelers (opera), Frankenstein (play) and more. CCM's Theatre Design and Production program educates and trains designers and technicians in various disciplines: Make-up and Wig Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Stage Design, Props and Scenic Art, Stage Properties, Stage Management and Technical Production.

The MFA program in Make-up and Wig Design There includes various classes on theatre design, productions, business, make-up artistry, wig styling, and much more. "In this program we learn about how to run a production, collaborate with other designers, as well as learn how to develop a character to fit the storyline.” Jones also highlights business and marketing classes that are part of TDP’s curriculum, noting how vital these skills are for artists.

“After all of the hard work that I have put into CCM and my program, I am very excited to see all of the opportunities I will embark on after graduating from CCM.”