Special Effects SFX Makeup Design Lesson & Activity: Bruises, Scars, Cuts & More
Bring stage makeup to life with this hands-on Special Effects (SFX) Makeup Design Unit — perfect for middle and high school theater classes. Whether you're a seasoned drama teacher or just starting out, this flexible and trauma-aware lesson gives you everything you need to teach special effects makeup techniques with confidence.
Students will explore realistic makeup effects like bruises, scars, burns, cuts, rashes, and more, using professional techniques and age-appropriate application. This unit includes a full lesson presentation, note-taking options, interactive rotation stations, and a detailed teacher guide — all designed to make your classroom run smoothly, even with large groups. Includes everything you need to teach confidently, even without prior makeup experience.
Bring stage makeup to life with this hands-on Special Effects (SFX) Makeup Design Unit — perfect for middle and high school theater classes. Whether you're a seasoned drama teacher or just starting out, this flexible and trauma-aware lesson gives you everything you need to teach special effects makeup techniques with confidence.
Students will explore realistic makeup effects like bruises, scars, burns, cuts, rashes, and more, using professional techniques and age-appropriate application. This unit includes a full lesson presentation, note-taking options, interactive rotation stations, and a detailed teacher guide — all designed to make your classroom run smoothly, even with large groups. Includes everything you need to teach confidently, even without prior makeup experience.
Bring stage makeup to life with this hands-on Special Effects (SFX) Makeup Design Unit — perfect for middle and high school theater classes. Whether you're a seasoned drama teacher or just starting out, this flexible and trauma-aware lesson gives you everything you need to teach special effects makeup techniques with confidence.
Students will explore realistic makeup effects like bruises, scars, burns, cuts, rashes, and more, using professional techniques and age-appropriate application. This unit includes a full lesson presentation, note-taking options, interactive rotation stations, and a detailed teacher guide — all designed to make your classroom run smoothly, even with large groups. Includes everything you need to teach confidently, even without prior makeup experience.
Why Teachers Love It:
Flexible for 1-day or 2-day makeup exploration
Designed for Grades 6–12 with creative AND sensitive learners in mind
Promotes storytelling, character design, and self-expression
Encourages independence while keeping students structured and safe
Works beautifully in any drama class, theater unit, or technical theater program
Why Your Students Will Love It:
They get to create realistic special effects with makeup — no performance required
The stations give them voice, choice, and creative freedom
It feels like a real backstage experience
Easy-to-follow cards and visuals make it feel fun and stress-free
They can express emotion, story, or character through design
Alternate options are creative and empowering — not boring busywork
It’s messy, dramatic, and totally engaging!
Perfect For:
Middle or high school drama, theater, or technical theater classes
Makeup design units, stagecraft electives, or end-of-term projects
Teachers who want a structured-yet-flexible hands-on experience
Classes with students who enjoy art, design, or behind-the-scenes work
Programs that support differentiated or trauma-aware learning
Both new and experienced teachers who want a full unit in one download
What’s Included:
Editable Canva Slides presentation: Introduces makeup design concepts, including SFX makeup types, tools, and techniques (26 Slides).
Two Student Note-taking Options: Curiosity + Discovery Notes or Guided Notes with Answer Key: Keep students focused and engaged as they learn the key concepts of special effects stage makeup history and design.
Parent/Guardian Notice and Consent Form: Inform parents about the use of makeup in class and the possibility of viewing graphic special effects images.
REAL photos for each makeup technique, including burns, bruises, scars, cuts, freckles, and more. Note: due to the graphic nature, makeup photos rather than real photos are shown in the slides and handouts for 3rd Degree Burns and Wounds and Gashes.
16 Quick-Glance Instruction Cards (4 per page) for student independence
Complete Station Rotation System with 8 Station Signs with clever names ("The Heat Zone" for 1st Degree Burns practice) and clear, step-by-step directions
Alternate Activity Choice Board (no injury references) for students who are unable to participate in the unit.
Teacher’s Notes and Standards Alignment: Includes a lesson summary, learning objectives, materials setup instructions, adaptations for ELL and Special Education students, a lesson outline, and extension ideas.
Techniques Covered in This Unit:
Students will learn how to design and apply the following special effects makeup techniques:
Freckles, Moles, and Blemishes (acne, irritation, etc.)
1st-Degree Burns, 2nd-Degree Burns, and 3rd Degree Burns
Fresh Scars and Old Scars
New Bruises and Healing Bruises
Cuts and Scratches
Wounds and Gashes
Rashes and Infections
Tattoos and Birthmarks
Estimated Time:
2-3 class periods (45-50 mins) for lesson and Station Rotation Activity
