Meet our latest guest, the multifaceted Karina Sanasaryan. Karina brings a wealth of experience as a freelance makeup and hair artist, owner of ‘Makeup Station’ with teams in Auckland and Christchurch, and as the Head of Wigs and Makeup at the New Zealand Opera.
Celebrating ten years in the makeup scene, Karina recalls her journey, starting with a makeup course at The Makeup School and then taking the leap into business ownership during COVID times before rising through the ranks to HOD at the New Zealand Opera.
The conversation explores the preparation process for opera productions, the importance of hair in stage performances, and the challenges of working with quick changes and wigs in an industry lacking specialised stores.
Karina shares insights on managing personalities backstage, ensuring quality control, and the joy of mentorship, stressing the importance of nurturing the next generation of artists. The episode touches on the realities of working in theatre, including the lower pay scale compared to other areas in the industry and the limited job opportunities.
Don't miss Karina's insights from behind the curtain on industry resources, managing a creative team, and her love for backstage life!
(00:00:38) Introducing Karina Sanasaryan
(00:01:54) Memorable Moments in Opera & Musical Theatre
(00:03:42) Starting her Career in Makeup
(00:08:29) Discovering Makeup Station
(00:11:34) Preparing for NZ Opera Shows
(00:14:31) Assembling an Opera Makeup Team
(00:19:03) Challenges with Opera Wigs
(00:22:26) Quick Changes in Musical Theatre vs. Opera
(00:26:40) Becoming Head of Department
(00:30:34) Learning Wig Making for Opera
(00:32:45) Essential Wig Design Tools
(00:35:52) Go-To Makeup Resources
(00:37:35) The Necessity of Cross-Communication in Opera
(00:41:10) Quality Control Responsibilities
(00:43:42) Difficulties in Theatre/Opera Makeup
(00:45:34) Advice for Aspiring Makeup Artists
(00:50:59) The Final Three Questions
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