Local 706 - The Artisan

22 • THE ARTISAN SUMMER 2021 tested twice a week and required to do daily self-screening for exposure tracking. MAC Cosmetics generously sponsored the Marin Drive-in performances with fabulous products that wouldn't smear. The last thing a make-up artist wants their singer to do is touch his or her face after application, let alone put a mask on, but this was a new challenge we were faced with. The singers were mandated to apply a disposable mask immediately after exiting the stage. We consulted with a MAC Pro specialist who advised us on what products would work best with our new obligations. Christina, Chri, and I decided we needed to test all the new MAC make-up, as well as some Old Faithful's to see how they would hold up under masks. We each painted our faces in different make-up, combinations to emulate what the performers would be wearing. We also wore the same masks the singers would be required to wear and recreated any situation the performers may encounter. Thankfully, the make-up held up to all situations. We were confi dent moving forward that the make-up would look beautiful on both stage and up close on screen. Due to the pandemic, we had to fully prepare for a cover cast who could perform at any time, because now the possibility of someone getting sick was much greater. What started as a little show, ended up being eight cast members, including one double cast role, and then our seven cover cast members. In total, we had 21 wigs. Our 706 union crew consisted of a foreperson, Karalynne Fiebig, and one main assistant, Chri Holmgren Greene. We also needed an offi cial cover crew person (Maurisa Rondeau), who trained in both hair and make-up to step in should someone test positive for COVID-19 and be unable to work. In addition to these ladies, we had four other principal artists: Connie Strayer, Tim Santry, Denise Gutierrez, and Toby Mayer. The concert crew had Christina Martin as the foreperson with Karalynne Fiebig, Chri Holmgren Greene, and Maurisa Rondeau as make-up artists and hair stylists. Every hair and make-up artist had to work within the parameters of proper Zone A procedures. All of this while applying mics, wigs, and make-up quickly to allow the performers time to travel to stage and warm up outside. We were no longer allowed to work up until the curtain call, because we were not getting the singers into character next to the stage. In fact, the dressing rooms were a half mile away. This meant that built into the daily call times, there needed to be a set half-hour window before the top of the show for them to travel to the stage, and warm up in the only designated area they were allowed to do so in. The only thing that made this situation better was that they provided all departments with a golf cart. I had no idea I needed this in my life, but if I can fi nd a way to get a golf cart into the War Memorial Opera House, that might make our day to day a little easier there as well! As magical as each evening was, we were always reminded that we were performing outside. Once the sun set, most nights the temperature would drop signifi cantly. The wind would whip through the wetlands behind the stage and bring swarms of small bugs. Mid Aria, the geese would fl y over the stage overpowering the singer with the squawking. The performers wore thermal undergarments and were given costume pieces to add if it became too cold. The backstage crew wore winter coats under their required safety smocks. Hand warmers were given out to anyone who needed them a set. One crew person on the make-up team wore electric socks to keep her feet warm on the coldest of evenings, yet there was no complaining. Everyone embraced the challenges of the venue. Being part of the San Francisco Opera's return to live theater was an experience I'll never forget. All 200+ employees worked long hours before, during and after the performances to ensure the success of the production. The Local 706 members worked as a team to meet all the new safety requirements while performing their own show duties. I've learned that we can do what we do anywhere, and under any circumstances, and was grateful to be given the opportunity to do so. We wrapped up our Marin Center Drive-in experience with gratitude to our strong company, and enthusiasm for new ventures in the fall. • Insets (L-R): Complete make-up and hair kits per performer to meet COVID-19 safety policies. Photo by Jeanna Parham; Maurisa Rondeau and Karalynne Fiebig backstage Zone A. Photo by Kristen Loken; Karalynne Fiebig and Chri Holmgren Greene delivering quick-change wigs to stage are before make-up calls started.

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