of Theater

There is no shortage of artistic inspiration in our 068 New England haven. From galleries on Ridgefield’s Main Street, to inviting storefronts and colorful paintings in restaurants, art abounds. Beyond these obvious displays of art, the thriving theater scene in our area is also a rich source of creative talent, specifically the artistry that is used - from set design to makeup to costuming.

Award-winning makeup artist Amanda Gabbard is particularly spectacular at bringing performers to life in this way, from beautifying actors on the Ridgefield Playhouse stage, to bringing the Broadway Unplugged series of ACT of CT to life, to transforming people into “gory, horrifying corpses” for Keeler Tavern’s Ghosts of Ridgefield show.

She explains theatrical makeup is “hands down the most dramatic and fun to do.” She enjoys transforming walk-on-roles into the time period reflective of whatever the play calls for, including her work with ACT of CT’s Guys and Dolls musical, which called for 1950s’ fashion style.

“From an enhanced, full strip of lashes to thinly defined eyebrows to rosy cheeks, and finished off with a bright red, pink or berry lip color, that era called for bold and fun,” Gabbard

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