Some of the names of cosmetics in Jodi Morgan’s makeup kit are “fresh scab,” “death flesh,” and “cadaver grey.” Which gives you a good idea of what kind of makeup she likes to apply.
During the Halloween season, Morgan can be found at Indy Scream Park in Anderson, where she and her team apply makeup to more than 150 actors each night, Wednesday through Sunday.
Tools of her trade include things like bruise wheels, death wheels, and burn and blister wheels that help create the character’s looks for the park’s six haunted attractions: Brickmore Asylum, Backwoods, Bedlam 3D, Nactmahr, Infected and Monster Midway.
By day, Morgan teaches dance and theater at local schools and preschools. One of the parents in her preschool group calls Morgan’s nighttime gig, “Ms. Jodie’s Secret Life.”
Morgan learned about the position at Indy Scream Park through an online ad. She has been with the haunted attraction since it opened in 2009.
“I saw the ad and thought, ‘That would be a kick!’ ” she said.
Morgan studied stage makeup, among other subjects, at Purdue University.
“We use very few masks — almost all of our actors are made up. We do not have the luxury of most movie sets to have hours to prep people — we have to do it fast and make it last for the whole night,” she said.
Question: What’s so cool about this job?
Answer: I absolutely love it when the actor looks in the mirror and says “Awesome!!!!” Or I see one of the actors in makeup and costume in their spot or in a photograph and realize, “I did that!”
Q: How did you get the job?
A: I answered a Craigslist.com ad four years ago, met with the manager at that time — she liked my skills and I have been here since the very beginning of Indy Scream Park.
Q: What makes you good at this job?
A: I think that other than my makeup skills, I bring some maturity and stability to the team. Both Ann Hamilton, the costume manager and I have children the same age as most of the actors, so we are kind of a “mom” to a lot of them. We stay out of the drama and shenanigans that a theatrical cast always seems to have.
Q: What’s it pay?
A: I am very fortunate to be paid to do something that I love doing — that does not happen a lot in the theatrical world!
Q: Is there a downside to the job?
A: Maybe the road construction on I-69? Seriously though, I really love it — I wouldn’t be doing it, otherwise.
Q: What’s a story you’ll be telling your grandkids about your job?
A: I don’t have anything specific, but I am sure that they will be surprised to find out that I know how to do this kind of makeup! Unless of course, I am still doing it!
Q: What tips do you have for creating Halloween costumes and makeup?
A: You don’t need to spend a lot of money on costumes and makeup — there are tons of great ideas on the Internet using things that you can find around home. When I teach my makeup classes, I always tell my students that “less is more.” You can always add to the makeup/blood but it is almost impossible to take some away without starting over. Honestly, this applies to street makeup, too. But if you really don’t like it? Baby wipes will wipe it off to start over on a clean face!
To read the full piece on IndyStar.com, visit here.