New Prosthetics arts workshop helps MS students bring characters to life

During this year’s Middle School Arts Week, held annually in April, students had the rare opportunity to dive into the world of theatrical transformation through an imaginative and deeply reflective workshop, Characterization Through Prosthetics. Led by Dance teacher Yoaldri Messina — a seasoned artist whose career spans dance, theater, television, and film — the workshop invited students to not only transform their faces with theatrical prosthetics and makeup, but also to consider how outward expression can reflect inward intention — an idea deeply aligned with Quaker principles of integrity and truth.

Ms. Messina’s journey began as a teenage dancer in Venezuela with the Xiomara Vasconcellos company, and later, with the Teresa Carreño dance company. Both companies emphasized creating self-sufficient artists, who could transition seamlessly throughout the industry and at any point during their career; a philosophy that still informs her work today. “We had to learn and practice everything ourselves — dance, choreograph, design sets, make costumes, and apply makeup,” she recalled.

Through these studies, Ms. Messina began to expand her knowledge and practice of makeup into the art of prosthetics. “I had to learn about coloring and how to match it – not only to the skin tone of the actor, but also to their character,” she explained. “Back then, we didn’t have access to latex, so we created everything by hand…” Even dotting the latex with needles to create realistic skin pores. “Nowadays with new technology and 3D printing, it’s much easier,” she said. “You can jump over so many different steps and adapt the prosthetics to the color.”

Recognizing a need for this learning at Friends Academy – first during the all-school production of Matilda!, where Ms. Messina transformed then-junior Taylor Fernandez into the awesome, intimidating character of Miss Trunchbull – she proposed a follow-up middle school class during this year’s Arts Week, a time when all Middle School students partake in four days of art exploration.

In her three-hour workshop, students were introduced to the materials and tools of the prosthetic artist — sponges, brushes, water-based and powder-based colors — and most importantly, to the idea that physical transformation can unlock creative storytelling. They learned how to safely apply and care for prosthetic pieces, experimenting with facial features and skin-safe adhesives. “They quickly realized how delicate the process was,” Ms. Messina noted, who also emphasized respect for both the technique and one another’s creations, cultivating a space of community and curiosity. “I would tell them, ‘You can’t brush; you have to tap gently with water and a sponge.’ One student said it felt like painting a sculpture made of tissue.”

Students drew inspiration from props found in the school’s theater room — foam wigs from a SpongeBob SquarePants production, a fox-eared hat from Fantastic Mr. Fox — and created their own characters: a wolf, fairy, donkey, a character from Hooville, and even whimsical hybrids. Each student developed a story for their character, thinking not just about how they looked, but who they were and what they represented.

As students layered on makeup, they discovered how color and contour could dramatically change a face — softening features or making them appear bolder or more menacing. “They were fascinated by how expressions change when you add makeup — especially for stage, where lighting demands exaggerated features,” Ms. Messina explained.

For Yoaldri, the workshop filled a gap she had sensed while helping with school theater productions: “There was always a little hesitation about prosthetics and stage makeup for students because of the materials, the glue, the process. This class created a bridge for students to experiment and get more comfortable.” 

The response from students was enthusiastic. Many asked if the class could return next year, and several expressed interest in learning more… and bringing their friends. “The students surprised themselves with what they could do,” Ms. Messina praised. “My goal is to inspire the kids through my experience by being resourceful enough to create, build, teach, and take care of makeup and costumes in order to build a more integrated artist instead of being so separated.” 

Looking ahead, Yoaldri hopes to offer the workshop at the Upper School level as well, expanding on the process with more time and depth. For now, she’s proud of what her Middle School students accomplished — not just in crafting characters by hand, but in seeing themselves as an amalgam of a range of skills and talents that in the end can help them see one another more clearly.

Photography by Alvin Caal/Friends Academy