MAD Creations By Syd

If I had a nickel for every time I meet an actor in a headshot session, and then the next time I see their face is in a cast announcement for a show I’m makeup designing…I’m not saying I’d be rich, but I’d definitely have train fare by now! 😜
I certainly don’t think the fresh updated headshot alone is what gets them cast…their dedication and talent do that! But I’d like to think I get to play a teeny part in the process, and THAT’S an awesome feeling!

By the way…catch ~Danny Andrew Bennett~ (and my makeup designs) in Sunday In The Park With George at Kokandy Productions - Chicago starting previews this Thursday Aug 13th!

📷: Collin Quinn Rice
💄: me!

DESIGNS ONSTAGE NOW! Aaaaaaargh🏴‍☠️
I am sooooo very delighted to have designed the current show at Babes With Blades Theatre Co “Yo Ho” Not just because I’ve admired BWBTC since I was in college (I mean, a femme-run company that focuses on combat representation? Yes yes!) Not just because it meant collaborating again with one of my favorite directors and friends, JD Caudill . Not just because it’s campy, and q***r, full of joy with touches of tender moments….hold on….yes, it’s because of ALL those things! 💖
Grab your tickets at the link in their bio, running through August 29th!

Something serious, something smiley, and something special and specific to you! Thank you Jacinda Ratcliffe for such a lovely session!
Booking now for August and September!

📷: Collin Quinn Rice
💄: me!

DESIGNS ONSTAGE NOW!
When folks discuss a show for a season, so often the question is “why this show, now?”
I don’t think this team of Kokandy Productions - Chicago “Hair” will leave you with any doubts about why this show still rings true today, in this, the summer of ‘26.
Helping this group of talent craft makeup looks they felt authentic to them, their characters, and this particular telling of this “museum piece” that is also SO of this moment, has truly been a treat!
GET YE TO THE THEATRE! Hair runs through Sept 13!

Preproduction photos- kyle bode
Production photos- Michael Brosilow

Emerson J. McAlister brought the looks! And the personality! And those fabulous curls! We were just lucky to be there to capture it all 💖
💄: me!
📷: Collin Quinn Rice

Feelin’ Fresh Friday with heraldo hermosillo ⭐️
Our scheduling calendar is open for August, come and get em!
📷: Collin Quinn Rice
💄: me!

Sooooo many actors tell us they struggle with “the smile” headshot. Whether that’s a toothy grin or subtle smirk, we have ways to help you get that shot that the commercials and agents will love! And if it comes naturally to you, like it does for Maggie , then we’ll just get out of your way and let ya beam!
📷: Collin Quinn Rice
💄: me!

*DISCOUNT HEADSHOT WORKSHOP*
Need a headshot update, but don’t have the funds for a full session? Maybe you are missing just one look/vibe your agent keeps requesting? Whatever it may be…lucky you… Collin Quinn Rice and I are doing another headshot event with The Forge Film Acting ⭐️
July 26, 9am-1pm. Head to their page/website to sign up for your slot!

Jake said “All American Guy”…but maybe a lil more interesting. We got ya!

📷: Collin Quinn Rice
💄: me!

DESIGNS ON STAGE NOW! My darlings at have been bringing The Golden Girls to Chicago through their “Lost Episodes” for years, and I’ve been lucky enough to makeup design them all! Whether you’ve seen them before, or this is your first time hearing about them, The Cheese Pyramid satisfy your neeeeeeed for cheeeeeeese (and camp, and drag, and q***r silly fun!)
Two more weekends to catch the girls in “The Golden Girls: The Cheese Pyramid. A Lost Episodes Parody.” Head to Hell in a Handbags page to get your tickets now!

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