Ghoulish fun—and learning—at CTE shows cosmetology students are a ‘cut above’ the rest

Student shows a bruised hand Perhaps they all won’t land jobs on Broadway or in Hollywood, but Cosmetology students at the Career & Technical Education Center do learn how to turn the human body into an artistic—albeit ghoulish—venture by the time they graduate.

Through classroom instruction and guest lectures, students in the two-year program learn the art of theatrical makeup just in time to create the most gruesome or awesome Halloween designs.

During classes the week Oct. 25, students put their skills to the test and proved that they truly were a “cut above the rest.” Student paints a scar on a face

Bruises, gashes, stab wounds and more were everywhere as the aspiring cosmetologists put their ghoulish touches on each other.

“It’s so much fun and a great experience to have. I do makeup for my school theater, so it’s great to learn more about it,” said Makayla Conroy, a junior from Shenendehowa.

Fellow Shenendehowa junior Asher Smassanow enjoyed the skills, creating a bruised and lacerated hand.

“I really like the hands-on experience we get at BOCES. I also like coming to school and learning skills that I like to do,” said the aspiring aesthetician. two students with fake scars put makeup on each other

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake senior Madilyn Durrin is hoping to make a career out of the art form.

“I want to do special effects makeup and hair,” she said. “I love horror movies and have always wanted to do the makeup in the movies.”

The ghoulish lesson is one of many provided to students to expand their knowledge beyond hair styling.

“The cosmetology department explores many career options throughout the year, theatrical makeup artists being one of them,” said teacher Nicole Wentraub. “It’s fun, but it also has practical implications for the students, who can use these skills in future career endeavors.” A guy gets a makeup scar on his cheek

There are more than 100 students from two-dozen school districts enrolled in the program that is offered this year on the Albany and Schoharie campuses. Students in the two-year program learn everything from nail care to shampooing, rinsing, conditioning, artistry in hair styling, decontamination, and infection control and financial planning.