Body mikes
Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Props, Scenery, Costumes and Makeup
Forum Discription: For how-to's and where-can-I-find
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3800
Printed Date: 5/15/25 at 2:15pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 8.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Body mikes
Posted By: iamadramanerd
Subject: Body mikes
Date Posted: 2/04/09 at 6:23pm
I need a good way to attach a body mike to your face. Nothing seems to work with sweat and make-up. Any suggestions?
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Wove, true Wove.
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Replies:
Posted By: Kathy S
Date Posted: 2/05/09 at 12:44am
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I've actually seen an attempt to use wide, clear packaging tape to tape it to the side of an actor's face.... bad.
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Posted By: TonyDi
Date Posted: 2/05/09 at 9:00am
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Try using Johnson & Johnson Dermicel tape - it's a PAPER tape which CAN be applied to the CLEAN skin and then the makeup CAN be applied over it and it holds well under adverse conditions (though SWEAT is ALWAYS a problem) but the makeup CAN take really well to the paper. The only problem lies in the type of makeup used. Oil based makeups wreak havoc on anything. If you can use water based makeup you'll do better. Might have to slightly alter the color makeup over the tape to darken it very slightly to blend since it's white but thin. I've used it around edges of latex pieces, masks etc., to blend around eyes and so forth for stage use. And while not totally imperceptible to sweat (very little is) at least it holds better than anything I've found. You can also powder with a little ZINC OXIDE powder (available from your local druggist or chemical company or online at special makeup supply places) and that helps cut down on sweat. You can also sometimes get away with using an anti-perspirant over the area to keep sweat from occurring in a particular spot and that will help in the adhesion of most any kind of tape as long as it is the kind of anti-perspirant that dries clear and not oily. But the paper tape is not very expensive. Couple strips of that stuff BEFORE makeup - on clean skin, then you can apply the makeup on to the paper and around the mike (which really should be flesh colored anyway to hide) and you'd be good to go. Black mikes look horrid except right at the hairline where it can be hidden by hair - except on light haired people...alas!!
TonyDi
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"Almost famous"
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Posted By: KEB54
Date Posted: 2/05/09 at 9:40am
We use some clear stuff recommended by a paramedic. I don't remember what it's called, but ask a paramedic or maybe a pharmacy has it.
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KEB
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Posted By: AndyPandy
Date Posted: 2/18/09 at 3:11pm
We use 3M's micropore tape with superb results.
http://www.firstaidwarehouse.co.uk/xpl-tapes_microporous.html
Seems to hold up well against sweat, movement of the face and everything a cast of children can throw at it! Make up can be applied over the top too.
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Posted By: pdavis69
Date Posted: 2/19/09 at 9:24am
I've though of using staples but my actors are too wimpy. Not willing to suffer for their art.
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Patrick L. Davis
Fort Findlay Playhouse
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Posted By: iamadramanerd
Date Posted: 2/19/09 at 6:38pm
Oh Patrick, you made my day! I laughed my socks off!
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Wove, true Wove.
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Posted By: eagle10
Date Posted: 2/26/09 at 11:44pm
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I use surgical tape... works over make up as well and doesn't hurt the actors...
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Posted By: shelly
Date Posted: 8/18/09 at 6:44pm
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We've tried several types of mike tape and they all seem to be a bit of a problem. Lately our actors have been putting the mikes on top of their heads with the tip landing on the forehead just below the hairline. It works great if you're wearing any kind of hat, wig or headband. It's not nearly as noticable as taped to your face and you can actually attach it to the hat or wig instead of yourself.
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