Art of Make-up in Amateur Kannada Theatre had a huge impact among the audiences of the state. The role of production in the amateur play is so restricted, that if the play becomes impressive in showmanship it is only an exception than the rule. The new play hangs on the IDEA; its story illustrates or exemplifies the idea with humour. The stage is simple, unadorned, almost a passive setting for the play. In this regard, it looks that what the professionals over did, the amateurs seem to omit in its entirety.

Make up Used in Amateur Kannada Theatre
The art of make-up, a specialised technical science, one of the glories of the folk-theatre even today, seems to be totally un-useful to the amateur stage. The artist, if he is quick, paints his face, sticks a moustache to his upper lip, and is ready in five minutes. It is usually a thin water paint that provides the foundation colour, and it was very recently used without discrimination, for, even the ?servant? and the old widow painted own selves.

Women Make up in Amateur Kannada Theatre
Only the women in the play used to be paid some attention, for the roles were played by male actors; but when girls themselves came forward to participate in these plays without fear of social disapproval, even the women did not need much of a make-up. Thus a play here is very convenient for the producers: but the total absence of any scope for make-up and settings has deprived the amateur stage of considerable visual appeal. The art of make-up and the art of arranging tasteful and suggestive settings are fine arts. They are desirable for the creation of that illusion of reality which is essential for the stage.

It would not be in the interest of the theatre to allow these arts to decay. It is necessary again, that the Amateur stage should concentrate on an occasional mythological or historical play in one-act in order to relieve the monotony of social themes, and also to nourish and develop the fine arts connected with the stage. The Amateur theatre is now addressing itself to the educated, sophisticated and intellectual minority. It should not content itself catering to a particular section but should strive to appeal to the community as a whole, to its diverse tastes.