Shade of Face FX

For the past ten years, I’ve had the honor of serving as Production Makeup Designer and Artist for the award-winning Tosa West Trojan Players. I’ve watched students walk into auditions unsure and step into opening night transformed — confident, committed, and fully immersed in the stories they’re telling. Every production brings new artistic challenges and fresh creative opportunities, but the formula remains the same: storytelling through collaboration.

This fall was particularly special.

Through a partnership with Music Theatre International, Wauwatosa West became the first and only school in the nation selected to pilot Dear Evan Hansen: High School Version. A powerful musical about connection, identity, and the longing to be seen, it has touched audiences across the country with its unforgettable score and deeply human story. We are proud to announce that our production of Dear Evan Hansen: High School Version has been selected as one of twelve productions to be featured on the main stage at The International Thespian Festival in Bloomington, IN in June, 2026.

After helping bring this production to the Tosa West stage, I wanted to capture something beyond the curtain call — a visual tribute inspired by the show’s iconic imagery. Centered around Evan and Connor, this photoshoot reflects the moment that binds their stories together and reminds us how a single connection can ripple outward in unexpected ways.

A heartfelt thank you to Evan and Henry for sharing their time. The result is so incredibly moving and visually striking — a testament to your incredible talents.

We invite you to support us at Hello, Dolly! in March 2026 and at the remount of Dear Evan Hansen: High School Version this summer at Tosa West as we continue our journey to ITF!

For now, take a step back into this story with us — and remember: you are not alone!

www.shadeoffacefx.com/you-are-not-alone

Peace • Love • Kindness
Shade of Face FX

Evan Hansen: Evan Hryniewicki
Connor Murphy: Henry Riordan
Photographer: Shun Powell
Makeup/Cast Design: Shade of Face FX

January 31, 2026 marks five years since the launch of the official Shade of Face FX website—and the day I finally chose to follow my passion, put my joy first, and step fully into my dream of being a full-time special effects makeup artist.

Five years later, I can confidently say: IT WAS THE RIGHT CHOICE!

This journey has been filled with creativity, growth, and unforgettable experiences. From collaborative projects and productions to messages of encouragement and quiet support behind the scenes, every connection along the way has played a role in shaping who I am as an artist today.

Working with such inspiring people has pushed me to expand my skillset, explore new techniques, refine my craft, and build a portfolio I’m truly proud to share with the world. Your trust, openness, and belief in my work have continually motivated me to raise the bar and grow within this incredible industry.

Whether you collaborated with me, followed my work, cheered me on, or simply checked in along the way—thank you. The last five years would not have been the same without your creativity, support, and encouragement.

I’m so excited for what’s ahead and look forward to many more opportunities to create, learn, and grow together in the years to come.

Peace • Love • Kindness
Shade of Face FX

❄⛄💙A year ago today, The Wauwatosa West Trojan Players took the mainstage of the International Thespian Festival by (snow)storm! A moment that everyone involved will NEVER forget! From opening night of the first run to the final standing ovation and roar of the ITF audience – there was magic in every moment.

As the Wisconsin winner of ‘The United States of Frozen: Love is an Open Door’ Competition we were given the honor of being the first high school in WI to produce this stunning stage version of the beloved Disney classic! With that came the challenges of bringing these iconic characters to life. As always, we rose to the occasion with costumes, makeup, wigs and of course a little bit of magic….

I am proud to present Elsa, Anna & Olaf!

Thank you to Faye, Ceili and Brett for agreeing to be a part of this magical birthday photoshoot – it was truly so special to have one last most in time with Frozen. Thank you for making time in your busy end of the year schedules to help me create a little more magic.

There is a second segment to this photoshoot coming soon – but for now please enjoy:

www.shadeoffacefx.com/cold-never-bothered-us

Peace • Love • Kindness
Shade of Face FX

Elsa: Faye Muma
Anna: Ceili Callahan
Olaf: Brett Burgoyne
Makeup: Anna Thaney
Wigs: KatieK Hair Studio
Costumes: Andrea Loss
Photograper: Shun Powell

🐍🖤SPOTLIGHT ON MEDUSA🌿🌺

If you stopped by 'The Gathering of Fates and Goddesses' you might have caught a sneak peek of another powerful Goddess... Medusa joined in on the reverie of the day, and allowed us to capture her beauty without turning us to stone.

The brainchild of Shannon ODwyer and KatieK Hair Studio - Medusa came to life allowing me the opportunity to mix both beauty and the beast into one look. I mixed a custom "snake scale green" to accompany the shimmering gold highlights used to accent the gold jewelry throughout the rest of the ensemble.

Please enjoy this up close and personal look at this gorgeous Goddess.

Feeling brave? Step into Medusa's lair ...if you dare! Just be sure to avoid her gaze!
www.shadeoffacefx.com/goddess-eyes

Photography: Shun Powell

🚂❤️SPOTLIGHT ON ATROPOS🌹🖤

As a lover of Greek Mythology and especially the story of the characters in Hadestown, I was thrilled to get to work in depth to create the looks for The Fates.

Watching our actors develop their characters and keeping in mind the role The Fates play in the process of life, I was able to give each of them a touch of individuality with a uniquely designed fascinator and comb.

Presenting Atropos - The Inevitable - who cuts the thread of life when a person’s time comes to an end. I was so excited to have found a reason to purchase some of the coffin fabric I had stumbled upon. What a prefect fabric to signify the character that ends a person’s life when it is time - a coffin. Something that people see, and immediately connect with death. Of course, since she cuts off the thread of life when it a person’s time to leave the Earth, her comb featured two pairs of scissors to signify the snipping of that fragile thread and sending the soul on to visit Hades.

Please enjoy this in depth look at Atropos!

While she concludes our series for Hadestown - feel free to take a trip to the underworld anytime you'd like by checking out 'A Gathering of Fates & Goddesses' at the link below.

www.shadeoffacefx.com/fates-goddesses

Photography: Shun Powell

🚂❤️SPOTLIGHT ON LACHESIS🌹🖤

As a lover of Greek Mythology and especially the story of the characters in Hadestown, I was thrilled to get to work in depth to create the looks for The Fates.

Watching our actors develop their characters and keeping in mind the role The Fates play in the process of life, I was able to give each of them a touch of individuality with a uniquely designed fascinator and comb.

I'd like to introduce you to Lachesis - The Alloter - who measures the thread of life allotted to a person. In searching the fabric store I found a lace featuring a spider web pattern that stretched and continued across the fabric in beautiful symmetry. The amount of life you have gives you the opportunity to make connections - whether it be love, friendship or acquaintance - which is what drew me to the webs, all the different connections. I paired it with a comb featuring two spools of the gold thread of life, and a needle to take the thread from its begging, and pull it through all the potential connection points, until it reaches the appropriate length.

Please enjoy this in depth look at Lachesis.

Stay tuned for more from Hadestown - but if you are ready to head to the underworld, check out 'A Gathering of Fates & Goddesses' at the link below.

www.shadeoffacefx.com/fates-goddesses

Photography: Shun Powell

🚂❤️SPOTLIGHT ON CLOTHO🌹🖤

As a lover of Greek Mythology and especially the story of the characters in Hadestown, I was thrilled to get to work in depth to create the looks for The Fates.

The fascinators and combs were so much fun to create, and were tailored to each character. Watching our actors develop their characters and keeping in mind the role The Fates play in the process of life, I was able to give each of them a touch of individuality.

Here we meet, Clotho - The Spinner, who begins spinning the thread of a person’s life within the womb. I found a gorgeous lace that featured skulls of a few different sizes, and crossbones in between. I paired that with a customized hair comb with four birds, three sitting in wait and the fourth flying off with the gold thread of life in its mouth to signify the creation of the soul, the skeleton and life beginning.

I hope you enjoy a closer look at Clotho.

Stay tuned for more from Hadestown - but if you are ready to head to the underworld, check out 'A Gathering of Fates & Goddesses' at the link below.

www.shadeoffacefx.com/fates-goddesses

Photography: Shun Powell

🌺🌿SPOTLIGHT ON PERSEPHONE🌱🌸

As a lover of Greek Mythology and especially the story of the characters in Hadestown, I was thrilled to get to work in depth to create the looks for Persephone and The Fates.

I have had so many chances to do makeups that tie into nature, and Persephone is no exception. The actor who portrayed Persephone in our production had long, flowing, beautiful hair, and I knew right away that I wanted to give her a braid modeled loosely on the style featured on Rapunzel, in Disney’s Tangled. I wanted tons of gorgeous flowers and moss flowing through a beautiful, slightly unkempt braid. I also knew that there would need to be a way to change color schemes, and do it quickly as her outfit changes for her time in the Underworld, but also quickly changes back at a certain point as well.

I was able to create a unique headpiece for our actor that employed magnets on the flower clusters, and allowed us to quickly change the pieces as needed, giving her plenty of time for her quick changes.

Here is a more in depth look at the final pieces created for Persephone.

Stay tuned for more on The Fates from Hadestown - you can also check out 'A Gathering of Fate & Goddesses' at the link below.

www.shadeoffacefx.com/fates-goddesses

Photography: Shun Powell

It was such a blast to be able to work more in depth on Hadestown, this past fall with Tosa West Trojan Players! I had so much fun I decided to take another trip to the Underworld and visit The Fates and Persephone!

Today, on a day filled with such love and excitement... I am excited to share with you A Gathering of Fates & Goddesses! Will your day end in love? Only if The Fates allow... hopefully Persephone can sway them to show a little kindness.

Please enjoy!

www.shadeoffacefx.com/fates-goddesses

MAKE SURE TO TURN YOUR PHONE THE WIDE WAY FOR THE BEST VIEW! 🤩

Peace • Love • Kindness

Fates & Goddesses — Shade of Face FX A Gathering of Fates & Goddesses 🚂On the road to hell there was a railroad line... 🚂On the road to hell there was a railroad line... And there were three old women all dressed the same… and they were always singin’ in the back of your mind… Everybody meet… The Fates • The Spinner •...

Such a fun day! Got to see a film I was involved in on the big screen. MENDING was part of the MKE Film Festival for Voices Heard!! And as a BONUS… The Spider-Gwen: Last Dance trailer was shown — so cool to finally see that on the big screen! So lovely to see so many friends and film fam!

It was such fun to work with TMJ4's James Groh on this little piece about my work! I love what I do, and all of the opportunities that have come my way so far - and look forward to those still to come!

Huge thank you to Shun Powell for the kind words, and use of his studio space! You're the best!

Thank you to all of the filmmakers, directors, actors, crew members, students, and friends that have included me in the great projects that allow me to shine. Wouldn't be able to do it with you!

Peace • Love • Kindness
Shade of Face FX

Milwaukee special effects makeup artist turns fantasy into reality Annaliese Thaney is a visual effects makeup artist from Milwaukee who has worked on dozens of plays, musicals, haunted houses, films, and videos across the region.