Face Off: Cosmic Circus

Back in May we spent a crazy fun day on the set of SYFY's Face Off performing Aerial and duo acrobatics with the fabulous Cirque Berzerk! The contestants challenge was to turn us into sexy alien circus performers using prosthetics, make up and costumes that we could move freely in. We rehearsed our moves with the inspiring and super talented choreographer Sebastian Stella and were then handed over to our make up artists who were given four hours to work on us before the challenge began.

The cast of Cirque Berzerk rehearsing on the Face Off stage

The process was intense. Although the facial prosthetics were not heavy, they were restrictive in the sense that both our heads became bigger (literally!) and our vision and breathing was slightly impaired (though not as much as you might think). To be honest, the most frightening part was looking in the mirror and freaking ourselves out! The make up was so incredibly detailed that we looked like real alien circus freaks!

Then it was time to rehearse in the make up. Brett put down his whip/sword thingy and took off his  boots, Rachel got rid of the clown/moon shoes and hoops and we tried a few skills. Although our bodies hadn't been augmented much (Rachel was given some subtle 'shoulder bones' and Brett did have an obscure 'bug' growing out of his belly) our faces were significantly bigger and provided some serious challenges. Some of the acro moves had to be altered so we didn't butt heads ;) Rachel had to change position on her Split Lever backward roll so as not to roll off Brett's massive alien face. We managed to make it through the routine though and settle in somewhat to our alter ego's. After a few run through's we were ready for the cameras. 

Aliens taking flight!

The episode aired last night, season 5 episode 8 for those playing at home. Check out some of our moves on the episode  Teaser.

For a more detailed look at the performance check out season 2 winner Royce Bird critique the casts make up here on winner tells all

For more on the make up for the episode check out Cosmic Circus 'morphs'

Keep flying!

Chat to you soon, 

                          Rachel and Brett  xoxo

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