Special Effects Taster Course
(3 Days) – ideally for ages 14 to 18
Elstree Studios: 4, 5, 6 August
Longcross Studios: 29, 30, 31 July
2-year BTEC Course 2026
Elstree: 21 September 2026 to 06 July 2028
Longcross: 28 September 2026 to 13 July 20282-year BTEC Course 2027
Elstree: 20 September 2027 to 05 July 2029
Longcross: 27 September 2027 to 12 July 2029
7-month ITEC Course 2026
Longcross: 21 September 2026 to 22 April 2027
Elstree: 19 October 2026 to 20 May 2027
3-Day Special Effects Taster Course
Elstree - 4, 5, 6 August
Longcross - 3, 4, 5 August 2026
3-Day Instaglam Taster Course
Elstree - 4, 5, 6 August
Longcross - 3, 4, 5 August 2026
Are you 14-18 years old and thinking about the idea of becoming a successful make-up artist as a career once you leave school?
* Note: students who are 14 years old must be in Year 10 at school.
This 3-day taster course, which is held during school holidays, will give you a little insight as to what you would learn on a far greater scale if you were to continue your education with us after leaving school. Students can enrol from the age of 16+ on our 2-Year BTEC Make-up and Hair Course which commences every September/October.
Being established for 34 years, the 2-Year BTEC is the most successful course that we run at Elstree Studios and Longcross Studios. Our students enjoy their make-up and hair training so much that they often don’t want to leave, however, they are able to continue their education for a further year by studying on either the VTCT Level 2 Hairdressing and Barbering Course or the HND Level 5 Diploma. In addition, Brushstroke provides long-term aftercare and support.
Studio training in a studio environment
Brushstroke graduates have gone on to working on many well-known productions, West End shows, feature films and light entertainment such as Wicked, Mary Poppins, Mamma Mia, Strictly Come Dancing, The Voice, X Factor, Britain’s Got Talent, EastEnders, Coronation Street, Bridgerton, The Crown (Netflix), Game of Thrones (HBO) Dr Strange, Avengers (Marvel) to name a few. Brushstroke is also in collaboration with the BBC encouraging diversity within the TV and film industry. See our student achievements.
Course Information
The syllabus will cover a variety of make-up special effects techniques such as cuts, grazes, black eyes, burns, blisters, scars, wounds and many more effects. Please note that the making and application of prosthetic pieces would only be covered on our full-time diploma course.
Students will have practical hands-on experience working with each other. All we ask of you is that you are keen, enthusiastic and don’t dress too smart as we might get a bit bloody.
If this taster course interests you, then why not join us where you will learn make up special effects over a period of three days, in a fun atmospheric classroom within the film studios, taught by professional make-up artists who are actively working within the media industry.
Makeup Taster Course
Essential Information- Course Times: 10.30 am to 3.30 pm
- Course Fees: The total fee for this course is £350.00 + VAT.
- Elstree Studio Dates: 4, 5, 6 August
- Longcross Studio Dates: 29, 30, 31 July
- In accordance with new government legislation, all courses are now subject to VAT as of January 1st, 2025.
Full payment and completion of enrolment forms are required to secure your place. Please note that we are not government funded and you should give due consideration as to how you would fund the course.
Equipment: All the equipment and materials you require will be provided for the duration of the course.
Drop off and Pick up: Both of our studios have good transport links and are close walking distance from the train station. There is a drop-off and pick up point within the studios. Please see our directions on the website.
Lunch: There is a canteen within the studios, but you can bring in a packed lunch and a drink in case you don’t want to alarm people with your SFX injuries if you decide to pop out.
Stepping Stone: If you really enjoy your 3-day taster course and decide this could be a future career for you, then we advise that you arrange an appointment with us so we can answer any questions that you might have about joining the 2 year BTEC Make-up and Hair Course which is nationally and internationally recognised.
Please Note: Spaces on all of our courses are limited, so if you would like further information, please contact us by email [email protected] or call +44 (0) 20 4611 2172