On the Set: Governor's Ball by Crystal Acuna

CMS Alumni Crystal Acuna gives her account of all the action at the Governor's Ball.

I had the amazing opportunity to work on site at the Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood for the 83rd Governor's Ball which follows the Academy Awards. I, along with fellow CMS alumni Lori Lozano, Nicole Merritt, Lupe Neri, Kristal Pitts, Ruby Gracey, Sherita Garcia, Maria Landoni, Marcela Gonzalez, and Christina Baldemian, were responsible for the hair and makeup for the cocktail waitresses and several female orchestra members that were working at the prestigious event. It was such a great moment in our lives as we were shuttled past street closures, down Hollywood Blvd and to the hotel where we were taken through a couple of high security metal detectors and to our suite where Jessica Andrews along with the staff of Sequoia Productions awaited and instructed us on the look of the evening. We all greeted our talent with smiling faces and began to work all while overlooking the streets of Hollywood that was seamlessly preparing for the evening's events. Once the cocktail waitresses and orchestra members were all done, we were escorted down to have a meal which was catered by Wolfgang Puck...it was so delicious!! Right after dinner, we sat in and listened to children’s choir PS22 as they rehearsed for the show's finale by singing their rendition of "Firework" by Katy Perry. They were fantastic! After such a treat and before Lori Lozano and I touched up the ladies makeup we were all surprised with an invitation to tour the ballroom. It was truly a site to see and was a perfect way to end such a fabulous day.

We were all on cloud nine and I'm sure I can speak for everyone when I say how grateful we are for not only the education but the assistance and motivation that Cinema Makeup School has provided to us all. I can't imagine going to another school and getting the same help. We are very proud grads and look forward to many more opportunities to come!