Cattell Series:

MEET Chris Payne; Professional Special Effects Artist 

Sunday, February 15th, 2026 

CATTELL THEATRE

THE CATTELL SERIES RETURNS ON FEBRUARY 15 WITH CHRIS PAYNE, SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKE UP ARTIST FOR CHICAGO FIRE

TWS is excited to bring back the Cattell Series after a hiatus of several years. This program features professionals from the theatre, film, and TV industry to talk about their craft and career. Past guests have included Brian Dennehy, Nora Dunn, Broadway stars, Tony Award winners, Oscar nominees, performers, directors, producers, designers, writers and many others.

Our guest on February 15 is Chris Payne. He has been a professional makeup artist for nearly 20 years and an enthusiastic amateur for most of his life before that. He holds a Masters Degree in Makeup and Wig Design from the University of Cincinnati and has worked on theatrical productions, television shows and films across the country. He has also taught makeup at a number of schools, trade shows and theaters.

For the last 12 years Chris has worked as the Special Effects Makeup Department Head on NBC's Chicago Fire. Past credits include such hit television shows as Empire, CSI, NCIS, Nip/Tuck, Grey's Anatomy and Lost; and films including Star Trek (winner of the 2010 Academy Award for Best Makeup), Harold and Kumar 2, The Eye, Untraceable, Jupiter Ascending, Beyond the Darkness and Clive Barker's Midnight Meat Train.

Chris is the author of the "Beginner’s Guide to Special Makeup Effects" book series and is a contributing writer to "Makeup Artistry for Film and Television" by Christine Sciortino. Chris will show examples of his work as part at the discussion.

The event starts at 6:00 pm, and is free of charge to everyone, with a small reception will follow. Donations are accepted.