don one’s costume(/dress up/put on one’s make-up) and go (/appear) on the stage; embark upon a political venture; tread the boards (/stage) ❍ 汉卿混迹歌场，精通五音六律； 时常在歌台舞榭～； …… (田汉《关汉卿》97) Hanqing is known in stage circles far and wide and he’s well versed in music. Quite often he treads the boards himself.
粉墨登场fen mo deng chang
make oneself up and go on stage—embark upon a political venture
粉墨登场
make oneself up and go on stage—embark upon a political venture; hurriedly assume office
粉墨登场fěn mò dēnɡ chǎnɡ
粉墨：指化妆用品。妆扮好了，登台演戏。make oneself up and go on stage, enter upon office fully dressed up, mount the stage in full regalia