WHAM Apprentice

Cameron Mackintosh Ltd are looking for an enthusiastic and creative individual to undertake a Wigs, Hair, Make Up and Prosthetics Technician Apprenticeship on a full-time 27-month contract. Step into the world of professional theatre with Cameron Mackintosh Ltd, we are delighted to be launching this Apprenticeship in collaboration with Chichester College. You will work directly alongside world-class wigs, hair, and make-up professionals on iconic West End and industry-leading regional productions, working towards a nationally recognised Level 3 apprenticeship. This program balances real-world production work with structured vocational learning, with 1 day per week to study and/or attend college, as well as spending 2 weeks of residential learning at Northbrook College in Worthing. The Apprenticeship will begin in October 2026 and the deadline for applications is Sunday 16th August 2026. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and have an equal opportunity approach across all personal characteristics.

Purpose of Role

To learn and apply the skills of a multi-skilled WHAM technician, upholding a high standard of technical application for productions, whilst studying the Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard in collaboration with Chichester College. An Apprenticeship is an entry level paid employment position where you learn the required skills on the job from our professional team.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Develop knowledge of historical hairstyles and makeup, and their application in performance.
• Develop the necessary practical skills to be able to work from designs, drawings, photographs and models with creative team members.
• Learn and understand the lifespan of and production, from pre-production to technical rehearsals and show running through, through to the end of the production.
• Learn and understand the design process of creative team members, developing each look using either the artists own hair or wigs, hair pieces, switches, wefts, prosthetics and special effects as appropriate.
• Develop an understanding of how to create detailed plans and documentation of each look to include each element used, their application and the timescales and schedules for fittings and application in performance.
• Develop a knowledge of and the practical skills to work with a range of tools, equipment and materials for hair, wigs, makeup and prosthetics preparation and application.
• Develop construction skills and techniques to include head wraps, face wraps, blocking up, whipping, sewing, knotting and a variety of hair setting processes.
• Develop skills in life casting and mould making, creating prosthetics, their fitting, storage and reuse, and the use of stage blood and wound effects.
• Learn and apply relevant Health and Safety legislation including safe handling, storage and disposal of materials, safe hygiene practices, manual handling and risk assessments.
• Develop an understanding of the requirements of other departments to complete wigs, hair, makeup and prosthetics applicants to support and complement each other.
• Learn how to prepare and store detailed design notes, reference sheets and photographs for individual performers to ensure consistency and continuity throughout the performance/production.
• Learn how to assess individual performer’s make-up requirements in accordance with the design and identify workspace, environment, allergies/sensitivities, skin type, colour, skincare and timings accordingly.
• Learn to work in hazardous locations safely, using appropriate PPE as required.
• Assist in the safe and effective management of storage systems and maintain a tidy workspace.
• Undertake duties on live performances such as show operation, creating and working to a cue sheet and performing pre-show and post-show checks.
• Learn how to monitor and manage budgets/stock levels reporting on status as required.
• Learn about the wider theatre and live events industry, including relevant legislation, unions and industry bodies.
• Develop the necessary skills to work co-operatively with colleagues or to work autonomously following a brief.
• Keep up to date with technical and production developments in the live arts through independent reading and research.
• Attend Chichester College seminars and commit to course study to complete a level 3 Apprenticeship.
• Undertake an end point assessment as part of the level 3 Apprenticeship.
• Work closely with the nominated workplace mentor at Cameron Mackintosh Ltd who will support the apprentice with completion of their coursework and portfolio.
• Undertake any additional training required by Chichester College in the form of functional skills (Mathematics and English).
• Have a good knowledge of the Producer’s health and safety policies and ensure that requirements in relation to health and safety are met within the department; uphold and promote at all times the Manager’s Child Protection Policy and related procedures and guidelines.
• Comply with the Manager's policies and procedures in force from time to time, including but not limited to the Producer’s policies on Equal Opportunities, Bullying and Harassment, Safeguarding, Social Media, Data Protection.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties asked for by Cameron Mackintosh Ltd.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

ESSENTIAL

• Interest in theatre and live arts, with a demonstrable desire to follow a career path into Wigs, Hair, Makeup or prosthetics in a professional capacity.
• Experience in the application of makeup and/or hair styling.
• Previous engagement in community, amateur or professional theatre/live events.
• An enthusiastic, committed and flexible attitude to work, including the ability to work antisocial hours.
• Excellent punctuality and good time management.
• Computer literacy.
• Have experience of working independently and carrying out independent research.
• GCSE Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent), in English and Mathematics.

DESIRABLE

• Previous experience of working in a professional environment.
• Experience of hair or makeup in a professional environment such as a beauty salon or bridal work.
• Experience of being in a backstage environment in a live performance.
• Whilst not essential a driving licence and car is desirable to aid with commuting and working antisocial hours.
• ICT qualification or experience is desirable.