Wigs, Hair and Makeup Apprentice

Opportunity information

Salary: £30,784 per year

Duration: 27 months

Advert closing date: 19/02/2026

The Wigs, Hair and Make-up Department at the National Theatre makes and applies all wigs, facial hair, special effects, makeup, and blood effects used at the NT. They also undertake all barbering and hair processing requirements during the run of shows. They are closely involved with supporting directors and designers and their design concepts.

Entry requirements

• Has demonstrable evidence of interest in wigs, hair and makeup such as through an introductory course or some entry-level employment e.g. hair salon assistant.
• Shows that they enjoy making things.
• Can follow written, spoken and visual instructions.
• Willing to undertake the qualification as outlined.
• Has Maths and English GCSE at Grade 4/C, or equivalent.
• Can work well within a team and communicate clearly.
• Can work effectively under supervision and be self-motivated to work on your own initiative.
• Has a helpful, positive and flexible approach and attitude, whether the work is routine or exciting.
• Is punctual and good at managing their own workload.
• Be able to follow strict health & safety rules and theatre working practices and to understand why it is important to do so.
• Has an interest in the environment and environmental issues of today and the future.

Training to be provided

This occupation is found in a broad range of creative and dynamic industries for example theatre, TV, film, fashion, commercials and print media (editorial). The broad purpose of the occupation is to uphold the highest standards of hygiene and technical application to achieve the required look meeting agreed standards for productions/performances across a range of artists, periods and cultures whilst maintaining health & safety requirements.

Skills

• Use research to establish exact make-up, hair, wigs, facial and prosthetics requirements of the Supervisor/Designer/Director to meet requirements.
• Produce a detailed plan for the make-up/hair/wigs/facial/prosthetics to meet the Supervisor/Designer/Director requirements.
• Choose and apply make-up to meet the design requirements.
• Prepare and maintain equipment including cleaning and storage after use.
• Monitor and touch-up make-up to ensure continuity for the duration of the performance/production.
• Explain what to do if an allergic reaction to make-up occurs.
• Remove make-up in accordance with hygiene requirements, dispose of materials in accordance with process requirements.
• Store make-up removal products, tools and equipment in accordance with process requirements.
• Prepare hair for wig, hair piece, switch, weft, facial making including assessing/selecting according to texture, type, length, colour/shade.
• Create prosthetics including bald caps, body parts, wounds and blemishes.

Behaviours

• Is respectful of others views and beliefs – equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Works effectively with others.
• Continuously develops their knowledge and skills.
• Pays attention to achieve the detail required.
• Balances many differing elements of work.
• Takes ownership of work.
• Plans work and manages time.

Things to consider

This is a Level 3 apprenticeship; therefore, applicants must be suitable for study at that level and NOT:

• Hold a degree in theatre, TV, film or design, HND, or a post-graduate qualification or Hairdressing qualification above level 2.
• Have extensive intermediate (or above) experience (over 6 months) of working professionally in Wigs, Hair and Makeup in the creative industries or health and beauty sector.

Future prospects

This apprenticeship is for those with a passion for theatre, who haven’t yet had experience of working in professional theatre. It is designed to provide you with the skills necessary to work as a wigs and make-up technician in the wider creative and cultural sector, and although it is possible that future opportunities for work may arise, it is not intended that this apprenticeship will lead to a permanent position with the NT.

Hours per week: 40

Apprenticeship standard: Hair, wigs, make-up and prosthetics technician (Level 3)

Location: London, England, SE1 9PX