Wigs, Hair And Makeup Apprentice in England

A theatre wigs, hair and makeup artist is someone who is based at a theatre and works on the shows, providing a service to create a character following a design brief.

Purpose of the Role

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 thus closely involved with directors and designers, supporting them and realising their design concepts. They also work closely with actors during the production period and throughout the run of the show.

Working as part of the NT's WHAM Department you will learn about and understand the role this department plays within a theatre and can develop high quality, specialist skills in a realistic professional environment. You will be working to realise the design concepts of directors and designers and will learn hairdressing, barbering, wig making, prosthetics, on-stage effects and cosmetic make-up skills. You will also learn about the vital role collaboration and communication play in the creative design process and how to work closely with people in a time pressured and dynamic environment.

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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Apply the skill you learn during training and put them to use to be able to work alongside the team, backstage and on shows.
• Attend dress rehearsals of shows that you are working on.
• Work to agreed deadlines, consulting always with Head of Department or Workshop Coordinator.
• Maintain high standards of operations and good housekeeping in the workshop and backstage.
• Participate in the provision of a safe working environment, always acting within the company’s Health and Safety regulations.

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.
• Apply prosthetics ensuring fit and comfort, blending edges and colouring.

Behaviours

• Is respectful of others' views and beliefs, promoting 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.