Wigs, Hair and Makeup Apprentice in London

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 & Safety policy.
• Participate in other training as necessary and appropriate, including visiting other workplaces on placement when available.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Head of Department, Workshop Coordinator or a supervisor.

You will be supported at the NT by a dedicated mentor. At all times you will be expected to:

• Take responsibility for being on time and always working safely and considerately.
• Take responsibility for completing your college work and making sure your manager knows when a college assessor is visiting.
• Behave professionally, including keeping workspaces neat and tidy.
• You will sometimes be asked to work evenings and weekends, and will be given time off in the week to make up for it (this is called Time Off in Lieu).

By the end of the apprenticeship, you will have a working knowledge of:

• Haircutting and colouring.
• Hair setting and dressing.
• Wig setting and dressing.
• Learning the correct method of artists' own hair preparation under a wig, depending on hair texture and length.
• To apply a wig on an artist using the correct pin type and areas to be pinned.
• Making wigs, foundations and measurements.
• Making wigs, knotting.
• Making facial hair.
• Making weft and hairpieces.
• Creating blood effects.
• Creating and applying prosthetics.
• Makeup, straight (natural makeup).
• Make up, special effects (bald caps, prosthetics etc.).
• Show management (quick changes, under wig hair prep).

Requirements:

Person Specification

• Has demonstrable evidence of interest in wigs, hair and makeup such as through an introductory course or some entry-level employment 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.

Skills Required

• Communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Organisation skills.
• Problem solving skills.
• Logical.
• Creative.
• Team working.

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.