Head of Wigs, Hair & Make-Up

The Head of Wigs, Hair & Make-Up is responsible for the preparation and maintenance of all wigs, hair & make-up and the smooth running of the wigs, hair & make-up department, including supervision of all Wigs, Hair & Make-Up (WHAM) staff. It is the Head of WHAM’s responsibility to ensure the Designer’s original specification and look of the production is maintained.

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Being responsible for all aspects of the planning, supervision and maintenance of all wigs, hair & make-up in the show for performances, press/marketing photography and press/marketing performances, ensuring the Designer’s original specification and look of the production is maintained;
2. Managing, supervising and scheduling members of the department including the Deputy and Assistants. Setting and supervising the wig dressing plots undertaken by departmental staff;
3. Working collaboratively as a department with other technical departments, stage management, the acting company, and resident creative team members to ensure the efficient flow of information as necessary for the smooth running of the show;
4. Acquiring a familiarity with all plots/tracks within the department in order to provide absence cover for other members of the department as required, in addition to ensuring that the department is trained to cover other plots/tracks as required;
5. Ensuring all wigs are cleaned and dressed daily and in working order for each performance;
6. Performing the Head of Department plot for each performance;
7. Liaising with the Company Manager/creative team regarding daily cast changes and preparing the relevant departmental adjustments accordingly;
8. Coordinating the supply of all equipment and consumables required to run the show within budget as approved by the Company/General Manager. Keeping the petty cash documentation up to date;
9. Compiling and keeping updated department cue sheets and other relevant show paperwork including the department show running bible (including photo references);
10. Overseeing and advising on cast make-up as required;
11. Overseeing and advising on hair styling/cuts as required;
12. Cutting/styling hair as required;
13. Being present for all rehearsals, show calls, maintenance calls, get-ins, fit-ups and get-outs as required;
14. Dealing with emergency repairs to wigs;
15. Recognising where maintenance work needs to be carried out on wigs outside of the theatre and to bring this to the attention of the Production/General Manager so this may be scheduled to ensure no show delays;
16. Ensuring that work materials and all wigs are kept in a tidy and secured manner;
17. Ensuring that security, safety and good housekeeping procedures for the department are properly carried out;
18. Complying with the Manager’s Health and Safety and other policies and ensuring departmental staff do the same at all times;
19. Any other duties as may be reasonably required or as instructed by the creative team, Company Manager, and General Manager from time to time.

Person Specification

The post-holder must have the following:

1. Extensive experience with styling and dressing wigs and hair for live performance/theatre;
2. Experience working with textured hair;
3. Experience of hair cutting;
4. The ability to run a busy department;
5. The ability to adapt work in accordance with performance requirements;
6. The ability to work as part of a large team;
7. Good communication skills;

Desirable

1. Experience managing a team effectively;

Outline of Terms and Conditions

TITLE OF POST: Head of Wigs Hair and Make-Up

START DATE: 17 March 2025 (TBC)

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