Head of Wigs, Hair and Make Up

Job Description

Great Show Productions are looking for a Head of Wigs, Hair and Make Up to work on the upcoming production, COME ALIVE! THE GREATEST SHOWMAN CIRCUS SPECTACULAR. 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.

Key responsibilities include:

• 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.
• Manage, supervise and schedule members of the WHAM team
• To set and supervise the wig dressing plots undertaken by the WHAM staff.
• Work collaboratively with other departments to ensure the smooth running of the show.
• To ensure all wigs are cleaned and dressed daily and in working order for each performance.
• To perform the Head of WHAM plot for each performance.
• To coordinate the supply of all equipment and consumables required to run the show within budget as approved by the Company/General Manager.
• To keep the WHAM bible up to date including photo references for each cast change.
• To oversee and advise on cast makeup as required.
• To oversee and advise on hair styling/cuts as required.
• To cut/style hair as required.
• To liaise with the Company Manager staff regarding daily cast changes and prepare the wigs, hair and make-up changes accordingly.
• Attend rehearsal, technical, dress and costume understudy rehearsals as required.
• Deal with emergency repairs to wigs.
• Recognise where maintenance work needs to be carried out on a wig 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.
• In collaboration with the Wigs Supervisor and Production Manager plan and budget for cast changes.
• Ensure that security, safety and good housekeeping procedures for the department are properly carried out.
• Comply with the Manager’s Health and Safety and other policies at all times;
• Perform all other job-related duties as requested.

Qualifications / Essential Skills:

• Experience working on a large scale theatrical production
• Extensive experience with styling and dressing wigs and hair for live performance/theatre.
• Experience working with Afro hair.
• Experience of hair cutting,
• The ability to run a busy department.
• Experience managing a team effectively
• The ability to adapt work in accordance with performance requirements.
• The ability to work as part of a large team.
• Good communication skills.

Summary

• Deadline: Thursday, 1st August 2024
• Start date: 5th August 2024 or thereabouts
• End date: September 2025
• Location: West London
• Performances: 7 performances per week Tuesday – Sunday
• Salary: competitive weekly buyout fee