Wigs, Hair and Makeup Apprentice

What is a Wigs, Hair and Make-up Artist?

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

Duties and Responsibilities:

At the NT you will:

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 we 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.

Training:

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.

KSBs:

Knowledge:

K1: History of hairstyles and make-up. The typical characteristics of period styles through the centuries to allow further detailed research to be undertaken K2: Research methods to ensure that make-up, hair, wigs, facial and prosthetics meet Supervisor/Designer /Director requirements for example, historical period K3: Understand the overall look required for each role for example different age groups using drawings, photographs or models to identify the Supervisor/Designer/Director design requirements K4: The design process including the development of a detailed plan which must contain details of the performer, their role, design references including costumes, how many looks, if using own hair, a wig or hair pieces, switches and weft pieces, own facial or is facial required, any known allergies or sensitivities, colour palette for hair/wig and make up; sfx prosthetics required; timescales for making, fittings and application K5: The range of tools and materials required for hair, wigs, make-up and prosthetics activities including those for wig, hair piece, facial making; hair, wig, hair piece, switches and weft pieces, facial cutting, styling and application; make-up application; sfx making and application

Skills:

S1: Use research to establish exact make-up, hair, wigs, facial and prosthetics requirements of the Supervisor/ Designer/Director to meet requirements S2: Produce a detailed plan for the make-up/hair/wigs/facial/prosthetics to meet the Supervisor/Designer/Director requirements to include:Tools and materials, Health and Safety Legislation, Regulations, policies and procedures including Risk Assessments, hygiene standards, data protection, Environmental Legislation impact, Impact on and requirements of other departments, design notes, reference sheets and photographs to ensure consistency and continuity, the requirements of the preparatory stages, rehearsals and actual performance/production, timescales S3: Choose and apply make-up to meet the design requirements S4: Undertake colour assessment in order to apply body and facial make-up S5: Prepare and maintain equipment including cleaning and storage after use

Behaviours:

B1: Is respectful of others views and beliefs – equality, diversity and inclusion B2: Works effectively with others B3: Continuously develops their knowledge and skills B4: Pays attention to achieve the detail required B5: Balances many differing elements of work

Training Outcome:
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

Employer Description:

Our Mission

We believe that great theatre sparks imagination and brings people together.

Every day we strive to make the world a better place through theatre; entertaining and inspiring audiences around the world, using our creativity, expertise and unique reach.

We are your National Theatre. You’ll find us in theatres. In cinemas. In schools. And online.

Working Hours :
The successful apprentice will work a 40 hour work week, with exact shift times to be confirmed.

Skills:
Communication skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Problem solving skills,Logical,Team working,Creative,Initiative,Patience