Wig Technician - Production Wigs

You will have demonstrable professional experience in wig production as the role is primarily based within our production wigs team covering all aspects of wig making. You will work within the team and independently to produce wigs and hair pieces to agreed standards and deadlines. You will be responsible in the absence of senior staff and capable of making decisions if needed.  You will have a thorough knowledge of wig production and be willing to train, skill share, supervise and mentor less experienced members of the team. 

We offer the opportunity within this role to also work with the running wig and makeup team during the Glyndebourne Festival, maintaining wigs for performance and working on the shows with the artists. 

Key Tasks and Responsibilities 

• Creation and preparation of wigs and postiche to include foundation making, knotting, weaving, sewing and fitting. 
• A proven track record in hairdressing and wig styling to include cutting, colouring, perming, setting and dressing, An awareness of different hair types and a variety of  hair and wig styling techniques and products to create historical, period, and contemporary styles across different cultures.
• Experience of  colour matching, blending and pre curling  hair. 
• Repairs and maintenance to wigs and postiche. 
• Maintain a high standard of operation, both personal and professional, in all working and performance spaces, with consideration to any shared facilities. observing safe working practice. 
• Maintain the organisation of hair, wigs, tools and equipment for storage, housekeeping and record keeping.
• The ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines with different tasks, maintaining high standards without detailed supervision. 
• To work and liaise closely with the Head of Wigs and supervisors at all times and maintain positive departmental and interdepartmental relations across all areas
• To carry out tasks as required in conjunction with costume.
• To contribute to the efficiency within a team support system using document and photographic record keeping.
• Highest standards of customer care must be upheld with all artists, creative teams, Glyndebourne company members and guests.
• To work with diplomacy and discretion with emphasis on safeguarding confidential information.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• A minimum of NVQ level 3 qualification in hairdressing 
• HND or degree qualification in theatre/ media hair and make up/Relevant theatre or wig production experience
• Strong time management skills are essential, as is the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. 
• Commitment to working within hours as scheduled with a high level of responsible and reliable personal planning and time keeping.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays as required   
• Resilience to maintain the long hours and workload as demanded by the Festival 
• Flexibility to travel to other sites or venues as required 
• Compliance with company, departmental and health and safety procedures 

• Positive and flexible attitude to problem solving, administrative tasks and IT usage.
• Proven wig dressing and make up experience

Rates of pay, Hours and Benefits

Your hours of work will be a minimum of 39 hours per week however you may be required to work long shifts during the busier periods.

Overtime rates apply for any shifts longer than eight hours and Sunday working. 

This is an hourly paid position and the current rate is £14.58 per hour, plus any agreed increase for 2025.

You will receive half a day’s paid holiday for each week worked (6.8 weeks holiday per annum pro rata inclusive of bank holidays). 

We can offer a beautiful working environment, and the chance to see world-class opera.  For those without their own transport we have a free minibus service to and from Lewes railway station. 

We also offer : 

• Free Pilates and Zumba classes, once a week
• Corporate Gym memberships
• An onsite Physiotherapist
• Subsidised electric car charging
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Subsidised dining at our onsite restaurants
• Free tea and coffee
• Discount at the Glyndebourne shop
• Free on-site parking
• Free minibus service to and from Lewes train station and Ringmer
• Discount at various highstreet retailers through the Glyndebourne benefits hub

How to Apply 

Glyndebourne is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for vacancies, including ethnically diverse and disabled candidates, who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

To help us monitor the effectiveness of our commitment to diversity and inclusion and our supporting policies and procedures, we ask all job applicants to complete our anonymized and confidential Equal Opportunities monitoring form .

Please then apply by clicking here to complete our application form.

Please note; we are only able to consider applicants who are available for the entire contract period. 

The closing date for applications is Sunday 5 January 2025

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. If relevant to you, please inform us of this in your covering letter. If you have any questions in relation to this or if you would like this advert sent to you in a larger or dyslexia friendly font then please contact a member of the HR team at recruitment@glyndebourne.com.

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