Wigs, Hair and Makeup Technician- Grade 2

You should have demonstrable experience in wigs, hair and make up. You will work within the team and carry out  all aspects of the creative and artistic tasks relating to wigs, hair and make up for all Glyndebourne stage performances, media, film and hire requirements. You will work independently and as part of the team and be responsible in the absence of senior staff and capable of making decisions if needed. You will have a thorough knowledge of wigs, hair and makeup and be willing to train, skill share, supervise and mentor less experienced members of the team.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities 

• To be responsible for an artist’s final image and subsequent continuity using wig and facial application, hairdressing and makeup techniques as required.
• Hairdressing and wig styling ideally 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.
• Makeup experience includes an awareness of different skin types, different methods of application and the use of products and techniques to create historical, period, and contemporary styles across different cultures.
• Daily cleaning and styling of wigs and facial hair, their collection and distribution for each production.
• Maintaining the organisation of make up, the tools, equipment and storage, and the collection, cleaning and distribution of makeup for each production.
• The ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines with different tasks, maintaining high standards
• Maintaining the organisation of hair, wigs, makeup, tools and equipment for storage. Housekeeping and record keeping.
• Creation and updating of running wig and makeup plots as required by the supervisors or Head of Department.
• To contribute to the efficiency within a team support system using document and photographic record keeping.
• 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 maintain a high standard of operation, both personal and professional, in all working and performance spaces, with consideration to any shared facilities.
• To carry out tasks as required in conjunction with costume.
• 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.
• The highest of standards must be maintained with regard to personal hygiene, professional application, and safe working practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• A minimum of NVQ level 3 qualification in theatre/media hair and makeup 
• Proven wig, hair and makeup experience and enthusiasm for working in theatre.
• The ability to make wigs and facials would be useful but not essential.
• Experience in creation and application of prosthetics would be useful but not essential
• 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 responsibility and reliable personal planning and timekeeping.
• 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
• A willingness to learn and skill share.

• Positive and flexible attitude to administrative tasks and IT usage.
• Experience in creation and application of prosthetics would be useful but not essential
• Experience in wig making would be useful but not essential.

Rate 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 at a rate of £14.58 per hour, plus any agreed increase for 2025.

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.

Glyndebourne commits to protecting your privacy. We will only use information about you in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and other relevant legislation and regulations. Please see more information in our Company Privacy Notice on our website.