Wig Lead (short term)

On Site•Ashland, OR

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Wig Lead creates, constructs, and techs wigs, hairstyles, and specialty makeup for Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) productions, and runs hair, wig, and makeup tracks. This is a full-time, non-exempt position represented by IATSE Local 154. The role is based in Ashland, Oregon, with an expected start date of February 9, 2027, and an expected end date of June 26, 2027. The Wig Lead works with costume designers and department colleagues to develop and execute wigs, facial hair, hairstyles, and specialty makeup within available labor and material resources. The position includes organizing cast information, conducting fittings, constructing wig caps and hand-tied wigs and hairpieces, fronting purchased wigs, and developing makeup solutions. It also involves preparing and delegating build work, training crew members and actors, maintaining productions throughout the season, and participating in wig and hair tracks, changes, and maintenance. The position reports to the Wardrobe and Hair Manager and Wardrobe and Hair Supervisor and does not exercise supervision. The work schedule is irregular, generally five to six days per week, and includes evenings and weekends. The role requires passing a background check and meeting the stated physical demands, including prolonged sitting or standing, repetitive hand and wrist use, reaching overhead, lifting up to 10 pounds, and repeatedly using stairs.

Requirements

Four years of professional experience as an Assistant Wig Lead and/or Wig and Hair Technician, or a combined four years of professional theatrical wig-making and run-crew experience. A bachelor’s degree, advanced degree, or certification from an accredited program specializing in theatrical wig making may substitute for two years of professional experience.
Advanced knowledge of theatrical wig making and hairstyling, including ventilation, wig-cap construction (closures/tops, fronts, and fully hand-tied wigs), facial-hair construction, working with the full range of hair textures, and styling natural hair.
Experience styling and caring for Black/African American and multi-ethnic hair and wigs, and making wigs.
Advanced knowledge of the history of men’s and women’s contemporary and period hairstyles.
Moderate knowledge of makeup techniques for all skin types, and excellent skills in stage, beauty, fantasy, and period makeup, as well as special effects and prosthetics.
Advanced knowledge of styling equipment, ventilation tools, scissors, general hair-care products, and theatrical makeup products.
Ability to estimate show costs in time and materials and prioritize show-build tasks.
Excellent organization and communication skills, including preparation of show bibles and show maintenance and strike schedules and processes.
Excellent technical problem-solving and building skills.
Moderate knowledge of computers and cloud storage systems.
Ability to maintain a positive work atmosphere with actors and colleagues, multitask, prioritize, and complete tasks on schedule.
Ability to sit and stand for eight hours or more; continuously and repetitively use hands and wrists for fine and forceful gripping; reach above the head; lift up to 10 pounds; and repeatedly ascend and descend stairs.
Ability to pass a background check.
Availability for an irregular schedule including evenings and weekends, generally five to six days per week.

Nice To Haves

License in cosmetology.

Responsibilities

Create and execute wigs, facial hair, hairstyles, and specialty makeup according to the Costume Designer’s specifications.
Construct wig caps, hand-tied wigs and hairpieces, and front purchased wigs; organize cast information, conduct fittings, record fitting information, and create specialty makeup solutions.
Collaborate with costume designers to determine production looks, wig and facial-hair counts, and actor needs.
Assess feasible workloads based on labor and material resources, and collaborate with designers and stakeholders on achievable looks.
Communicate with costume department management and designers about fitting needs, haircuts, color services, and design decisions.
Model and support OSF’s mission and values by demonstrating inclusive behavior, fostering belonging, maintaining a safe and anti-racist work environment, and recognizing and interrupting micro-aggressions and othering behaviors.
Set up, prioritize, and delegate ventilating projects to wig crew members.
Train and orient run crew to apply and remove wigs, hairpieces, and makeup, and to perform show maintenance routines.
Determine project supply needs and recommend supplies, tools, and materials for seasonal and show-specific inventory; coordinate purchasing with management.
Instruct and assist actors with styling their natural hair and applying specialty makeup.
Attend technical and dress rehearsals as needed, take notes, complete alterations, and assist wig crew members in creating run sheets.
Teach wig crew members to ventilate, build, and style wigs and natural hair.
Maintain the design and functional integrity of assigned shows throughout the season.
Participate in running-production rotation and wig maintenance; execute wig and hair changes, including quick changes coordinated with Wardrobe staff and Stage Management.
Assist with wardrobe costume changes as needed, to a limited extent.
Help maintain the cleanliness and upkeep of wig rooms, stock, and common wig department areas.
Attend OSF, department, and show meetings as needed.
Assist with other projects assigned by the Wardrobe and Hair Manager.
Immediately notify the manager of wig damage or show-related incidents or issues.
Assume other Wig Technician duties and responsibilities as needed.