Wigs, Hair & Make Up Show Person – A Midsummer Night’s Dream

We are currently looking for an enthusiastic and talented WHAM Show Person to join our team for our upcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Dates: Monday 19 May – Wednesday 27 August 2025. £658 p/w. 46 hours average working week over 6 days.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In consultation with the WHAM Manager, you will work to daily & weekly deadlines, supporting WHAM operations for performances.
• Assisting in actioning the working jobs list as efficiently and effectively as possible
• Maintaining Wigs to an excellent working standard including levels of care and cleanliness.
• You should expect to act on emergency repairs and provide effective, efficient problem solving during the performance. You should keep the WHAM Manager informed regarding any issues that arise.
• You should expect to communicate clearly and promptly, with other team members, the WHAM Manager and Stage Management, as appropriate, should wider issues arise especially during the half and performance.
• You should expect to swiftly respond to such situations whilst maintaining a calm demeanour and making sure the usual tasks are disrupted as little as possible.
• You will participate in maintaining the integrity of the design after Press Night.
• In the event of there being Understudies for the show, it is expected that you will support in the processing and management of Understudy Wigs, Hair and Make-up as provided by the WHAM Manager.
• In the event of Understudies going onstage in performance or for an Understudy run, it is expected that you will participate in providing support & cover, which includes being familiar with Understudy WHAM & overall plot variations that will occur.
• Expect the unexpected – which could include an actor being late or ill, lines skipped during a performance and should work efficiently to accommodate these events wherever possible.
• A key aspect of this role is to establish good communications with the team, cast & company, helping to create an atmosphere which is professional and courteous, and ultimately helps solve problems promptly & efficiently.

 

Preparation & Technical Rehearsals (including cast changes)

• During the tech /cast change you will be asked to focus on show plots, and practical WHAM management. This often includes off stage timed quick change practice with actors. The setting up of the overall plot sharing & backstage areas will occur with the input & oversight of the WHAM Manager.
• You should expect to search out & adapt to new information regarding changes, entrances & exits for the plot, and working out how to execute the actual changes efficiently & to time.
• Once we are into the show running period, hours will be reduced, and you will be given a weekly rota. This is not set in stone but will be adhered to as much as possible.
• You will continue to participate in keeping an accurate & up- to -date record of daily notes & expenditure as well as processing of these in a timely fashion.
• It is expected that you will participate helpfully & collaboratively with your colleagues. Sometimes this will mean changes to your established plot in case of cover cast and swings going on for the show, or covering sickness & unexpected team absences.

 

• You will be supported in and expected to maintain high standards for the safe and appropriate use & storage of chemicals & products in line with COSHH regulations.

Get out

• At the end of the run, you will be expected to fully participate in the Get Out period. This takes place in the days following the last performance.

Paperwork

• You will be asked to keep up to date show plot and setting notes. These should be typed up to share with the WHAM Manager & team.
• You are expected to keep good record and VAT receipts of any expendituree.Within the WHAM department, you will assist in creating the show Bible. This will include taking photographic and detailed written records of wigs, hair and make up; as well as collating the most up to date show plots and understudy information.

Person Specification:

All candidates must have professional theatre experience

Essential

• A keen eye for detail
• A proven record in theatre/ live performance experience
• Demonstrable experience with period wigs styling, care & maintenance
• Experience working with Afro hair
• Experience of hair cutting
• Confident in taking initiative and working independently
• Ability to work in a focused & organised manner
• Ability to communicate clearly in written documents
• Proven experience of working effectively with a wide variety of company members
• Excellent communication skills
• A positive attitude towards working with a large team.
• A positive and solution-oriented attitude
• Ability to work well within a large company, in a fast-paced environment.
• Calm under pressure and resilient in meeting new challenges
• Punctual and reliable

Specific location

Weekly Paid

31/03/2025

Fixed Term, Full Time