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hakespeare’s Globe is currently seeking a Head of Wigs, Hair & Make-up to join our Theatre and Performance  Department.

The Head of Wigs, Hair & Make-up supervises the wigs, hair, make-up and blood effects for performances in development. They subsequently ensure the smooth running of technical rehearsals and that performances are prepped and run smoothly.  

The Head of Wigs, Hair & Make-up is responsible for running the Wigs, Hair & Make-up  department, scheduling staff and activities, making wigs and cutting hair, actively managing health and safety as well as leading on pastoral care. They will  foster open communication and teamwork within department, learning, teaching and developing the skills of the team.  

The Production Department at Shakespeare’s Globe deliver busy seasons of productions with a repertory system running in both the Globe Theatre over the summer and the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse over winter. A small in-house team manage every aspect of the productions, from initial designs through to final performances.

Please note that interviews for this role will take place at Shakespeare’s Globe on either Thursday 10th or Wednesday 16th August. Interviewees will be asked to complete a budgeting task and to bring in samples of their work (including inch squares of single knotting, point knotting, double knotting and cross knotting).

The skills: 

• Proven experience as a department lead in professional theatre.  
• Proficiency in wigs, hair and make-up, especially wig making and construction, barbering and ladies cutting.  
• Confidence and sensitivity working with different hair types.  
• Demonstrable ability in managing a key department in a busy repertory system. 
• Ability to look and plan ahead as well as to react to immediate issues with confidence and creativity.  
• Ability to communicate well with individuals and to co-ordinate with other departments.  
• Knowledge of historical periods and cultural influences.  
• Hands-on experience of working with a range of materials and an open attitude to the challenges of working with new products. 
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to effectively manage and work alongside a team as well as ability to work individually.  
• Knowledge of health and safety good practice relating to the use of products. 
• Drive to contribute to best professional practice, learning new skills and share with the team.  

For more information on the role, please download the job description. To apply please complete our online application form and send a copy of your CV to us at [email protected].

We are committed to improving diversity and inclusion across our organisation. Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single specification. If you’re excited about the role but your experience or qualifications don’t perfectly align, we encourage you to apply anyway. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups such as the global majority, LGBTQIA+, those with a disability and neurodiverse conditions.