Wig Master (Costume Department)

About the Washington National Opera

Founded in 1956 as a modest but intrepid ensemble known as the Opera Society of Washington, Washington National Opera (WNO) is today one of America’s largest opera companies. Under the leadership of General Director Timothy O’Leary and Artistic Director Francesca Zambello, WNO draws inspiration from a rich legacy built on the values of artistic excellence, engagement with a broad community, and a thriving future for opera and its audiences. As an artistic affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, WNO performs fall and spring seasons in the 2,200-seat Kennedy Center Opera House. WNO also offers performances on Millennium Stage and at other venues at the Center and throughout the city, and offers training, educational, and social impact programs year-round.

WNO Mission Statement: Washington National Opera, as a leader in opera and a flagship of the Kennedy Center, seeks to inspire, connect, and enrich our community, shape the future of opera, and illuminate the American and human experience. We tell timeless stories with programming that excites, entertains, engages, and educates. We are committed to diversity and balance – presenting classic, contemporary, and American works – to broad local, national, and international audiences.

WNO Core Values: Integrity, Excellence, Inclusivity, Innovation, Joy

At the Kennedy Center, we strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We are able to advance our mission because of our committed and passionate employees. We are fortunate to be able to leverage their diverse perspectives, life experiences and skills to inform how our workplace can be a safe, transparent, and replenishing community. The Kennedy Center is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, or any other basis protected by law. 

Why Join Us

We offer a comprehensive range of benefits to all full-time employees including: 

• Staff offers for discount tickets
• Retirement plan with organization matching (after 1 year of employment)
• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• Commuter programs including pre-tax options for discounted parking and SmartBenefits (WMATA)
• Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Personal Days available immediately upon hire
• 11 paid holidays per year 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with FSA and HSA options, and paid FMLA
• Flexible work arrangements
• We like to have fun! Check out the Kennedy Center National Dance Day 2022 staff video!

Job Description

Coordinate wigs and makeup for all WNO productions, galas, concerts, and events. Execute all operations pertaining to the preparation and presentation of wigs, hair and makeup for WNO.

Key Responsibilities

Planning 

• Assist in the planning and collection of information for all future productions.
• Assist in the creation of hair and makeup budgets for future seasons.
• Review archival production information for shows to be remounted.
• Research new shows and help to determine production needs.
• Identify the wig, hairstyling, and makeup needs of each production.

Production

• Realize all work as conceived by the designer and determine a course of action for executing the needs of the production.
• In the absence of a designer, review available production records and collaborate with the director to determine a course of action for any changes to the original presentation.
• Pull, rent, purchase, build, or modify individual wigs, hair pieces, or facial hair needed to complete each production.
• Build wig blocks for each artist as appropriate.
• Identify vendors and obtain bids for outside wig building and rentals: coordinate and execute contracts with the selected vendors.
• Coordinate the work from outside vendors, to include: providing measurements, head casts, color reference, and styling needs; coordinating travel and in house fittings; and determining final delivery methods and arrival dates.
• Ensure that wigs are properly fitted and styled to the specifications of the design.
• Prepare research materials and wig setting/styling instructions for each wig.
• Purchase all makeup, applicators, removers, hairstyling tools, products, and accessories in accordance with the needs of each production.
• Prepare research materials and/or makeup worksheets for each principal artist.
• Identify, purchase, and prepare supplies needed to accomplish special makeup effects. (e.g. blood, sweat, tattoos, body paint, etc.)
• Prepare research materials, instructions, and worksheets as appropriate for chorus and supers to accomplish their individual hair and makeup styles.
• Provide chorus, supers, and dancers with makeup, applicators, styling tools, products, and accessories needed to accomplish the requested hair and makeup styles.
• Monitor daily rehearsal reports and respond to any wig and makeup requests.
• Attend production meetings.

Wig Fittings

• Submit all fitting requests for principal artists to the Production Scheduler.
• Communicate and schedule all fittings for chorus, supers, and dancers directly with the individual artists.
• Measure, make head casts and record hair style and color information for each artist as appropriate.
• Fit wigs and mark any needed adjustments.
• Ensure that every performer is reasonably comfortable in their wig and communicate any necessary hair and makeup information.
• Photograph each wig fitting for reference purposes.
• Ensure that all wigs and hair pieces are appropriately labeled.
• Ensure that notes from each fitting are accurately recorded.

Wigs and Makeup Crew

• Determine staffing needs and create crew schedules for all dress rehearsals, performances, and work calls in the most cost effective manner.
• Identify crew members for each production and make offers in conjunction with the KC Production Manager.
• Provide crew members with all information needed to style hair and wigs and apply makeup in accordance with the design.
• Oversee the work of all crew members for all rehearsals, performances and work calls.

Dress Rehearsals and Performances

• Establish makeup and hair call times for all artists with the Production Scheduler.
• Attend all technical and dress rehearsals when wigs and makeup are requested.
• Ensure each artist is in complete and appropriate hair and makeup.
• Be available and accessible to the creative team in the house during dress rehearsals to address questions as necessary.
• Compile notes for all wigs, hairstyles, and makeup as observed or as requested by the director and designer.
• Communicate hair and makeup notes for principal artists to the hair and makeup crew.
• Communicate hair and makeup notes to individual chorus, supers, and dancers as necessary.
• Attend all performances to ensure that makeup and wig calls proceed as planned.
• Monitor and respond to any hair and makeup notes listed in performance reports.
• Photograph each artist in full hair and makeup for archival purposes.

Post Production/Ongoing

• Compile wig and makeup archival records for each production according to WNO standards.
• Ensure that all rented or borrowed wigs and hair pieces are appropriately returned in accordance with the agreement.
• Ensure that all wigs and hairpieces owned by WNO are appropriately cleaned and stored.

Other

• Attend weekly Costume Studio staff meetings.
• Manage all wig and makeup activities within established budget parameters.
• Ensure that all wig and makeup invoices are properly submitted for payment and that finances are kept in order.
• Work in a manner consistent with the policies and practices of licensed cosmetologists and hairstylists and adhere to all health department standards.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Store and maintain wig blocks and head casts for all artists as appropriate.
• Organize and maintain an appropriate supply of perishable hair and makeup materials.
• Properly maintain all wig making and hair styling tools and equipment.
• Properly store and maintain all stock makeup and makeup kits for regular chorus and supers.
• Provide wig and makeup support for other company departments as necessary.

Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or comparable professional experience with training in wig and makeup design and production.
• Professional experience constructing wigs and facial hair
• Professional experience in wig and makeup design, including application, interpretation and realization.
• Experience in the creation and maintenance of prosthetic appliances.

Minimum Skills and/or Knowledge Required

• Hair styling and cosmetology license
• Highly motivated and a self-starter.
• Ability to work calmly under pressure.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and managerial skills.
• Working knowledge of industry standards.
• Basic knowledge of the standard opera repertoire.
• Budgeting, accounting, and record keeping.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Filemaker Pro.
• This position infrequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds.