Head of Wigs & Makeup

Company Overview

The Citadel Theatre is an Edmonton-grown cultural cornerstone and a leading force in Canadian regional theatre, celebrated for bold, imaginative productions that deeply resonate with our local community while contributing to the national artistic conversation. As one of the largest not-for-profit theatres in North America, the Citadel attracts audiences from Edmonton and communities across central and northern Alberta. 

Job Description

The Head of Wigs is responsible for the safe and effective operation of the wigs and makeup department, including all hairdressing, hairstyling, makeup, wig making, beards, moustaches, prosthetics, styling, alterations, maintenance, and show running for Citadel’s productions across all spaces, on tours, and for other events. This position reports to the Director of Production and the Production Manager. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

• Budgeting & Scheduling: Participate in the development of estimates, costings, budgets, and schedules; be accountable for expenditures in assigned budget accounts (materials, equipment, time, labour). 

• Acquisition & Construction: Responsible for the acquisition, construction, maintenance, and alteration of all approved materials and wigs. 

• Staffing & Supervision: Consult on appropriate seasonal staffing with the approval of the Director of Production and Production Manager and supervise all employees working within the wigs and makeup department.  

• Production Collaboration: Review scripts, drawings, and costume renderings and cooperate with the Production Designer in realizing their design, working within approved budgets and timelines.  

• Workspace & Equipment: Maintain organized, safe wigs and makeup workspaces and storage areas; ensure proper maintenance of all wigs and related equipment and advise the Director of Production on issues requiring capital expenditure.  

• Archive & Inventory: Create and maintain an accessible archive of all wig plans for each production; maintain an updated inventory of stock. 

• Meetings & Rehearsals: Attend production meetings and rehearsals as required. 

• Show Running: Work as part of show running crews and supervise activities directly related to wigs.  

• Health & Safety: Maintain all required licences, certificates, and training; ensure safe practices across all departmental activities. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Education: Technical Theatre Production diploma, Hair Stylist diploma, or equivalent experience.  

• Experience: 2 years demonstrated experience in a professional theatre production with a focus on wigs, hair, and makeup.  

• Skills: 

•  Knowledge of theatre terminology, practice, and protocol. 

•  Knowledge theatrical makeup and hair methods, techniques, and materials.  

•  Ability in hair styling and wig construction. 

•  Personnel management and supervision. 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Current Hair Stylist License is required. 

• First Aid certification is an asset.  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required by the production schedule. 

• Ability to travel for limited periods of time to support co-productions or tours. 

• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physically demanding tasks associated with wig and makeup work.