LA Opera (LAO) is a mission-driven, non-profit organization that plays a significant role in the cultural life of Southern California. Hundreds of LAO employees and artists help bring to life world-class opera that preserves, promotes, and advances the art form while embodying the diversity, pioneering spirit and artistic sensibility unique to Los Angeles.
Our productions are experienced by more than 100,000 audience members each year at our home at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles. We reach many more through our community and school programs, Off Grand performances in venues across Los Angeles, and On Now digital content.
About the opportunity:
We are looking for a new Associate Wigmaster to join our Costume Department’s Wigs, Hair, and Makeup team.
The Associate Wigmaster is an artisan who makes wigs, styles hair, and designs and applies makeup and special effects, and they also assist the Wigmaster in supervising and administering the Wigs, Hair, and Makeup department.
This is a seasonal position (approximately 39 - 42 weeks/year) based out of the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in downtown Los Angeles that includes evening and weekend work, as well as day work.
This position is represented by Local 706, IATSE, and the terms and conditions of employment are governed by the collective bargaining agreement between Local 706 and LA Opera. The current weekly base rate of pay for 40 hours is $1,790.40.
Key responsibilities include the following:
- Making wigs, styling hair, and designing and applying makeup and related special effects
- Communicating with and supervising the work of crew members to ensure work is performed in accordance with the specifications and artistic intentions of the Wigmaster and the creative team
- Providing evaluative feedback about crew members to Wigmaster
- Supervising the Wig, Hair, and Makeup room when the Wigmaster is not present
- Assisting with the management and administration of the Wigs, Hair and Makeup department, e.g. reviewing and submitting department payroll, scheduling crew members, and performing other administrative dutiesAlong with the Wigmaster and the Crew Foreman, planning preparation of productions and managing daily operational issues
- Along with the Wigmaster, liaising with Costume supervisors and stage management
- Attending dress rehearsals and gathering notes from the creative team
- Participating in production meetings, as requested by Wigmaster
- Developing and enforcing safety practices and procedures related to the work of the department
- Overseeing the training and development of department interns, when applicable
Who we’re looking for:
Successful candidates will have:
- Strong wig-making skills and the ability to manage a team of wigmakers
- At least three years of supervisory experience in Wigs, Hair, and Makeup for live professional performing arts
- At least three years of professional experience as a Wigs, Hair, and Makeup artist, including wig and facial hair construction; hairstyling and maintenance; advanced makeup applications (beauty, character, prosthetics, and basic special effects, including prosthetics; and applying wigs.
- Knowledge of theatrical production procedures and techniques related to Wigs, Hair, and Makeup
- Knowledge of historical periods and their hairstyles
- Administrative skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and aptitude to quickly learn other applications.
- Demonstrated skill in effectively and respectively supervising, motivating, and evaluating Wig, Hair, and Makeup artists
- Strong oral and written communication skills
We are committed to a workplace in which everyone has equitable opportunities and experiences a sense of belonging, and we are seeking an Associate Wigmaster who champions and demonstrates this commitment.
To apply:
Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit an application here. Applications received by May 17 will receive full consideration.
Individuals of identities that are underrepresented in the field of Wigs, Hair, and Makeup are especially encouraged to apply.
LA Opera is an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any legally protected categories.
