Hair and Make-up
Often overlooked, but always important, styling hair and applying make-up adds the finishing touch to characters on stage.
While modern lighting has removed the need for exaggerated make-up in most productions (apart from panto!), there’s plenty of scope for adding character to our actors’ faces, and often a need to make them look older or younger than they really are. Hairstyles are also essential to capture the period of a play and the personality of each character, whether using the actor’s real hair or a wig.
What’s involved?
Every show has different requirements, but the hair and make-up team will work with the director and the wardrobe team to create the complete ‘look’ of every character. Many productions require only minimal make-up and hairdressing, whilst others require careful makeup to transform actors or styling hair to represent a particular period. Makeup and hairdressing are normally only required for the dress rehearsal and the actual productions, so typically only four or five days out of the whole production period.
Typical tasks are:
- Researching period make-up and hairstyles
- Designing a makeup scheme for each character
- Sourcing make-up, wigs and materials
- Applying make-up and styling hair
What experience do you need?
Some practical experience of make-up or hairdressing is useful.
What skills do you need?
Anyone who has applied make-up or done face painting almost certainly has the skills you need for theatrical makeup. Hairdressing is a particular skill, but most people find it easier to style other people’s hair than their own.
Any or all of these skills are useful:
- An understanding of historical and cultural styles of make-up and/or hair
- Technical make-up skills
- Good interpersonal skills
- Effective teamwork
- Ability to work under pressure
How do I get involved?
If you are not already a member, you can contact us to let us know that you are interested. If you’d like to chat to someone who’s already involved in this part of productions, let us know, and we’ll put you in touch.
If you are a member, then please make sure that your interest in this area is included on your membership records. If you want to update your membership records, then please fill in the membership form.
