Wig Technician

POSITION:                    Wig Technician

DEPARTMENT:             Costume Department

CLASSIFICATION:        Full time/ Hourly/ Non-Exempt

SUPERVISOR:              Wig Supervisor/ Costume Director

COMPENSATION:         Minimum $17.51/hr

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award® and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them with work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.  

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences that are as diverse and vibrant as the city of Houston.

Rob Melrose, Managing Director Dean Gladden and Alley’s leadership team are committed to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in all aspects of the Theatre’s programming and operations. We are conscious about fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves. We embrace differences and strive to be inclusive of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

JOB STATEMENT

Under the direction of the Wig Supervisor, the Wig Technician will be responsible for the efficient execution of wig- and hair-related needs and maintenance for productions at the Alley Theatre, as well as preparing and maintaining the Alley’s backstage wig spaces and dressing rooms for technical rehearsals and performances. Based on production needs, the Wig Technician will also work with the Wig Supervisor and Wig Assistant on wig ventilating, styling, and wig-fronting projects.

JOB DUTIES

• Assist the Wig Supervisor in the construction preparation, and styling of wigs, facial hair, hair pieces, and prosthetics for photo calls, technical rehearsals, and performances at the Alley Theatre.
• Assist the Wig Supervisor and Wig Assistant in the preparation of the backstage wig spaces and dressing rooms for technical rehearsals and performances.
• Help the Wig Supervisor and Wig Assistant load all wigs, hair pieces, and specialty pieces into Dressing Rooms.
• Run the wig, hair, and/or makeup needs for Alley Theatre productions, which will include assisting performers apply wigs, style hair, and apply makeup.
• Maintain, re-style, and re-set wigs throughout performance runs, and manage the supply needs of any specialty makeup or hair supplies.
• Communicate pertinent information regarding wigs and makeup from performances to the Wig Supervisor, Wardrobe Supervisor, and/or Costume Director.
• Help strike wigs for each production, which will include the cleaning and storing of all wigs and hair pieces, in coordination with the Wig Supervisor.
• Assist in the maintenance of the Alley’s wig and makeup offices, spaces, and dressing rooms, and notifying the Wig Supervisor of any necessary repairs or replacements.
• Related duties as assigned by the Wig Supervisor or the Costume Director.

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE):

• Must have prior wig experience in a theatre setting.
• Must have prior experience helping actors apply wigs or hairpieces, and handling wigs in preparation of and during costume changes.
• Must have experience with ventilating, fronting, setting, styling, and cleaning wigs and hairpieces.
• Experience with, and an understanding of, the diversity of hair textures, styles, and needs.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with a wide range of personality types and traits; successfully build relationships and collaborate with others.
• Ability to work both independently and with other staff members to complete assigned duties.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, energized and quickly changing environment.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making skills.
• Detail oriented, able to prioritize efficiently and multi-task.
• Ability to be self-directed and take initiative.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Exhibits a positive attitude with good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre, or a commitment to learning, and to be a part of Alley Theatre’s efforts to be an anti-racist organization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Prolonged periods of standing and/or sitting.
• Prolonged periods of standing to assist with wig changes and styling.
• Ability to work in sometimes dark, quiet, or enclosed spaces.
• Ability to position and move oneself to assist actors with wig, hair, and makeup changes, sometimes very quickly.
• Ability to push, pull, or move 25 lbs. either independently or with assistance.
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where directions and priorities can change rapidly.
• Typical hours are during the day, but the position requires flexibility to be available for weekend, holidays and evening work hours as needed.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, floating holiday, and sick time
• 401(k) with matching, FSA, HRA (Alley paid deductible)
• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances
• Discounted Parking only bi-weekly $4 dollars.
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee wellness program & EAP
• Houston, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the nation with no state or city income tax.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please go to the following link on the Alley’s website and apply.

https://www.alleytheatre.org/about-us/opportunities/employment

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HRdept@alleytheatre.org.

The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities, veterans, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Successful candidates will commit to an equitable and inclusive workplace, including but not limited to: racial equity, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, use of gender inclusive language, and cultural sensitivity. Read more at Alley Theatre Official Website - Equity Diversity Inclusion