Specialised Senior Wigs, Hair and Makeup Artist - Hamlet Tour

Royal Academy Of Dance; Stratford-upon-Avon; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading arts institution is seeking a Specialised Senior Wigs, Hair and Makeup Artist to join for the Hamlet Tour from February to April 2026. The role requires professional theatre touring experience and proficiency in hairdressing, wig making, and period hairstyles. Candidates must excel in communication and collaboration, ensuring the production's artistic vision is maintained throughout the tour. This is a full-time, fixed term contract covered by the RSC/BECTU agreement.

Qualifications

• Must have professional theatre touring experience.
• Proficient in all aspects of hairdressing including Textured Hair and wig making.
• Comprehensive knowledge of period hairstyles and wigs.
• Excellent communication skills required.
• Adaptable to challenges and flexible in approach.

Responsibilities

• Ensure seamless production throughout the Hamlet Tour.
• Collaborate with other departments during venue setups.
• Maintain the show's artistic vision.

Skills

Professional theatre touring experience

Proficiency in hairdressing

Knowledge of period hairstyles

Excellent communication skills

Proactive and flexible approach

Education

City and Guilds or equivalent training qualification

Job description

We are looking for a Specialised Senior Wigs, Hair and Makeup Artist to join our team for the upcoming Hamlet Tour, following its successful run in Stratford-upon-Avon, from February to April 2026.

This opportunity will ensure the production runs seamlessly and consistently throughout the duration of the tour, adapting to challenges whilst maintaining the show's original artistic vision.

To be suitable for this role, it is essential that you have:

• Professional theatre touring experience.
• Proficiency in all aspects of hairdressing including Textured Hair, wig making and make-up and prosthetics, including a City and Guilds or equivalent training qualification.
• A comprehensive knowledge of period hairstyles, Wigs and Postiche.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Pro-active and flexible approach to work.
• Willing to colaborate with other departments on the get in's and out's of every venue, especially Running Wardobe and sound. Always looking to the PM for schedules on arriving an departing the theatres at the beginning and end of the week.

Applicants must have an understanding and practical knowledge of the principles and safe working practices in all areas of touring theatre.

This position is offered as a full time, fixed term, touring contract and will be covered by the RSC/BECTU agreement, commencing on 9 February 2026 and ending on 25 April 2026.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is midnight on 16 November.

Interviews are expected to take place online commencing 26 November.

Application Process

All applications should be made online using the RSC website. If you need any assistance when applying, please email [e-mail]

About the RSC

The RSC strives for excellence, and values creativity, inclusivity, sustainability, collaboration, and accountability.

We aim to create a welcoming, supportive environment which is happy, healthy and safe. We place great importance upon developing a diverse, highly motivated and energised workforce to help achieve our priorities. We put our values at the heart of everything we do.

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all individuals.

We believe that safeguarding children and adults is everyone's responsibility, and everybody working at the RSC has a duty to place safeguarding at the heart of their work. We welcome candidates who willsupport and advocate the RSC's environmental objectives continuing to improve our sustainability work and actions both on and off stage.

The Royal Shakespeare Company (no. 212481) is a registered charity.