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Wigs, Hair, Makeup and Prosthetics Technician (Apprentice)

Glyndebourne Productions

Lewes

On-site

GBP 26,000

Full time

21 days ago

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Job summary

A renowned Opera House in Lewes is seeking a Wigs Hair Makeup and Prosthetics Technician Apprentice. This full-time, 24-month apprenticeship starting January 2026 offers hands-on training with industry experts, a Level 3 qualification, and a salary of £25,397 per annum. You will learn the skills necessary to thrive in a dynamic theatre environment while receiving valuable educational support. Join us for an exciting, creative career in opera production.

Benefits

33 days holiday per annum

Free minibus service from Lewes station

Free Pilates and Zumba classes

Corporate Gym memberships

Onsite Physiotherapist

Cycle to Work scheme

Discount at various high street retailers

Qualifications

Demonstrable desire to follow a career in Wigs Hair Makeup or prosthetics.
Experience in community amateur or professional theatre/live events.

Responsibilities

Develop knowledge of historical hairstyles for performance.
Learn how to assess performers’ make-up requirements.
Assist in live performances and learn show operations.

Skills

Interest in theatre and live arts

Makeup application

Hair styling

Time management

Computer literacy

Education

GCSE Grade C / 4 or above in English and Mathematics

Overview

We are currently recruiting for a Wigs Hair Makeup and Prosthetics Technician Apprentice to join our Wigs Hair & Makeup team on a full-time 24 month contract.

Glyndebourne Opera House is delighted to be launching a number of apprenticeships in backstage areas from January 2026 onwards. If you are looking for a practical route into the creative industries working with industry experts at an internationally recognised Opera House then we may have the right opportunity for you.

An apprenticeship is a hands-on paid working role learning all the skills required to work within an Opera or Theatre environment fully equipping you to enter the industry after the fixed 2-year term. You will receive a nationally recognised (Wigs Hair Makeup and Prosthetics Technician) Level 3 apprenticeship qualification working alongside some of the most eminent industry professionals in the country on world class Opera productions. You will be given 1 day per week to study and/or attend college either remotely or in person.

Job Purpose

To learn and apply the skills of a multi-skilled WHAM technician upholding a high standard of technical application for productions across a range of artists, periods and cultures whilst studying the Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard in collaboration with Chichester College.

An Apprenticeship is an entry level paid employment position where you learn the required skills on the job from our professional team. You will be given 1 day per week to study and/or attend college either remotely or in person as well as spending 2 weeks of residential learning at Northbrook College.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Develop knowledge of historical hairstyles and makeup and their application in performance.
Develop the necessary practical skills to be able to work from designs, drawings, photographs and models with creative team members.
Learn and understand the design process of creative team members developing each look using an artist’s own hair, wigs, hair pieces, switches, wefts, prosthetics and special effects as appropriate.
Develop an understanding of how to create detailed plans and documentation of each look to include each element used, their application and the timescales and schedules for fittings and application in performance.
Develop a knowledge of and the practical skills to work with a range of tools, equipment and materials for hair, wigs, makeup and prosthetics preparation and application.
Develop construction skills and techniques to include head wraps, face wraps, blocking up, whipping, sewing, knotting and a variety of hair setting processes.
Develop skills in life casting and mould making, creating prosthetics, their fitting, storage and reuse and the use of stage blood and wound effects.
Learn and apply relevant Health and Safety legislation including safe handling, storage and disposal of materials, safe hygiene practices, manual handling and risk assessments.
Develop an understanding of the requirements of other departments to complete wigs, hair, makeup and prosthetics applicants to support and complement each other.
Learn how to prepare and store detailed design notes, reference sheets and photographs for individual performers to ensure consistency and continuity throughout the performance/production.
Learn how to assess individual performers’ make-up requirements in accordance with the design and identify workspace environment allergies/sensitivities, skin type, colour, skincare and timings accordingly.
Learn to work in hazardous locations safely using appropriate PPE as required.
Assist in the safe and effective management of storage systems and maintain a tidy workspace.
Undertake duties on live performances such as show operation, creating and working to a cue sheet and performing pre-show and post-show checks.
Learn how to monitor and manage budgets/stock levels, reporting on status as required.
Learn about the wider theatre and live events industry including relevant legislation, unions and industry bodies.
Develop the necessary skills to work co-operatively with colleagues or to work autonomously following a brief.
Keep up to date with technical and production developments in the live arts through independent reading and research.
Attend Chichester College seminars and commit to course study to complete a level 3 Apprenticeship.
Undertake an end point assessment as part of the level 3 Apprenticeship.
Work closely with the nominated workplace mentor at Glyndebourne who will support the apprentice with completion of their coursework and portfolio.
Undertake any additional training required by Chichester College in the form of functional skills (Mathematics and English).
This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and the apprentice will be required to perform other reasonable job-related or ad-hoc duties outside of this as operationally required and at the discretion of the Technical Heads of Departments and Senior team.

Knowledge Skills and Experience

ESSENTIAL

Interest in theatre and live arts with a demonstrable desire to follow a career path into Wigs Hair Makeup or prosthetics in a professional capacity.
Experience in the application of makeup and/or hair styling.
Previous engagement in community amateur or professional theatre / live events.
A positive self motivated attitude to learning and to attending college to achieve an apprenticeship standard.
An enthusiastic committed and flexible attitude to work including the ability to work antisocial hours.
Excellent punctuality and good time management.
Computer literacy.
Have experience of working independently and carrying out independent research.

DESIRABLE

Previous experience of working in a professional environment.
Experience of hair or makeup in a professional environment such as a beauty salon or bridal work.
Experience of being in a backstage environment in live performance.
Whilst not essential a driving licence and car is desirable to aid with commuting and working antisocial hours.
ICT qualification or experience is desirable.
GCSE Grade C / 4 or above (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.

Hours

This is a fixed-term 24 month contract starting in January 2026. The contractual hours are based on 40 hours per week worked over 6 days. The job will at times require unsociable working hours.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for this position is 25397 per annum. Salaries are reviewed annually on the 1st January.

We offer 33 days / 6.6 weeks holiday inclusive of bank holidays per annum.

We can offer a beautiful working environment and the chance to see world-class opera. For those without their own transport we have a free minibus service to and from Lewes railway station.

We also offer :

Free Pilates and Zumba classes once a week
Corporate Gym memberships
An onsite Physiotherapist
Cost price electric car charging
Cycle to Work scheme
Subsidised dining at our onsite restaurants
Free tea and coffee
Discount at the Glyndebourne shop
Free on-site parking
Free minibus service to and from Lewes train station and Ringmer
Discount at various highstreet retailers through the Glyndebourne benefits hub

How to Apply

Glyndebourne is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity. We promote equality diversity and inclusion in our workplace and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for vacancies including ethnically diverse and disabled candidates who are currently under-represented in our workforce. Please apply by completing your application via our website.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 23rd November.

As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. If relevant to you please inform us of this in your covering letter. If you have any questions in relation to this or if you would like this advert sent to you in a larger or dyslexia friendly font then please contact a member of the HR team at Glyndebourne commits to protecting your privacy. We will only use information about you in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and other relevant legislation and regulations. Please see more information in our Company Privacy Notice on our website.

The Company

The Glyndebourne Festival (running from May to August) features a programme of six operas in its 1200-seat opera house attracting audiences from around the world. The Autumn Season (October to December) extends Glyndebournes reach offering audiences the opportunity to experience fresh perspectives and new works in a dynamic and exploratory setting. Together the Festival and Autumn Season welcome over 125000 attendees annually with many more engaging through online streaming and other digital platforms.

Remaining financially independent since its inception Glyndebourne is a registered charity that relies on box office income memberships and donations to fund its operations. Committed to artistic excellence, audience development and accessibility, Glyndebourne continues to expand the reach and appreciation of opera for all.

Benefits