Wig and Wardrobe Technician

Guthrie Theater; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Benefits

Paid Time Off

Complimentary Tickets

Discounted Tickets

Job summary

The Guthrie Theater is seeking Wig and Wardrobe Technicians to support actors with wigs, facial hair, costumes, and quick changes across tech weeks, performances, and strikes.

Responsibilities include assisting with wig application, hair styling, costume changes, and basic repairs, while maintaining safety and artistic integrity. The role requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends as theatre needs require.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as Wig or Wardrobe Technician or equivalent
• Skilled in wig, facial hair and makeup application
• Skilled in basic hair styling and sewing crafts

Responsibilities

• Assist with load in of costumes and wigs during tech prep
• Assist actors with wig, makeup, and costume adjustments during performances
• Prepare and preset wigs, facial hair, costumes, and accessories for quick changes
• Maintain and organize wigs, costumes, and related equipment
• Communicate needs and notes to the Wardrobe/Wig team and stage management

Skills

Wig/Wardrobe experience

Makeup application

Hair styling

Sewing basics

Teamwork

Flexibility

Job description

Description

Department: Production - Wardrobe

Reports to: Costume Director/Wardrobe Director

Compensation: $31.05 per hour

Benefits: Benefits Eligible

Typical Schedule: Tuesday – Sunday, with hours reflecting the needs of rehearsal and performances including evenings and weekends. This position works a minimum of 40 hours per week and is guaranteed a minimum of 32 work weeks per fiscal year.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13.

The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams that are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Summary

Wig and Wardrobe Technicians are responsible for assisting actors with wigs, facial hair, costumes and required accessories to ensure a smooth, well-timed performance. From tech week to strike, this position is responsible for the maintenance and integrity of design of finished wigs and costumes. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Prep Week, Tech Week, Strike

• Assist with the load in of costumes and wigs before the tech process begins.
• Attend special make-up sessions or wig fittings with the Wig Department when appropriate in the week prior to the first week of tech.
• Attend preparation meetings before and during tech week as assigned.
• Communicate as needed with the Costume Director/Wardrobe Director, Stage Management and Design Assistant to evaluate use and function of wigs and wardrobe to ensure a smooth and efficient tech process.
• Remain flexible and adaptable to changes to support the tech process.
• Maintain accurate records of show tracks.
• Load out show, cleaning and repairing costumes for rental return or long-term storage.
• Maintain expected levels of craftsmanship and artistic excellence.
• Foster a work environment incorporating the Guthrie’s values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility, and Fiscal Responsibility.

2. Wigs

• Assist actors in applying wigs, facial hair, makeup and hats before and during performances.
• Assist actors in styling their own hair before and during performances as assigned.
• Ensure actors are wearing the wig/facial hair correctly according to the production costume design.
• Assist actors with application of microphones as assigned.
• Prepare and/or preset, wigs, facial hair, and makeup for quick changes and as assigned.
• Remain calm in order to support and reassure actors.
• Do minor adjustments on wigs as needed before and during performances.
• Communicate wig/facial hair maintenance notes and product needs to the Wig Department in a clear and timely fashion.

3. Wardrobe

• Assist actors with wardrobe and quick changes before and during performances.
• Ensure actors are wearing costume and accessories correctly according to the production costume design.
• Prepare and/or preset, costumes and accessories for quick changes and as assigned.
• Work closely and efficiently in group costume changes/quick changes.
• Assist actors in incidental needs for comfort during the performance.
• Complete basic sewing repairs before and during performances as needed.
• Do minor repairs, pressing and steaming on costumes as needed.
• Distribute laundry/dry-cleaning to dressing rooms as per show track assignments before the cast’s half hour call.
• Communicate daily wardrobe needs and notes to the Wardrobe Assistants for the Daily Show Report.

4. Maintenance

• Ensure wigs and facial hair are cleaned, styled and performance ready.
• Deliver wigs, facial hair, hair accessories, costumes and costume crafts to show storage place.
• Organize and drop off wigs at the end of the shift as per show track assignments.
• Complete sewing and crafts repairs as assigned. Interface with the Head of Wardrobe to problem solve repairs as needed. Send large repairs back to the costume shop as assigned.
• Maintain clean and organized individual and team workspaces.

Requirements

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as a Wig or Wardrobe Technician or a combination of equivalent experience and training.
• Skill in wig, facial hair and makeup application.
• Skill in basic hair styling.
• Skill in basic sewing and costume crafts techniques.
• Knowledge of theatrical terminology to understand direction and location.
• Knowledge of the technical rehearsal process and overall production process of theatrical works.
• Knowledge of products used with costumes, hair, wigs, make-up and prosthetics and their safety parameters.
• Knowledge of costume construction to assist actor in dressing correctly as per the costume design.
• Experience establishing rapport with a wide range of actors and coworkers.
• Willingness to work with a group in close spaces.
• Willingness to work cooperatively and effectively as part of a team.
• Willingness to adapt quickly and calmly to a wide variety of situations and last-minute changes.
• Experience listening and retaining detailed instructions.
• Willingness to ask clarifying questions in a diplomatic manner.
• Can lift things overhead and lift and carry up to 30 pounds throughout assigned shift.
• Can go up and down stairs and steep inclines.
• Can sit or stand for up to three hours at a time.
• Strong commitment to safety and ergonomics in the workplace.
• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days, including evenings and weekends, reflective of the dynamic schedule of the theater.
• Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

The Guthrie relies on the talents of many artists and staff, both on and off the stage, to create powerful works of theater at the Guthrie. We are dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference. Acknowledging that there are many identities that are underrepresented in the theater overall, the Guthrie strongly encourages candidates who bring diversity of identity, experience and thought to apply. We also acknowledge that candidates can have unique and non-linear and transferable skills. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification but have transferrable skills and passion for our mission and vision.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. The Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks which includes:

• Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employer contributions to HSA, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, Group Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (with employer match up to 4.5% after one year of service)
• Transportation: Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains, discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking
• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
• Complimentary Tickets: To Guthrie productions
• Discounted Tickets: To all shows produced by the Guthrie and to some performances hosted by the Guthrie
• Classes and Camps: Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps
• Other Perks and Resources: Guthrie Store discount; Employee Affinity Groups

ABOUT THE GUTHRIE

The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization. Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Fiscal Responsibility. The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for the position.