Download JDWigsandMake-upApril2016FINAL

JOB DESCRIPTION
Role / Title:
Wigs and Make-up Apprentice
Reports to:
Apprenticeships Co-ordinator
Line Managed by: Ballet or Opera Team Leader / Workroom Co-ordinator
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What is a wigs and make-up technician?
Within the performing arts a wigs and make-up technician is responsible for making
and fitting wigs, applying facial hair, make-up and special effects make-up. They also
undertake barbering and hairdressing requirements throughout the run of a show.
Purpose of the apprenticeship
The Wigs and Make-up Apprenticeship is an opportunity to acquire practical craft
skills relating to hair, make-up and special effects make-up within the performing arts.
About the Royal Opera House
The Royal Opera House (www.roh.org.uk) is one of the most famous stages in the
world for opera and ballet. The iconic theatre is home to The Royal Ballet, The Royal
Opera and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera. Last year we staged 519 performances,
performing to 1.5 million people at our home theatre and in cinemas, with 44% of
tickets sold costing less than £50. More than 1000 staff work at the Royal Opera
House in areas ranging from lighting, costume making, set building and scenic art,
marketing, finance, box office, IT and fundraising.
What is involved?
During the first year, you will divide your time between West Thames College
(Isleworth) and the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. The amount of time you
spend at the Royal Opera House will increase as the apprenticeship progresses.
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At the Royal Opera House, you will split your time between the Opera Wigs and
Make-up team and the Ballet Wigs and Make-up team, working under appropriate
supervision as a full and active member of the team.
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You will work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Technical, Special Effects, Hair and
Media Make-up.
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There will be the opportunity to spend time in the wigs & make-up department of
another venue or a commercial supplier in the second year of the scheme.
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The working week is 40 hours.
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You will be supported throughout the apprenticeship by a college tutor, Royal
Opera House wigs and make-up staff and the Apprenticeships Team.
What will you do during the apprenticeship?
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Haircutting, colouring, setting and dressing for all show related purposes.
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Wig and facial hair and work (including: making, fitting and maintaining wigs and
hair pieces and period hairstyles) for all show related purposes.
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Research, and application of theatrical and character make-up for fittings,
rehearsals and all show related purposes using a variety of techniques and
covering all periods and cultures.
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Create bald caps, body parts, wounds and blemishes, using a variety of materials.
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Apply stage bloods and other special effects make-up for all show related
purposes.
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Work on shows with performers (applying wigs, beards, hair pieces etc.).
In addition you will be expected to:
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Apply all skills gained in training and put them into practice.
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Have a positive and responsible attitude to health and safety.
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Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Head of Department, or
Apprenticeships Co-ordinator.
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Attend regular meetings with line managers and the Apprenticeships Co-ordinator
to review progress.
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Submit learning logs, diaries and regular written progress reports to the college
and the Apprenticeships Co-ordinator.
Who will you be working with?
You will work alongside a variety of people and departments throughout the
apprenticeship, but you will work most often with the following teams:
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Ballet and opera team leaders
Workroom Co-ordinator
Stage Managers
Designers
Artists
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Minimum essential requirements:
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You must be 18 years old or over on 5th September 2016.
You must not have completed a degree or equivalent qualification in the UK or
elsewhere.
You must have work authorization for the UK.
Ability and willingness to work long hours, including evenings and weekends.
What are we looking for in a Wigs & Make-up Apprentice?
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Have a demonstrable interest in period hair and make-up.
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Have a demonstrable interest in working in the theatre and the performing arts.
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Haircutting experience is not essential, but would be an advantage.
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Ability to work under pressure, and to tight deadlines.
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Confidence to work with demanding performers.
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Ability to work on own initiative and under supervision.
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A helpful, positive and flexible approach.
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Be punctual and good at managing your own workload.
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Self-motivated to acquire new skills and knowledge.
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Physically capable of undertaking the requirements of the job.
Note: This Job Description reflects the current situation. It does not preclude change or
development that might be required in the future.
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