Wig and Makeup Design Director
DESCRIPTION
Job Highlights
The Wig and Makeup Design Director (WMDD) creates and oversees the implementation of the wig and makeup designs for HGO productions in support of the creative team’s vision and in keeping with HGO’s standard of artistic excellence. The WMDD provides leadership and direction for all Wig and makeup department personnel and oversight of all activities and the budgetary development and management of HGO’s Wig and Makeup department.
Join Us!
We are looking for talented, passionate, dedicated people who are eager to make contributions to our community and our mission.
Concerned you do not meet every single requirement listed? Apply! We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job if they don't think they meet 100% of the requirements. At HGO, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. So, if you're excited about this position but your experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply! You may be just the right candidate for this position or another role at HGO.
About the Houston Grand Opera
The mission of HGO is to enrich our diverse community through the art of opera. We do so by creating, curating, exploring, and producing outstanding experiences centered around the human voice. HGO has received a Tony Award, two Grammy Awards, and three Emmy Awards – we are the only opera company in the world to win all three honors.
Our strategic focus is two-fold: creating profoundly enriching experiences for our diverse audiences and clearly defining and positively promoting the HGO brand.
We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working environment for all company members. We believe every team member enriches our diversity by exposing a broad range of ways to understand and engage our community and discover, design, and deliver enriching experiences.
Key Responsibilities
Work closely and supportively with all creative team members to effectively and efficiently realize the wig and makeup designs as conceived by designers.
Lead, support, and provide direction to Principal Wig Maker.
Supervise hair and makeup crew and principal makeup artists for all HGO productions and special events.
Maintain strong working relationship with the Costume Director.
Develop and assign wig, hair, and makeup tracks and either perform or instruct as needed.
Maintain continuity of wig and makeup design.
Oversee the coordination and execution of maintenance of wigs/hair design and styling.
Organize and update all hair and makeup paperwork including photographic documentation, run sheets, archiving.
Create renderings and charts for principals and chorus as needed.
Monitor and submit payroll for staff and crew.
Serve as hair and makeup representative at production meetings and during tech process.
Advise the Director of Production on budget needs for all productions and special events.
Manage and track department budget, working closely with the creative teams and the Principal Wig Maker and Shop Manager to ensure efficient use of resources within budget.
Maintain safe working conditions in keeping with AGMA, OSHA, HGO health and safety protocols.
When possible, serve as principal makeup artist on at least one production per rep and special projects/events.
Stay up to date with current trends and practices in theatrical hair and makeup design.
NOTE: This job description represents the essential functions of the position, but it is not all inclusive. Additional duties reasonably related to the position may be assigned.
Qualifications
Candidate should possess an appropriate combination of the following: education in the field of hair and/or make-up design, five years related professional experience, experience as a principal Make-up Artist/Hairdresser. Knowledge of wig construction, styling and maintenance techniques, facial hair construction, styling and maintenance techniques, prosthetics, historical periods, and their appropriate hairstyles preferred. Experience leading a team, managing personnel and conflict resolution a must. Candidate is expected to have good interpersonal communication skills, work sensitively with artistic teams and other staff members, and work well in high stress situations.
Other Skills and Abilities
The position of Wig and Makeup Department Head involves the oversight of varied activities, a demanding schedule (particularly while “in production”).
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift/or move up to 30 pounds.
Equal Opportunity
Houston Grand Opera is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at HGO are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws or regulations. HGO will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. HGO encourages applicants of all ages.
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $1,500 - $1,500 Weekly
HOW TO APPLY
To learn more and apply, visit:
https://www.houstongrandopera.org/about/employment-and-auditions