Hair and Makeup Designer

 

The Western Stage (TWS) is a theatre program in residence at Hartnell Community College in Salinas, CA. We produce 6 shows annually between April/May and November/December each year.  Although we are not a union theatre, we do engage seasonal guest artists that may include AEA actors who work beside community and student talent.  We best serve the next generation of theatre artists, especially folx who are seeking CV building opportunities.  We work to mirror the rich diversity of theatre artists that enrich our profession and we encourage applicants of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as with disabilities, to submit their interest & application.

 

Position Overview

The Hair and Makeup Designer works closely with the Costume Designer to create and implement hair and makeup designs for a production in either our 500-seat proscenium Mainstage theater or for our 95-seat black box Studio  theater, which includes navigation college purchasing processes and managing supplies (wigs, hair pieces, makeup and styling products and tools).

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Creating a makeup and wig design and determining change/quick change needs in collaboration with the Costume Designer.

• Supervising and training the makeup and wig student crew in the proper application, removal, and care of all makeup, wigs, pieces, facial hairpieces, and prosthetics for the production

• Leading a Makeup and Hair workshop for the cast and makeup and hair crew on proper application of their makeup, style their hair or wearing of wigs according to the determined style of individual productions

• Attend designer run-through rehearsals and create a plot/ design based on the needs of the show (rehearsals are in-person)

• Attend production meetings to have a thorough understanding of the production needs (Production meetings are online and in person)

• Prepare design and be ready to teach cast members at the makeup workshop (usually the *** week of rehearsal); or style all wigs/ hair pieces for the production to be used at the first Makeup and Hair dress rehearsal ( the Tuesday before opening).

• Maintain /re-style wigs/hair pieces for each weekend of performance (4-5 depending on the production)

• Clean and restock all the supplies and wigs/hair or facial hair pieces used during the production after the production is completed. 

• This position requires in-person residency and can not be done remotely. Applicants need to be local or willing to relocate for the production. No housing or travel provided.

 

Qualifications/skills: 

• 2-4 years of professional work experience in a live theatrical environment as a wig/makeup crew member or equivalent educational experience.

• Knowledge of historical fashions and hair/ makeup styles.

• Demonstrated knowledge of/and skill in a variety of wig styling and maintenance techniques, makeup application for theatre, basic special effects makeup knowledge.

 

Physical Ability: 

Must be able to lift 30 lbs, must be able to stand for extended periods of time and climb 1-2 flights of stairs on a daily basis. Climb up on ladders. Work backstage in a dark, dimly illuminated environment. 

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Shows, dates and rates for the 2025 Season

Outside Mullingar (Studio Theater) 4 Actors

$500 design fee (+-20 hour time commitment)

• Available for at least 2 Zoom/In person production meetings from 7 April- 9 April

• Available for a makeup workshop taught during a rehearsal between April 15 and May 2nd (Date to be coordinated with the stage manager)

• Available for 2- 3 Dress rehearsals. May 14, 15 and possibly the 16th.

• Strike of the show on 8 June

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Honk (Mainstage Theater) 20+ Actors

$800 design fee (+- 35 hour time commitment)

• Available for at least 2 Zoom/In person production meetings from May 6

• Available for a makeup workshop taught during a rehearsal between May 27 and June 10 (Date to be coordinated with the stage manager)

• Available for 3- 4 Dress rehearsals. June 17, 18, 19 and possibly the 20th.

• Strike of the show on July 13

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Humble Boy (Studio Theater) 6 Actors

$500 design fee (+-20 hour time commitment)

• Available for at least 2 Zoom/In person production meetings from May 24

• Available for a makeup workshop taught during a rehearsal between June 17 and July 8 (Date to be coordinated with the stage manager)

• Available for 2-3 Dress rehearsals. July 16, 17 and possibly the 18 th.

• Strike of the show on August 20

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Bright Star (Mainstage Theater) 16+ Actors

$800 design fee(+- 35 hour time commitment)

• Available for at least 2 Zoom/In person production meetings from July 8

• Available for a makeup workshop taught during a rehearsal between July 29 and August 12  (Date to be coordinated with the stage manager)

• Available for 3- 4 Dress rehearsals. August 19,20, 21 and possibly the 22nd.

• Strike of the show on September 14

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An Enemy of The Pueblo (Studio Theater)  16+ Actors

$650 design fee (+- 25 hour time commitment)

• Available for at least 2 Zoom/In person production meetings from August 19

•  Available for a makeup workshop taught during a rehearsal between September 2 -16 (Date to be coordinated with the stage manager)

• Available for 2-3 Dress rehearsals. September  24, 25 and possibly the 26 th.

• Strike of the show on October 19

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Bandstand (Mainstage Theater) 16+ Actors

$800 design fee (+- 35 hour time commitment)

• Available for at least 2 Zoom/In person production meetings from September 16

• Available for a makeup workshop taught during a rehearsal between September 30 and October 21 (Date to be coordinated with the stage manager)

• Available for 3- 4 Dress rehearsals. October 28, 29, 30 and possibly the 31st.

• Strike of the show on November 23

 

Application Process

May apply for individual productions or for full season.

 

Please send a resume and examples of your work or a portfolio to TWS Costume Shop Manager, Maegan Roux. mroux@hartnell.edu. Please mention what shows you are available for (You are able to apply for more than one show). No phone calls, please. 

 

Interviews will begin November 20 , 2024.  Open until filled. For more information on The Western Stage, please explore our website.