Wigs & Makeup – Show Head Various Positions

Company Overview

Who we are:

Based in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival is one of the world’s foremost repertory theatre companies. It operates year-round, presenting a season of about a dozen plays each year between the months of April and November, a rich stream of digital content and hundreds of events designed to deepen understanding of the plays. For every person a theatregoer sees on our stages, we have seven people working behind the scenes, some of the world’s most dedicated and experienced arts workers. 

The Stratford Festival is committed to ongoing work to support equity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression in all areas of our work. These areas include play selection, casting, marketing and public relations efforts, education programs, production, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors.

Why you should apply:

·       Creative work environment

·       Employee Assistance Program to encourage work-life balance and strong mental health

·       Complimentary & discounted ticket offers and events

·       Employee discounts on merchandise and event space

·       Being a part of the magic of live theatre!

Job Description

Wigs & Makeup – Show Head Various Positions 

This is a unionized position reporting directly to the Costume Director as part of the Wigs & Makeup team within the Production Department, responsible for the coordination, execution and running of all wig, hair and makeup elements of an assigned production, including pulling, sourcing, and fitting all wigs, hairpieces and facials, as well as coordinating the execution of make-up looks, haircuts and other hair and makeup services.

Responsibilities:

• Work directly with Costume Designer, Wardrobe Management and all Production Departments to execute the wig and makeup design for assigned productions within time and budget limits
• Execute all duties of an assigned show track, including dressing, quick changes, other running tasks and maintenance and supervise show crew in all assigned show-track duties, providing training and guidance as needed 
• Submit regular fitting requests to the Costume Coordinator and conduct all fittings for assigned productions 
• Attend all production meetings for assigned productions and perform other show-related administrative duties, as required
• Coordinate and set priorities for all aspects of the wigs and makeup build for assigned productions, in consultation with the Associate Costume Director and other Show Heads 
• Oversee wig dressing according to designer specifications and to ensure continuity of design throughout the season 
• Provide regular updates to the Associate Costume Director on construction workload, budgets, timelines and other issues
• Create and maintain an accurate and detailed record of the wig design, including photos, to support continuity throughout the season and provide a reference for future productions 
• Work directly and collaboratively with performers, Stage Management, and other Production and Design departments during technical rehearsals and performances to ensure the consistent and successful execution of the production’s wigs and makeup design 
• Update the Festival’s CPP system with all wigs-related information and developing detailed running tracks for all assigned show crew 
• Adhere to the Collective Bargaining Agreement. 
• Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Policies and Procedures, and ensure that safe work practices and policies are supported and enforced within reporting structure. 

Qualifications:

• Professional experience and advanced knowledge of theatrical wig making, ventilating and repair, wig fitting techniques and procedures, stage makeup and special effects, hair dressing/styling and theatrical show running is required.
• Must be efficient problem solvers with strong organizational, paperwork, time management, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must be self-starters who are able to work both independently and as a part of the team.
• Knowledge of theatre production processes, quick change techniques, backstage workflow and theatre etiquette is required.
• Ability to provide guidance, support, and problem-solving assistance to crew members in a fast-paced performance environment is required. Experience in a senior team lead position is an asset
• Proven experience working with all hair textures and skin tones is required.
• Experience working with computers, iPads, and Microsoft software is an asset.

Preference will be given to candidates with previous Show Head and/or Department Head experience.

 This seasonal full-time unionized posting is for an existing vacancy located in Stratford, Ontario and will begin March 2026. This position requires the candidate to work onsite. Candidates will be required to work a flexible work schedule including evenings, weekends and holidays as scheduled. 

Job Type: Full-Time Seasonal Contract

Hourly Rate: $35.00 - $45.00

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Who should apply:

We welcome applicants of every identity, and encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Deaf, disabled and 2SLGBTQ+ folks. We are committed to accommodating people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and beyond. If you require accommodation (including, but not limited to, an accessible interview site, alternative format documents, ASL Interpreter or Assistive Technology) during the recruitment and selection process, please let our recruitment team know.

No candidate will meet every desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you!

If you would like to contribute your own remarkable talents to North America’s largest not-for-profit theatre, we’d like to hear from you.

How to Apply:

Please send all applications to hrengagement@stratfordfestival.ca 

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.