The Phoenix Theatre Company seeks a Wig Supervisor/Resident Designer to join their production team.
About The Phoenix Theatre Company
The Phoenix Theatre Company is Arizonas largest professional regional theatre and a cornerstone of the states performing arts community. Following our recent completion of a $30 million campus expansion, the company unveiled the new 500-seat Stevenson Theatre, significantly enhancing its ability to produce live theatre for the community. This expansion allows programming to flourish across three distinct and diverse performance spaces that support a wide range of productions.
Located in the heart of the Central Arts District close to downtown Phoenix, our beautiful 14-acre campus includes three theaters, a restaurant and bar, rehearsal halls, and production shops, all on one site. We produce a wide range of theatre, from full-scale musicals to comedies, dramas and original new works. With a $17 million annual operating budget, and celebrating our 106th Season, we offer 9-11 diverse productions every season as well as a growing Festival of New American Theatre.
Job Summary
The Wig Supervisor/Resident Designer manages the cleaning, maintenance, and organization of wigs, hair pieces and specialty makeup through the dress rehearsal, performance, and strike of all productions and events throughout the season. The Wig Supervisor/Resident Designer will also be responsible for maintaining hairstyles for all productions and events including haircuts and wig resets as needed. The Wig Supervisor will help source wigs, hair pieces and specialty makeup for outside designers as well as advise on existing stock. They will create and maintain all necessary show paperwork for wig tracks and style adherence. This role will be responsible for the hair and makeup budgets for each production. This role will also design hair and makeup for selected productions throughout a season; number of projects will vary but could be as high as 11 projects in each season depending on artistic team selections.
Essential Duties + Responsibilities
Coordinates the cleaning, maintenance, and organization of all wigs, hair pieces, and makeup during the dress rehearsal and performance period following equity standards
Creates paperwork for each production, including face sheets, dresser/quick change plots, preset lists, and understudy plots if needed for shows designed and assist with paperwork on shows designed by 3rd parties
Manage and assist in the application and maintenance of stage-ready wigs and theatrical makeup for actors, collaborating with costume and hair + makeup designers to interpret artistic visions and achieve seamless character transformations
Partner with wardrobe supervisors to address logistical challenges, rigging concerns, and actor comfort issues, readily offering creative solutions
Source, build, alter/style, and maintain all wigs, creating a wig design for each assigned show in collaboration with the costume designer
Check-in and review wigs and hair pieces prior to each performance
Maintain wig spaces and organization, keeping all areas clean and free of debris.
Accurately track hair and makeup expenses and provide expenditure reports to Production Management in a timely manner
Provide natural hair maintenance services and beard trimmings for all productions throughout the season
Assist in providing protective hairstyling for actors as needed and advise on wig prep
Organizes and leads the wig load-in prior to the start of tech for each productions
Strikes, cleans, and restocks wig, hair pieces, specialty makeup at the end of a production run
Attends all necessary production and staff meetings and events
Receives and executes all production notes given by the artistic team within reason and budget
Maintains a safe working environment based on OSHA and AEA standards
Adheres to all production deadlines
Minimum Qualifications
A degree in Technical Theatre or equivalent experience in regional or professional theatre or equivalent industries
Strong knowledge of wig-making techniques, materials, and tools, as well as styling for different periods, genres, and cultures along with application, pinning and maintenance in a theatre or similar performance environment
Experience fitting wigs and tracking for theatrical production
Extensive knowledge of hair styling and makeup techniques
Ability to perform wig maintenance ensuring that designs remain intact through closing
Ability to cut and style natural hair of varying textures and types
Knowledge of specialty makeup including prosthetics, makeup effects, casting etc.
Knowledge of wigs and hair pieces from both human and synthetic, including alternative mediums
Experience handling budgets, inventories, and production schedules
Ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve in high-tension situations
Demonstrated ability to work in a diverse team and under strict deadlines
Desired: 1-2 years; experience with wigs and makeup
Desired: current Cosmetology License
Desired: Prior backstage costume and wig-related experience
Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and Adobe Acrobat
Physical / Mental Demands + Working Conditions
General theatre and costume shop work environment
Nights and weekends are required
Compensation/Start Date
$48,000-$52,000 annually (BOE)
Desired start date: Late July/Early Aug. 2026
Benefits
401(k)
Heath insurance
Health Savings Account
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Parental leave
Sabbatical program
Extra Benefits
Qualifying Employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
13 Paid Holidays, Paid Sick Time, Vacation and Personal Days
Generous supply of complimentary tickets to live theatrical productions at The Phoenix Theatre Company
Discounts at our in-house bar and bistro
Free Parking for Employees
To Apply
Send cover letter, resume and portfolio to Karla Frederick the Director of Production at k.frederick@phoenixtheatre.com
To learn more about The Phoenix Theatre Company please visit our website at www.phoenixtheatre.com
The Phoenix Theatre Company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Accordingly, The Phoenix Theatre Company provides employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, genetic status or information, military or veteran status or status in any status protected by federal, state, or local law.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. The Phoenix Theatre Company will not tolerate unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation under any circumstances.
We are eager to cultivate a broad and inclusive field of applicants. The Phoenix Theatre Company is committed to building a diverse community of staff, volunteers, and apprentices. Individuals from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
