Wigs, Hair and Make-Up - 2nd Assistant

March/April - November 2026

We have vacancies for Wigs, Hair and Make-Up- 2nd Assistants to join our Running Wigs and Make Up team for this year’s Festival.

You should have demonstrable professional show running experience in wigs, hair and make-up. This role would be suitable for a graduate or someone with at least a year's professional experience.

You will work within the team or independently under the supervision of senior staff and carry out all aspects of the creative and artistic tasks relating to wigs, hair and makeup for all Glyndebourne stage performances, media, film and hire requirements. A good basic knowledge of the craft of wigs and makeup is required but development needs are expected.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• To be responsible for an artist's final image and subsequent continuity using wig and facial application, hairdressing and makeup techniques as required.
• Hairdressing and wig styling to include cutting, colouring, perming, setting and dressing, An awareness of different hair types and a variety of hair and wig styling techniques and products to create historical, period, and contemporary styles across different cultures.
• Makeup experience includes an awareness of different skin types, different methods of application and the use of products and techniques to create historical, period, and contemporary styles across different cultures.
• Proven ability to realise wig, hair and make-up looks from a design and experience in working within a running performance team and providing excellent levels of artists care for a large scale production.
• Daily cleaning and styling of wigs and facial hair, their collection and distribution for each production.
• Maintaining the organisation of make up, the tools, equipment and storage, and the collection, cleaning and distribution of makeup for each production.
• Maintaining the organisation of hair, wigs, makeup, tools and equipment for storage. Housekeeping and record keeping.
• Creation and updating of running wig and makeup plots as required by the supervisors or Head of Department
• To contribute to the efficiency within a team support system using document and photographic record keeping.
• To work and liaise closely with the Head of Wigs and supervisors at all times and maintain positive departmental and interdepartmental relations across all areas
• To maintain a high standard of operation, both personal and professional, in all working and performance spaces, with consideration to any shared facilities.
• To carry out tasks as required in conjunction with Costume.
• Highest standards of customer care must be upheld with all artists, creative teams, Glyndebourne company members and guests.
• To work with diplomacy and discretion with emphasis on safeguarding confidential information.
• The highest of standards must be maintained with regard to personal hygiene, professional application, and safe working practices.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Minimum Criteria

• A minimum of NVQ level 3 qualification in theatre/media hair and makeup
• Proven professional wig, hair and makeup experience for theatre/media
• The ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines with different tasks, maintaining high standards without detailed supervision.
• Strong time management skills are essential as is the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Commitment to working within hours as scheduled with a high level of responsibility and reliable personal planning and timekeeping.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays as required
• Resilience to maintain the long hours and workload as demanded by the Festival.
• Flexibility to travel to other sites or venues as required
• Compliance with company,departmental and health and safety procedures
• A willingness to learn and skill share.

Desirable Criteria

• The ability to make, maintain and repair wigs and facials would be useful but not essential.
• Experience in creation and application of prosthetics would be useful but not essential
• Positive and flexible attitude to administrative tasks and IT usage.

Hours and Dates of Work

We have the following positions available;

09/03/2026 - November 2026- Full Time position

Your hours of work will be a minimum of 39 hours per week however you may be required to work long shifts during the busier periods.

22/04/2026 - November 2026- Show Staff positions

There will be a five hour minimum call per day but the hours of work will be variable depending on the number of productions worked

Salary and Benefits

These are hourly paid positions and the current rate is £14.02 per hour (Grade 4). Overtime rates apply for any shifts longer than eight hours and Sunday working.

Over half a day’s paid holiday for each week worked (6.8 weeks holiday per annum pro rata inclusive of bank holidays).

We can offer a beautiful working environment, and the chance to see world-class opera. For those without their own transport we have a free minibus service to and from Lewes railway station.

We also offer :

• Subsidised dining at our onsite restaurants
• Discount at the Glyndebourne shop
• Staff events
• Corporate Gym memberships
• Free Pilates and Zumba classes
• Free tea and coffee
• Free on-site parking 
• An onsite Physiotherapist 
• Cost price electric car charging
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Long service awards
• Discount at various highstreet retailers through the Glyndebourne benefits hub

How to Apply

Glyndebourne is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for vacancies, including ethnically diverse and disabled candidates, who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

Please apply by clicking ‘Apply Now;’ to submit your application. Candidates must be able to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.

Glyndebourne commits to protecting your privacy. We will only use information about you in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and other relevant legislation and regulations. Please see more information in our Company Privacy Notice on our website.

Please note; we are only able to consider applicants who are available for the entire contract period.

The closing date for applications is Monday 9 February 2026

As a Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. If relevant to you, please inform us of this in your covering letter. If you have any questions in relation to this or if you would like this advert sent to you in a larger or dyslexia friendly font then please contact a member of the HR team at recruitment@glyndebourne.com.