Assistant Head of Hair & Makeup

Company Overview:

The 5th Avenue Theatre is one of America’s leading musical theaters.

As a nonprofit company and our region’s largest performing arts employer, we spread the joy of great musicals, enrich the community with this art form, and give the Pacific Northwest a front-row seat to original powerhouse productions that light up marquees and audiences all the way to Broadway.  Through our nationally acclaimed education programs, we reach more than 75,000 young people with programs designed to develop new musicals and ensure the next generation of great musical storytelling.

We share a core belief that Musical Theatre is critical to uplifting and reflecting the humanity around us, and that The 5th Avenue is a vital resource for Seattle, Downtown, and The Pacific Northwest.  Our diversity of people and talents are unified behind these truths, working hard to make great art and sustain a great work culture of belonging & inclusion.

Applications from those who have been traditionally underrepresented in the theatrical industry are strongly encouraged. We are striving for our staff to be inclusive of a diverse and vibrant community that represents multiple identities, perspectives & influences.

• Position: Assistant Head of Hair & Makeup
• Department: Production
• Reports to:  Head of Hair & Makeup
• FLSA Classification: Hourly; work schedule varies with the production schedule and includes periodic overtime, evening, and weekend hours. Work weeks vary per year depending on the amount of shows performed.
• Compensation: The pay rate is the current IATSE, Local No. 488 contract rate of $41.89 an hour.
• Benefits: Benefits are provided through Local No. 488 according to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement and include deferred comp, retirement, and healthcare.
• Work Locations: Downtown Seattle. The 5^th Avenue Theatre and administrative office located within Skinner Building (1326 5^th Avenue).

Position Summary

The Assistant Head of Hair and Makeup, in close coordination with the Costume, Wardrobe and Hair Director and the Head of Hair and Makeup, is primarily responsible for helping supervise the hair & makeup crew and for helping execute the building, maintenance and running of the hair and makeup department for all main stage productions at the 5th Avenue Theatre and for maintaining the artistic integrity and vision of the designers and creative team and the 5th Avenue Theatre.

This position is represented by IATSE, Local No. 488.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Is an active member of the IATSE running crew.
• May perform work of all classifications as necessary.
• Effectively communicate and work closely with the design team to understand their vision and help assess the wig, hair, facial hair, and makeup needs for all productions.
• Help develop a plan for the execution of show wig and makeup needs that details build, pulls, rentals, etc. in collaboration with the designer(s) and informs designer of due dates and other paperwork and information needed to proceed on time.
• Ventilate, build and alter wigs, facial hair, and hair accessories and have items ready for fittings and technical rehearsals as needed.
• Creation of prosthetic devices and special effects make-up or sourcing and coordinating of outside vendors for their creation.
• Works with performers to teach application and removal of makeup and hair prep if needed.
• Provide specialty makeup products and appropriate skin care for actors as needed.
• Helps create and assign the run tracks for the Hair and Makeup Department in collaboration with the Head of Hair and Makeup, Wardrobe Head, the Costume , Wardrobe and Hair Director and Stage Management.
• Help organize and update all hair & makeup paperwork, including photographic documentation if needed.
• Help coordinate and execute the maintenance of the design and styling of wigs and hair to maintain continuity of design throughout the show run.
• Maintain stock, equipment, and supplies for hair, wig, and makeup.
• Help organize and implement hair and makeup load out for all productions, returning rentals as needed.
• Experience in budgeting and responsible and effective handling of designated funds is useful.
• Maintain safe working conditions in keeping with AEA and OSHA standards.
• Attend and participate in production meetings, department meetings, show specific costume meetings as needed in addition to technical rehearsals and previews for all productions, as requested by the Costume and Wardrobe Director.
• Perform work in a manner that is consistent with the 5th Avenue Theatre’s Community Agreements.
• Be an active participant in the 5th Avenue Theatre’s work towards equity, diversity and inclusion and accountability and becoming an anti-racist organization by participating in all trainings and workshops and actively working implementing learned skills and policies in your department.
• This job description is not exhaustive and is subject according to future changes/development.

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

• Proven experience in handling production and design processes on large scale productions.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with all types of wigs and hair types.
• Advance knowledge and experience with cap construction, ventilating, period hairstyles and facial hair.
• Advanced knowledge and experience with theatrical makeup, special FX makeup, period styling, and skin care.
• Proficient in quick change choreography and crew track planning
• Experience in de-escalating conflict using clear communication, both oral and written.
• Ability to communicate about body types, hair types, skin tones and all genders using respectful, equitable and inclusive language.
• An equivalent combination of an undergraduate degree in theatre with a focus in hair/makeup and 1-2 years of makeup, ventilation, and wig building experience, or 4 years of makeup, ventilation, and wig building experience.
• Prior experience in participating on run crews and working with a union crew.
• Board Certified Cosmetology License (desired, not required)
• Demonstrated creative judgment, excellent problem-solving skills and detail-oriented.
• Strong ability to delegate and communicate effectively and resolve conflict across multiple departments and with dynamic people.
• Must be able to meet deadlines and adapt and pivot with changing priorities as well as attend to numerous projects concurrently.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Foster and maintain a healthy, productive, kind and collaborative work environment
• Ability and willingness to exercise professional courtesy and discretion at all times and maintain confidentiality as required.
• Comply with Actors Equity rules and regulations.
• Comply with all OSHA regulations for creating and maintaining a safe work environment.
• Must be willing and able to work flexible hours/days reflective of a production schedule of a theater which includes a variety of hours including evenings and weekends.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and on-line meeting platforms such as Zoom essential.

Physical Requirements

• Able to work quickly and accurately in a complex and fast-moving environment.
• Minor physical lifting required, 10- 25 pounds.
• Must be able climb stairs and perform quick changes in dark backstage spaces.
• Sit or stand for long periods of time with minimal accommodations.

Other Benefits

• Reduced parking near the theatre.
• Complimentary and reduced-cost tickets to most shows.

Additional Requirements:
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background and reference checks.

To Apply

To apply, please email a cover letter, resume & 3 references by August 31, 2024 to careers@5thavenue.org.
Please include Assistant Head of Hair & Makeup in the subject line.

The first round of interviews will be conducted via Zoom the week of September 9, 2024. Final interviews will be either in person or via zoom the week September 16, 2024, with a projected start date of October 14, 2024.