Written by the former Deputy Head of Make-Up and Wigs at the National Theatre this book opens
up a process that very few people will otherwise be privy to giving perspectives on the
preparation before a production and responsibilities during as well as looking more widely at
training career opportunities and success. It does so through drawing upon some of the most
adventurous and challenging productions mounted at the National Theatre and elsewhere. From
designing and fitting wigs to managing lighting-fast quick changes hair wigs and make-up
people are a major part of the creation of any theatrical production. Yet their role and
contribution are much less discussed and written about than elements such as writing directing
and acting despite being critical to defining and executing the aesthetic of a production.
Their involvement requires a great deal of research and creative thinking collaboration with
other members of the creative team specific knowledge of wig-making and measuring make-up
design and application and managing all of these elements during the course of the evening.
Often required to cover all three elements (and sometimes more) the designer looking after
hair wigs and make-up needs to bring to the production multiple areas of expertise and is a
core part of the creative team.
