The Freelance Theatre Hair and Makeup Artist

What can I say about the freelance theatre hair and makeup artist role? Well from personal experience it is a really fast paced environment but filled with so much fun and laughter.

Employment opportunities for the freelance hair and makeup artist wanting to work in theatre are few and far between at the moment due to theatres being closed due to covid restrictions. However there are opportunities available once these restrictions are lifted. The jobs in theatre do tend to be more London based due to the amount of theatres available in that area of the country but there are opportunities within other areas if you know where to look and who to approach. Within my area there aren't many theatres who have the budget to hire a paid makeup artist but they will allow me to work with them and provide payment to cover the price of the products I use. Building relationships with theatre groups, theatre companies and other professionals who work in theatre is vital to getting work in the theatre industry.

To be a good hair and makeup artist in theatre you should also have knowledge and experience of making, applying wigs and postiche. This will be essential in many theatre companies, as well as being able to style hair and wigs as theatres don't usually have a budget for hair and makeup separately. Working in theatre is a fast paced role, involving costume, makeup and hair changes within short periods of time, it also involves working with lots of professionals and being able to be a good communicator. For example as a makeup artist on a theatre production you need to be able to communicate your makeup and hair designs with the director, producer, costume department, lighting technicians, actors, etc and must be confident in knowing what you are talking about. Experience as an actor or working in a theatre in a different role would be preferred as you will already have the knowledge and know what to expect within a theatre setting. Most cast members will have to apply their own makeup, it is the role of a theatre makeup artist to demonstrate and teach the cast members how to apply the makeup, what products to use and how to remove the makeup after each performance, this also calls for the makeup artist to be an excellent communicator and have patience and a calm demeanour. Professionalism is also required from a makeup artist working in the theatre world, the need to remain calm under pressure, report any health and safety issues, working with other professionals and being confident in your skill set is essential in this role.

Social media isn't used as a marketing tool as such for work for the freelance makeup artist working in the theatre, it can be used to showcase your work and word of mouth may get you recognised for recommendation to a theatre company. However some theatres prefer for stage makeup and hair designs not to be shared on social media until the performance has come to a close and when taking images you should always speak to the producer and cast members before sharing any images on social media.

As with all industries in the hair and makeup sector, staying up to date with current trends is important. New products are always being introduced that can improve the makeup on stage, there are new skills and techniques that are introduced to apply makeup in a way that will last longer during performances. Hair and wig making is vital that new trends are kept up to date, this will enhance your skill set and ensure that you are able to provide the best service to your client.

In conclusion being a hair and makeup artist in theatres is hard to come across but when you get the opportunity to do it, grab it with both hands and get yourself fully involved in the whole production as it is an experience you won't ever forget!