Overhire Wig Crew

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them with work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences that are as diverse and vibrant as the city of Houston.

Rob Melrose, Managing Director Dean Gladden and Alley’s leadership team are committed to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in all aspects of the Theatre’s programming and operations. We are conscious about fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves. We embrace differences and strive to be inclusive of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

The Alley Theatre seeks local theatre technicians to fill Overhire positions. These positions are hourly and eligible for over time. Wig crew members may be engaged as Overhire Wig Construction Crew or as Wig Run Crew members tied to a specific show. No travel or housing compensation is available for these positions. Ideal candidates will have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work in team-focused environments, and a desire to immerse themselves in the technical theatre process. The Alley guarantees a minimum of 32 hours per regular eight show week for all run crew positions, with an average of 50 hours during tech week.

HOURLY: $15/HR Minimum

JOB STATEMENT:

Wig Run Crew is responsible for the run and maintenance of assigned shows and assists the Wig Supervisor in the preparation of the physical facility of the backstage Wig area and all dressing rooms for technical/dress rehearsals and performances of all productions.   

Wig Construction Crew assist the Wig Supervisor in the construction and styling of wigs for productions.

JOB DUTIES:

• Assist the Wig Supervisor in the preparation and construction of all wigs facial hair, and prosthetics as assigned. Run Crew will maintain, re-style, and re-set wigs throughout the run of a production as needed.
• Assist the Wig Supervisor in the load in and preparation of the physical facility of the backstage Wig area and all dressing rooms for Technical/Dress Rehearsals and Performances of all productions.
• Assist performers in applying makeup and wigs for all performances and tech/dress rehearsals.
• Communicate information regarding wigs and make-up to the Wardrobe Supervisor, Wig Supervisor, and the Costume Director.
• Assist in the efficient strike of the wigs for each production including the cleaning of all wigs and hair, and their return to the Costume Shop/Stock in coordination with the Wig Supervisor and the Wardrobe Supervisor.
• Act in concert with the theatre’s safety policies, including adherence to the Alley Theatre’s current COVID-19 Safety Plan.
• Related duties as required by the Wig Supervisor and the Costume Director.

In addition to the duties listed above, the Alley Theatre expects the following of each employee: adheres to theatre’s policies and procedures; works in a safe manner; performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets department productivity standards; participates in Alley Theatre events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE (SKILLS, and ABILITIES):

• Knowledge of setting, styling, cleaning, and putting wigs and hairpieces on actors.
• Experience with building and fronting wigs.
• Familiar with the diverse range of hairstyles and hair needs.
• Ability to work in a sometimes fast-paced, energized, and quickly changing environment.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work independently and as a team player.
• Detail oriented, able to prioritize efficiently and multi-task in situations which may have definite timelines.
• Understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre, or a commitment to learning, and to be a part of Alley Theatre’s efforts to be an anti-racist organization.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Prior experience with ventilating, fronting, setting, styling, cleaning, and applying wigs and hairpieces, with experience and an understanding of the diversity of hair textures, styles, and needs.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to share visual documentation of past experiences with ventilating, fronting, hair setting, hair styling, and applying wigs or hairpieces during the job application process.
• Prior backstage theatrical experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Prolonged periods of standing during show performances
• Able to routinely lift 30-50 lbs either independently or with assistance
• Hours during assigned productions follow technical rehearsal and performance schedules. The Alley generally works Tuesday through Sunday. The technical rehearsal period may include morning and afternoon hours. Performance hours are largely evening hours with weekend daytime availability following the show schedule.
• Typical hours are during the day, but the position requires the flexibility to be available for weekend, holidays, and evening work hours as needed. 

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances.
• Discounted Parking (Bi-weekly $4 dollars).

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HRdept@alleytheatre.org.

The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities, veterans, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Successful candidates will commit to an equitable and inclusive workplace, including but not limited to: racial equity, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, use of gender inclusive language, and cultural sensitivity. Read more at Alley Theatre Official Website - Equity Diversity Inclusion