Backstage Acting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Now Hiring: Wig & Hair Technician
Department: Wig and Hair Department | Reports to: Wardrobe and Hair Manager; Wardrobe and Hair Supervisor
Status: Seasonal, Non-Exempt
Expected Dates: 7/7/2026 - 10/25/2026
Pay Rate: $24.75 hourly
Location: Ashland, OR (On-site)
This position is represented by IATSE Local 154.
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Wig & Hair Technician to support our 2026 performance season. This role is ideal for a theatre professional with experience in wig styling, hair design, and backstage execution who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative production environment.
The Role You'll Play
As a Wig & Hair Technician, you'll support the execution of wig, hair, and makeup tracks across one or more productions. You'll play a key role in ensuring performers are show-ready, maintaining the integrity of wig design throughout the run, and executing seamless backstage transitions-including quick changes-during live performances.
What You'll Do
Run Show Tracks: Apply wigs and specialty makeup, style hair, and execute assigned hair/wig/makeup tracks before and during performances.
Quick Changes & Backstage Execution: Perform wig and hair changes-including quick changes-in coordination with Wardrobe and Stage Management.
Wig Maintenance & Care: Clean, restyle, and maintain wigs and facial hairpieces to ensure consistency and longevity throughout the season.
Rehearsal Support: Attend technical and dress rehearsals, take notes, and develop clear run sheets for show execution.
Inventory & Organization: Track show-specific supplies and products; assist with maintaining clean, organized wig workspaces.
Actor Support & Education: Guide performers on wig prep (such as pin curls) and proper handling of hairpieces.
Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with wig department staff, wardrobe teams, backstage crew, and stage management to ensure smooth operations.
Values in Action: Contribute to an inclusive, anti-racist, and respectful workplace aligned with OSF's mission and values.
You'll Thrive Here If You...
Have at least 2 years of professional experience in theatrical wig run crew or wig styling (or equivalent education).
Bring strong working knowledge of wig application, styling, and maintenance across diverse hair types.
Have experience with theatrical makeup (stage, street, and/or special effects).
Are confident executing quick changes in a live performance setting.
Understand contemporary and period hair styling techniques.
Are organized, collaborative, and able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Maintain a positive, professional working atmosphere with performers and colleagues.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with wig ventilating and wig-making.
Experience working with Black/African-American and multi-ethnic hair and wigs.
Advanced makeup skills including stage, beauty, fantasy, period, prosthetics, or special effects.
Physical & Schedule Requirements
Ability to stand or sit for extended periods (8+ hours).
Frequent use of hands and wrists for detailed and repetitive work.
Ability to lift up to 10 pounds, reach overhead, and navigate stairs regularly.
Schedule includes evenings and weekends, typically a 5-6 day work week during the season.
Must be able to pass a background check.
Organizational Background
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) was founded in 1935 in Ashland, OR, and has grown from a three-day festival of two plays to a nationally renowned theatre arts organization that presents a rotating repertory season of up to 10 plays and musicals, including illuminating interpretations of Shakespeare, other enduring classics, and new works. OSF productions have been presented on Broadway, internationally, and at regional, community, and high school theatres across the country. OSF received the 1983 Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is one of the largest nonprofit theatres in the nation with three stages, including an outdoor Allen Elizabethan Theatre.
Statement of Purpose
The Oregon Shakespeare Festival creates world-class theatre, revealing our collective humanity through illuminating interpretations of new and classic plays, and inspiring a love of our art form for current and future generations.
Company Values

• We are committed to working toward inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, creating a space of belonging for all audiences and employees-through concrete actions and systemic improvements.
• We nurture and support our artists, attracting and retaining diverse, innovative talent across the organization.
• We believe in the transformational power of collaborative artmaking and performance.
• We recognize the importance of responsible stewardship of resources and sustainable business, financial, and environmental practices.
• We serve the public good and engage with and respect our community of artists, audiences, staff, local citizens, patrons, donors, and the greater theatre community worldwide.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.