Running Wigs Tour Manager

Fixed Term Contract

Location: Scottish Opera Production Studios, Edington Street, Glasgow & Theatre Royal Glasgow

Salary: £739.93 per week

Tour venues: Inverness, Aberdeen & Edinburgh

Dates: Monday 8 September to Sunday 30 November 2025

Scottish Opera is seeking an experienced Running Wigs Tour Manager to oversee all wigs, hair, and makeup requirements for the upcoming tour of La bohème/L’heure espagnole & The Bear. This exciting opportunity involves working across multiple venues in Scotland, ensuring that the production maintains the highest standards of presentation.

Key Responsibilities

Running Wardrobe
Manage all hair, wig, and makeup requirements during rehearsals and performances on tour.
Maintain production design standards to Scottish Opera’s high level of presentation.
Assist the Production Wigs Manager in preparing wigs, hair, and makeup styles.
Attend costume and wig fittings, supporting the Production Wigs Manager as required.
Engage and supervise contract wig assistants and dressers during rehearsals and performances.
Schedule and oversee wigs, hair, and makeup calls for cast and chorus.
Prepare wig, hair, and makeup tracks for all dressing staff.
Attend production rehearsals and respond to notes and questions from the Costume Supervisor.
Ensure provision for cover cast singers.
Organise and oversee transport of wigs and equipment between venues.
Act as Swing Dresser when required.
Attend tour meetings and debriefs.
Maintain and repair wigs and hairpieces on tour.
Supervise get-ins and get-outs of wigs stock and equipment at each venue.

Wigs, Hair, and Makeup Department Duties:
 Attend production meetings and scheduling meetings as required.
Source, order, and maintain running wigs, hair, and makeup stock on tour.
Manage the Running Wigs Petty Cash float and complete financial paperwork.
Complete weekly timesheets for Running Wigs Assistants and Dressing staff.
Assist in storage organisation of wigs and compiling wigs, hair, and makeup bibles.
Help maintain Scottish Opera’s wigs stock.

General Duties:
 Liaise with other departments within Scottish Opera.
Adhere to Scottish Opera’s Health and Safety Policy.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience:
At least 3 years of experience as a touring Running Wigs Manager.
Exceptional organisational skills.
Strong knowledge of wig maintenance and repair techniques.
Experience with theatre and broadcast media makeup techniques.
Proficiency in period hair and makeup styling.
Excellent communication skills with patience, tact, and diplomacy.
Ability to manage administrative tasks effectively.
Competency in computer record-keeping using Excel and Word.

Desirable Skills & Experience:
Wig knotting experience.
Qualifications in theatrical and media hair and makeup techniques.
Experience in departmental administration within opera, ballet, or theatre.
A valid driving licence.
This role requires flexibility and adaptability to the demands of touring, ensuring the seamless delivery of Scottish Opera’s productions across multiple venues.

Terms & Conditions:
This is a fixed term contract for a period of 12 weeks. The contract will run from Monday 8 September to Sunday 30 November 2025. The successful candidate must be available for the full duration of the contract and be prepared to travel as required for the tour. The rate of pay will be discussed and agreed upon based on experience.

Proof of right to work in the UK will be required before the start date. Subsistence allowance will be provided for touring locations. 

At Scottish Opera, our mission is to speak powerfully through all our work in order to entertain, inspire, surprise, challenge and delight audiences throughout Scotland, the rest of the UK and internationally. We know that having a diverse workforce is essential if we are going to deliver our mission.

We are committed to promoting equality and ensuring that no one is denied opportunities or discriminated against through prejudice or exclusion due to age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We particularly encourage applications from people that are under-represented in the Performing Arts and at Scottish Opera including those from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds and disabled people. We have supportive working practices and work towards providing wherever possible a working environment that is inclusive and accessible for those with caring responsibilities.

This diversity of thought paired with a culture of inclusion is vital for us to continue to create work that is for everyone. This makes Scottish Opera a great place to work, where people are valued for who they are.

We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and equally.

Scottish Opera strives to be an equal opportunities employer and is subsidised by the Scottish Government.  Registered Number SC037531. Scottish Charity Number SC019787.