Assistant Supervisor, Hair & Makeup

New York City Ballet is one of the foremost dance companies in the world, with a roster of spectacular dancers and an unparalleled repertory. Founded in 1948 by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, New York City Ballet quickly became world-renowned for its athletic and contemporary style. Widely acknowledged for its enduring contributions to dance, New York City Ballet is committed to promoting creative excellence and nurturing a new generation of dancers and choreographers. The School of American Ballet is the official training academy of the New York City Ballet.

General Summary

The Hair & Makeup Assistant Supervisor is the technical lead for the company’s wig and hair department. This position combines the high-level craftsmanship of a Master Wig Stylist with the operational responsibility of supervising hair stylist over hires. This position will ensure the technical integrity of the hair department while maintaining the daily “Hair Track” during performances. While makeup is a secondary function, this position provides minimal support to dancers and assume supervision of makeup over hires only in the absence of the Hair & Makeup Supervisor.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Master Wig Craft & Hair Functions

• Lead the shop in advanced wig-making, including lace fronting, ventilating (knotting), and custom foundation building for new productions.
• Execute complex period and contemporary styling; oversee the washing, steaming, and re-setting of the company’s wig inventory.
• Create and manage the master backstage run-sheet, ensuring all hair-related cues and quick changes are executed flawlessly.

Crew Supervision & Leadership

• Directly supervise and train all hair stylist over hires whenever needed (seasonal repertoire will determine the need).
• Act as the lead for makeup over hires only when the Hair & Makeup Supervisor is unavailable or off-site.
• Conduct final checks on all ensemble hair and wigs to ensure “ballet-grade” security and visual consistency before dancers go on stage.

Makeup & Hygiene Tasks

• May be called upon to assist dancers with basic makeup needs per the direction of the Hair & Makeup Supervisor.
• Ensure all tools (brushes, combs, sponges) are sterilized daily. Supervise the deep cleaning of wig lace to remove adhesive buildup.

Documentation & Logistics

• Maintain continuity photos and hair charts to ensure the production’s look remains identical throughout the season.
• Monitor the “burn rate” of consumables (hairspray, pins, adhesives) and coordinate reorders with the Supervisor.
• Supervise the packing and transport of wig crates and hair kits for domestic and international tours.

Minimum Requirements

• Highest moral character and integrity
• A minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in a theatrical wig shop, film/TV hair department, or a high-end salon specializing in hairpieces and extensions.
• A digital portfolio that clearly demonstrates:
  • Before-and-after photos of wig styling/sets.
  • Examples of lace repair or ventilating work.
  • Photos of “on-head” applications where the hairline looks natural.
• Experience working “backstage” during live performances, specifically handling quick changes and high-pressure environments.

• A current Cosmetology License, and/or a degree in Technical Theater with a focus on wigs and makeup preferred.
• Certification in bloodborne pathogens or general workplace sanitation (Barbicide certification) is a modern industry standard.
• Proficiency in ventilating (hand-knotting hair into lace), repairing torn lace, and “fronting” (attaching a new lace front to an existing wig).
• Expertise in creating a flat, secure base on the dancer’s natural hair (using pin-curls, wrap-sets, or specialized braiding) to ensure the wig sits correctly and won’t move.
• Proven ability to execute specific historical styles (e.g., Romantic, Victorian, 1920s) and modern styles using thermal tools, steam, and rollers.
• Expert-level understanding of theatrical adhesives (Spirit Gum, Pros-Aide, Telesis), removers, and heavy-duty sealants.
• Knowledge of how to use wig clips, elastic bands, and “sewing” the wig to the dancer’s hair for maximum security during jumps and turns.
• Understanding how to style hair so it remains “locked in” despite heavy perspiration and 360-degree movement.
• Understanding how headpieces (crowns, tiaras) interact with the neck and spine to ensure they don’t impede the dancer’s range of motion.

Unlike traditional theater, ballet requires hair and headpieces to be exceptionally secure to prevent displacement during turns, jumps, and partnering. Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of how to anchor pieces without restricting the dancer’s range of motion and without causing pain.

Attributes that help make a person successful in this role include:

• Calm under chaos Patience
• Problem-solving Flexibility
• Organization Time management
• Team-oriented Excellent work ethic
• Positive attitude Collaborative

Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently exposed to:
  • Hair and makeup studio
  • Backstage and dressing rooms
  • Theater and studio settings
  • Offsite venues (touring)
  • Travel – approximately 10% (touring)

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the minimum requirements of this position:

• Position regularly requires standing for long periods of time.
• Frequent movement between hair and makeup studio, stage and dressing rooms.
• Constant, intricate use of hands and fingers (ventilating, pinning, braiding).
• Ability to perform detail-oriented work for 4–6 hours at a time.
• Significant time spent sitting at a wig block (prep) or standing/leaning over a styling chair (application).
• Frequent exposure to hairsprays, adhesives (spirit gum, pros-aide), and cleaning solvents.
• Bending and reaching.

• Position frequently requires lifting/carrying boxes (up to 40-50 lbs.) of makeup kits, wig blocks, and styling equipment.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time, seasonal, non-exempt position.

• The hours are 35–40 hours (typically 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) focused on construction and maintenance.
• For production/tech weeks: 10 hours of work in a 12-hour window and the position must be available for all dress rehearsals.
• Performance Weeks: Afternoon and evening shifts. For a standard 8:00 PM curtain, your shift might be 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM.
• The Nutcracker Season: Heavy weekend requirements, including double-show days (Saturdays/Sundays and some weekdays).

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement

New York City Ballet is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship status, disability, pregnancy, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military status or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, unemployment status, familial status, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history or any other characteristic protected by law.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

New York City Ballet, one of the foremost ballet companies in the world, pursues the highest levels of artistic excellence and innovation. Therefore, we seek to attract, retain, and cultivate the most talented dancers, musicians, designers, stage technicians, and arts administrators. To this end, we are deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values and reflects inclusion, equity and access for all. We are inspired by our founders, George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, who envisioned an authentically American expression of ballet with a company that reflects the rich cultural diversity of this nation. In pursuit of their vision, we are committed to all by educating, developing, and supporting an organization that welcomes and amplifies the voices and lived experiences of everyone.