Occupation-Specific Information

Full Time Editorial Position: Barber, Barber Shop Operator, Barber Stylist

Tasks

Theatrical and performance barbers specialize in providing grooming, styling, and hair services within the entertainment industry, including film, television, theater, and live shows. Unlike traditional barbers, they often work behind the scenes to create, maintain, and alter specific, character-driven looks for performers, frequently collaborating with costume designers and directors to ensure period accuracy or thematic consistency.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Character Grooming: Designing and executing hair designs for actors, dancers, and performers based on scripts or director sketches.
• Wig Maintenance: Washing, setting, styling, and maintaining wigs, hairpieces, and prostheses.
• Technical Styling: Cutting, coloring, and styling hair, as well as shaving, trimming, and shaping beards and mustaches according to specific character requirements.
• Production Collaboration: Working closely with makeup artists, costume designers, and hair stylists to create cohesive character looks.
• Maintenance & Continuity: Ensuring that performers’ hair looks identical from day to day throughout the run of a production, which may involve daily touch-ups.
• Tool Sanitation: Cleaning and sterilizing all instruments, including razors, clippers, and combs.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Specialized Training: Experience with both modern and period hairstyles.
• Technical Proficiency: Expertise in clipper work, shears, and razor techniques.
• Attention to Detail: Ability to replicate specific looks precisely.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to work in a fast-paced team environment and interact with performers.
• Licensure: A state-issued barber or cosmetology license is required.

Work Environment

• On-Set/Backstage: Working on movie sets, television studios, or in theater dressing rooms.
• Flexible Hours: Long, irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, depending on the performance schedule.
• Physical Demands: Long periods of standing, walking, and moving around, requiring physical stamina.

Education

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree.

Related Experience

Previous work-related skills, knowledge, or experience are required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, to perform the job.

On The Job Training Required

Employees in these jobs usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Job Zone Examples

These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists, Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance

Pro Certification Commercial Makeup Artist Our commercial makeup artist applies makeup for business-related projects, such as fashion shoots, TV commercials, and product advertisements. Pro Certification Hair and Makeup Designer Our hair and makeup designer's role is to create a look for actors or performers using hair and makeup to help them portray their characters. Pro Certification Makeup Artist Our makeup artist's role is to transform people's appearance using makeup, paint, wigs, and other accessories. They work in a variety of industries, including fashion, entertainment, and cosmetics. Pro Certification Prosthetic Makeup Designer Our prosthetic makeup artist, also known as a prosthetics artist, designs, creates, and applies prosthetics and special effects makeup to actors and performers. Pro Certification Special Effects Makeup Artist Our special effects makeup artist SFX creates makeup effects for film, television, and theater productions. SFX artists use materials like latex and silicone to make fake body parts, such as scars, facial parts, and bald caps. They also estimate the time and cost of making prosthetics. Pro Certification Permanent Makeup Artist Our permanent makeup artist, also known as a tattoo makeup artist or permanent cosmetics artist, applies long-lasting pigment to a client's skin to enhance features or create a more even skin tone. Pro Certification Costume Attendants Our costume attendants work in theater, film, television, and other performance arts to care for, maintain, and organize costumes selecting, fitting, and ensuring costumes are comfortable and mobile for performers. Pro Certification Artist Development Our makeup artist working with artist development focuses on enhancing an artist's visual presentation, often for promotional purposes. This can involve creating unique looks for photoshoots, music videos, or live performances, and may also extend to advising on overall image and brand development. Register Today new student Orientation Training begins every Monday & Tuesday @10 AM-11AM (pst)