Wig Basics
Essential skills for backstage success!
June 20th | 4:00-8:00pm
June 21st | 1:00-6:00pm
$75 per person
24 spaces available
Day 1: Unblocking, wig prep, application, mic packs, sanitizing & blocking, mustache application, blocking, and sanitation
Day 2: Running the show (wig and wardrobe), maintenance
Behind every seamless performance is a skilled backstage crew—and wigs play a crucial role in that magic. Wig Basics is your introduction to the core techniques and responsibilities of theatrical wig management. Whether you're new to the craft or looking to sharpen your backstage skills, this class will give you the tools to help keep a show running smoothly.
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to prep and apply wigs, care for lacefront wigs, and follow proper disinfection and sanitizing protocols. We’ll also cover mustache application techniques, how to manage quick changes under pressure, daily wig maintenance, and troubleshooting tips. By the end of the class, you’ll have a strong foundation in the essential practices that keep a production running without a hitch.
All supplies will be provided, so come ready to get hands-on!
Who is the course for?
High School students, college level students, community theatre, beginners.
*The course requires a minimum of 4 participants in order to take place, otherwise it will be canceled. We’ll notify you 24 hours beforehand (and give you a full refund) if that happens.
What you’ll learn:
Wig Care & Maintenance
Keep every wig show-ready with proper care techniques.
Disinfecting and sanitizing
Lace and mustache cleaning
Reviving curls & frizz control
Re-rolling and refreshing styles
Maintaining textured hair
Prep & Application Techniques
Build confidence in hands-on prep and application.
Wig prep types + practice
Lace fronts vs. hard fronts
Application and removal techniques (with & without mic packs)
Mustache blocking and application
Blocking & specialty blocking
Smoothing and apron basics
Spirit gum and alcohol activation
Backstage Skills & Protocols
Learn what it takes to be a reliable backstage crew member.
Quick changes with wigs
Communication with your actor
Unblocking and wig maintenance
Actor’s Equity Association requirements
“Pinology” (bobby pins vs. hair pins)
“The Eyes Backstage” awareness
Design & Creative Practice
Understand how to support the designer’s vision.
Copying and maintaining wig designs
Braided styles and styling basics
Product knowledge and usage
“This was such an all-encompassing class! I was able to refresh skills, learn more, and network! Every question we could think of was answered and I was able to kick start my free-lance work with wigs.”
“Taking these classes have allowed me to discover and expand upon skills I never thought I could develop. It has opened up a whole new avenue for me to explore for marketing myself.”
“I loved Savanna’s wig design class. I’ve worn wigs for years and had no idea how much went in to creating, styling and even wearing a wig. I felt like a beginner but Savanna was so kind, patient and thorough in teaching me. My friends and family now send their old wigs to me to bring back to life.”
Meet the Instructor
Savanna Finley, Wig & Makeup Supervisor
I have been in the theatrical hair and makeup and wig business for almost 10 years. I have designed, ran crew, and been on build crew for over 40 productions, at about 8 different theatres and locations from Regional to Educational. I went to school for Technical Theatre and was trained by some amazing theatrical wig and makeup artists and have learned so much along the journey. I have also worked with and been trained by over 12 Broadway and Regional Theatre artists.
I have now taught around 60 classes all about Theatrical Hair and Makeup Design, Wig Run Crew, and Wig Build Crew and I absolutely love it. I wanted to start teaching what I know because this part of the industry tends to gate-keep their knowledge and therefore, the knowledge and skills are dying. Quality is sadly going downhill. I believe this knowledge should be shared. My goal is to keep it going and to help others learn and improve their skills. I want to help those who feel like they were “thrown into” theatrical hair and makeup and wigs.
I encourage everyone, whether you have been in the business for years or those who have been interested in this field, to always keep learning.
I love what I do. My passion is working as a team to create a world in which the audiences can be transported to. I found a home, creating wigs and designs and I am very lucky to do it every day.