The Wig Design

Master the fundamentals of theatrical wig design from research to roller sets!

The Wig Design The Wig Design
The Wig Design
$75.00

May 9th | 4:00-8:00pm
May 10th | 1:00-4:00pm
$75 per person
24 spaces available

Day 1: Time periods, paperwork, washing & storing wigs, wig anatomy, designing for quick changes
Day 2: Roller sets & roller types

Step into the world of theatrical wig design and explore how to bring a production to life with historically accurate looks. Learn how to research time periods and apply your findings to create authentic, era-specific designs. We’ll cover essential paperwork that keeps your vision organized and on track. Curious about perfecting those period hairstyles? Master the art of roller sets with different types and techniques to achieve the ideal look.

All supplies will be provided, so come ready to get hands-on!

Who is the course for?

Beginner-Intermediate stage makeup designers and artists, College students, and people working in community theatre.

What we’ll cover:

  • Roller sets variations

  • Roller set practice

  • How to roll

  • Production Meeting

  • Time Periods

  • Choosing Colors

  • Research Resources

  • Washing and Striking packet.

  • Discuss wig bible purpose.

  • Wig bible information

  • Wig Plot

  • Maintenance List

  • Tracking sheets template and information.

  • The steaming and washing process

  • The proper storing of wigs.

  • The anatomy of a wig

  • Quick change tips

“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.”
— Bip L.
“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.”
— Emma S.
“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.”
— Nneka B.

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.