Join Us at Webster

Earn Your BFA in Wig and Makeup Design From the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts

If you are interested in bringing characters to life as a wig designer or makeup artist, Webster's Wig and Makeup Design program is for you. Learn wig and makeup design techniques and skills in the theatre that will translate to productions for the stage, television, movies and more. Webster University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Wig and Makeup Design is offered by the Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts. You will learn to analyze scripts and characters to develop advanced, coherent visual wig and makeup design concepts based on style, period and creative research.

As a student in our program, you will develop technical skills, such as wig construction, makeup skills, shop practices and rendering techniques. You will also develop hands-on skills in makeup techniques and wig building and styling.

 

Two actresses in disheveled wigs and heavy make up.

 

Obtain Real Theatre Production Experience and Credits

Our program offers design and conceptual experience, both in the studio and in actual production work. All of our productions are designed by our BFA students. This allows you to acquire production experience necessary for the degree and provides professional theatre design examples for your portfolio.

Students in our program enjoy opportunities to work with directors and other theatre industry professionals. Some students also work with our professional theatre partners or other theatre companies in the area.

Choose Webster for Your BFA in Wig and Makeup Design

Gain Professional Training and Experience

Webster’s BFA Wig and Makeup Design program is an extremely practical and hands-on program. Our BFA students do all the design and hands-on work for our shows. Through the 97 required credit hours, you will enjoy a blend of realized show work and classroom work. As part of your wig design training, you will create a custom realistic wig from scratch. This includes:

  • Building a custom cap
  • Tying the hair to the cap through a skill called “ventilation”
  • Color blending
  • Wig fitting
  • Cutting and styling

The wig then becomes yours to include in your portfolio as an example for job interviews.

Seniors are assigned a one-of-a-kind project tailored to their interests and personality. The project is created specifically for presentation at senior showcase in New York City.

Learn Your Craft With Wig and Makeup Design Professionals

Webster’s Wig and Makeup Design program shares a wig shop with the Repertory Theatre of St Louis. As a student, you will have opportunities to gain additional professional theatre experience working on the Rep’s shows alongside its staff. Webster’s professional partnerships also includes Opera Theatre of St Louis and The Muny, where many of our students are hired and mentored.

Become Part of St. Louis’ Vibrant Theatre Scene

The St. Louis area features a thriving professional theatre community. Beyond working with our professional theatre partners, our students enjoy access to additional theatres and design professionals. You can also access a respected history museum, an internationally renowned opera company and orchestra, a vibrant music scene and a number of well-curated art museums.

Be Prepared For The Next Step In Your Wig Design and Makeup Design Journey

Because our BFA students actually begin their theatre careers while in school, you will gain professional theatre experience that will set you apart from graduates of other programs. Whether the next step along your career path is to seek professional theatre employment or enter a graduate program, you will be prepared for success.

Webster has produced graduates who now work on Broadway, in television, on national tours and in regional theatres across the country.

Lucy Garlich
Dorothy & Matthew Englis Annual Theatre Scholarship Recipient

“With my degree, I have the ability to come in contact with so many people and hopefully, make their show experience a positive one, where they feel comfortable and can have fun, too!”

Lucy Garlich
Lucy Garlich

BFA in Wig and Makeup Design, ‘22

Join Us in the Theatre

At Webster's Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts, we'll help you achieve academic excellence and prepare you for career success. The first step is to fill out our application.

STEP 1: COMPLETE YOUR APPLICATION

STEP 2: SCHEDULE YOUR INTERVIEW/REVIEW

 

For more information, contact John Wylie, Head of Design/Technical Direction
A group of students work on makeup and wigs.

Get Started on Your BFA in Wig and Makeup Design

Take the next step toward earning your degree. We are here to answer your questions and help you get started.

Explore

Learn more about our academic programs and our main campus and locations.

Engage

Connect with our admissions counselors and academic advisors.

Apply

Apply to Webster and take the next steps for financial aid and scholarships.

Contact the Admissions Office to Find Out More

If you have more questions about the program, your application or other enrollment-related inquiries, contact our Admissions Office.

Call 314-246-7800 or 800-753-6765 or send an email to admit@webster.edu.