Wigs
I was always intimidated by styling wigs, as it first felt so different than my other types of work. However, once I learned the basic techniques and products, the process was familiar, and the results were rewarding.
During Tuacahn’s 2024 season, I worked as a member of the wig maintenance crew. This included daily touch-ups and scheduled washing and restyling of every single wig in Disney’s Frozen, Anastasia, and Jersey Boys.
Anastasia
- Tuacahn Amphitheater • 2024
- Wig Design: Matthew Oliver
Anastasia features a scene where they go to the ballet, and the ensemble has a variety of fashionable styles, including finger-waves. After washing the wig, I re-blocked it on the actress’s particular wig block; this way, the style will fit their head over wig prep and the microphone pack. I applied hair gel through the length of the hair, then starting from the part, I pinned bias tape in place to hold the waves alternating forwards and back along the head. Once the style is pinned in place, the wig is sprayed with heavy-duty hair spray called Got to be Glued, and then dried in the specialty hair-drying cabinet.
Disney's Frozen
- Tuacahn Amphitheater • 2024
- Wig Design: Bobbie Zlotnik
The reality of synthetic wigs on stage is that they will experience friction and this will cause matting. When I joined the wig maintenance crew and first touched up the Bulda wig, I knew the combination of synthetic hair type and costume pieces that tangle into the fibers, was going to cause trouble. Once this wig came around to be washed I began to take down the style and found many tangled mats. I had to wait to fully wash and restyle this wig until there was a long enough break in Disney’s Frozen performances to do a restoration.
When de-tangling synthetic wigs it is best to use a steamer to assist in this process. The heat and water reduce the friction of the comb and also help straighten the fibers. Once the wig is completely de-tangled and straightened the roll set can be set according to the wig design bible. The wig then is steamed and set in the wig drying cabinet, before finally being restyled.
Disney's Frozen
- Tuacahn Amphitheater • 2024
- Wig Design: Bobbie Zlotnik
The Queen Iduna wig is washed, then put into its roll set, steamed, and dried in the wig cabinet. The curls are then placed carefully across the head to create these distinct ridges, rolls, and twists, enhanced by the rollers pinned strategically across the style. Additionally, small sections of hair are curled around the ears and neck to soften the wig’s hairline. The steaming and drying process is repeated, and then the style is complete.
Jersey Boys
- Tuacahn Amphitheater • 2024
- Wig Design: Matthew Oliver
For the french twist chignon it really is just a matter of practice. Getting a feel for gathering so much hair and rolling it can be tricky especially on synthetic hair. However, with a little product for grip, time, and patience, the hair can be rolled against the head and pinned into place.
Jersey Boys
- Tuacahn Amphitheater • 2024
- Wig Design: Matthew Oliver
To style the beehive on synthetic hair I did not tease the hair as you would with human hair, as that can create mats that are difficult to remove. Instead we use “rats” which are bundles of synthetic hair tied into a hair net that can provide volume without damage.