Membership, Applications, Wardrobe

How to Apply to IATSE Local 118 Wardrobe, Hair, and Make-up Departments

IATSE Local 118 welcomes skilled applicants interested in working on live performing arts productions. 
 

The Wardrobe, Hair, and Make-up Committee (WHAM) reviews applications to assess whether applicants have the relevant skills and experience for the departments and call lists they wish to join. Following its review, the Committee makes recommendations to the Business Agent regarding applicants’ qualifications and placement on the relevant call lists.

 

1. Prepare Your Application

Please submit the following documents: 
 

  • Current resume: Include relevant experience in live theatre, opera, dance, or other live performance productions. Clearly identify the departments, positions, and skills for which you are applying.
  • Portfolio: Required for applicants applying to the Stitcher, Cutter, Hair, and/or Make-up lists. Include examples of your relevant work.
  • Three letters of reference: Required for applicants applying to specialized positions, such as Stitcher or Cutter, and for positions where references are requested. Ideally, references should come from supervisors or other qualified industry professionals who can speak to your work in the relevant position on three different productions.
  • Letter of Good Standing: Applicants who are current members of another IATSE Local should include a letter of good standing from their existing Local as part of their application. 
     

2. Identify Your Skills and Areas of Interest 

Please specify the positions and skills you wish to be considered for. Depending on your experience, these may include: 

  • Wardrobe: Dresser, stitcher, cutter, breakdown/dyeing, laundry, and other relevant skills.
  • Hair: Hairstyling, wig work, and other relevant skills.
  • Make-up: Beauty, theatrical, and special FX make-up.
  • Your resume and supporting documents should reflect your experience in the specific area for which you are applying. 
     

3. What If You Don’t Have Three Letters of Reference? 


If you have the relevant skills but do not yet have the required references, you may be considered for the Ice Show list, where your skills can be assessed. Please note that on-the-job training is not provided, and shadowing opportunities are generally unavailable on most productions. Under special circumstances, the Business Agent may approve a temporary addition of a skill to fulfill the requirements of a specific call. If approved, update your resume to reflect the experience gained and, where possible, request a letter of reference 
from the Head Carpenter or another IATSE member who can speak to your work. 
 

4. Next Steps 

Continue developing your skills, gaining relevant production experience, requesting references, and keeping your resume and portfolio up to date. Submit your application materials to the Wardrobe, Hair, and Make-up Committee (WHAM) for review.
 

Application Review Timeline 

The Wardrobe, Hair, and Make-up (WHAM) Committee meets quarterly to review applications. Please keep this review schedule in mind when submitting your application, as a response may take several months. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
 

Have Questions? 

If you need clarification about the application process, required documents, or the skills relevant to a particular call list, please contact the IATSE Local 118 Wardrobe, Hair, and Make-up Committee (WHAM).  
Email: wardrobe@iatse118.com