Unique learning opportunity for hairdressing students

This year WITT hairdressing tutor Kellie Divine and a team of students played a key role in the New Plymouth Operatic Society’s (NPOS) annual show.

The NPOS and their cast of talented actors performed the musical Matilda and behind the scenes Kellie led the Hair and Wig Team for the duration of the production.

Kellie was in charge of styling and shaping all the wigs and the students supported her each night when the show was running by preparing the performers’ hair and securing the wigs.

Kellie has been taking students along to assist in the annual NPOS production for 4 years and has been the led for the hair and wig team for 2 years. She acknowledges the unique and rewarding learning opportunity it provides for them.  

“Each year I am proud of the students that join me for the show. It is a huge commitment to make on top of all their classwork.”

“The skills the students learn being involved in the show are invaluable as they aren’t your normal every day hairdressing skills,” she said.

Eloise Finer who helped for the duration of the show’s season is currently studying the New Zealand Certificate in Hairdressing (Level 3). When Eloise was offered the opportunity to be a part of the NPOS show, she did not need to think twice about putting her name down to help.

“I’ve always enjoyed theatre but never had the talent to be on stage. Being a part of the hair and wig team really was a dream come true.”

Finer said she loved every bit of the experience, from learning how to do quick wig changes, to braiding and securing wigs for whole show.

“It was such a nerve-racking and rewarding experience. Sometimes you might only have four minutes to change an actor’s wig and then hope it doesn’t fall off on stage.”

“I learnt a much broader range of skills than I ever would have in the classroom or even a hair salon and the experience is included as work experience towards our study. If I ever got the opportunity to be involved in something like this again I would 100% say yes,” she said.

Find out more about hairdressing programmes and enrol now.