In the world of live theatre and opera, the magic seen on stage starts long before the curtain rises. One indispensible artist behind this magic is Jon Aitchison — a veteran wig and hair designer whose craftsmanship has shaped the look and feel of hundreds of productions over the past three decades.
This in‑depth article will walk you through Jon Aitchison’s career, techniques, achievements, and expertise in theatrical wigmaking and hairstyling. You’ll also find practical industry insights, FAQs, and SEO‑optimized content designed to help you understand his work, influence, and contributions to the performing arts.
Who is Jon Aitchison?
Jon Aitchison is a seasoned wig and hair designer known for his work in theatre, opera, and regional performance venues across the United States. With more than 30 years of experience, Jon has become a respected figure among costume designers, directors, and performers for his ability to create historically accurate, character‑driven, and visually compelling hair and wig designs for live productions.
Early Life & Education
While specific details of Jon Aitchison’s early life and influences are not widely published, his professional résumé shows a strong foundation in both education and practical training:
- Bachelor of Science in Telecommunicative Arts – Iowa State University, 1986
- Graduate work – University of Cincinnati College‑Conservatory of Music, 1987
- Professional certification – Virginia cosmetology license
His early career began with a focus on performance arts and technical design, setting the stage for a specialization in wig construction and hairstyling for theatrical productions.
Career & Experience
Jon Aitchison’s career is defined by long‑term service to the performing arts community, where his talents have played a key role in storytelling and visual aesthetics.
Theatrical Wig Design
Jon’s work spans multiple decades, consistently delivering high‑quality hair and wig design for regional theaters, opera productions, and Broadway venues. His process often involves:
- Custom wig construction (hand‑tied and machine)
- Hair punching techniques
- Facial hair construction
- Historical and period‑specific styling
- Ethnic hair replication when required
These skills position Jon as both a designer and a technical expert in his field.
Collaborations & Productions
Over the years, Jon has worked with — and designed wigs for — multiple well‑known theatre companies, including:
- Arena Stage – (over 130 productions)
- Shakespeare Theatre Company – (50+ productions)
- Goodman Theatre – (30+ productions)
- Wolf Trap Opera
- Center Stage
- Alley Theatre
- Hartford Stage
- Yale Repertory Theatre
- The Old Globe
- Broadway’s Longacre Theatre
This breadth of experience reflects his adaptability to different performance styles, from classical plays to avant‑garde operatic shows, while meeting stringent production deadlines and budget constraints.
Skills & Techniques
Jon Aitchison’s skill set bridges both artisanal craftsmanship and artistic vision:
Core Skills
✔ Custom wig and hairpiece construction
✔ Hand‑tying and machine weaving
✔ Hair punching for realistic texture
✔ Period‑correct styling
✔ Facial hair design and integration
✔ Training and supervising maintenance teams
These capabilities allow him to:
- Design hairstyles that support character development
- Stay authentic to specific historical periods
- Collaborate effectively with directors and costume departments
Industry Impact and Legacy
Bringing Characters to Life
In theatre, wigs are not merely accessories — they’re tools for storytelling. Jon’s designs help actors completely embody their characters, whether they inhabit a Shakespearean monarch or a contemporary figure.
Mentorship
Aside from crafting hairstyles, Jon also trains crew and maintenance staff, sharing knowledge that enhances the overall technical strength of theatre production teams.
Supporting Artistic Vision
His collaborative method — working closely with costume designers and directors — ensures that visual elements align with narrative intent, enhances audience experience, and upholds theatrical authenticity.
A Day in the Life: Behind the Scenes
Here’s an example of what a typical workday might look like for Jon:
- Morning Review – Analyze script changes for style requirements.
- Design Workshop – Begin sketching or constructing bespoke pieces.
- Collaboration Meeting – Sync with costuming and makeup departments.
- Fittings & Adjustments – Test designs on cast members.
- Final Maintenance – Ensure all wigs are performance‑ready.
This routine illustrates the blend of technical precision and creative communication vital to success in Jon’s field.
Comparing Wig Designers in Theatre
| Feature | Jon Aitchison | Typical Theatre Wig Designer |
|---|---|---|
| Experience | 30+ years | 5‑15 years |
| Specialty | Period & character design | Various |
| Custom Wig Construction | Yes | Varies |
| Teaching/Mentoring | Yes | Varies |
| Production Scale | Regional + Broadway | Often regional |
This quick comparison highlights Jon’s depth of experience relative to industry norms.
FAQ – Jon Aitchison
Q1: What productions has Jon Aitchison worked on?
A: Jon has created wigs and hair designs for a wide range of regional theatre and opera productions, including dozens at Arena Stage and Shakespeare Theatre Company, as well as productions at Goodman Theatre, Wolf Trap Opera, and Broadway’s Longacre Theatre.
Q2: What skills are critical for a theatrical wig designer?
A: Key skills include custom wig construction, hair punching, historical research, collaborative communication with production teams, and a deep understanding of hair texture and styling methods.
Q3: How does wig design enhance theatrical storytelling?
A: Wigs help place characters in time, accentuate personality traits, and support immersive performances, ultimately enhancing the audience’s experience.
Q4: Where can I learn more about professional wig design?
A: Institutions like the University of Cincinnati College‑Conservatory of Music offer courses in costume design and theatre production, which often include wig‑related modules, while trade groups in theatrical makeup and costuming provide workshops.
Conclusion – The Art & Craft of Jon Aitchison
Jon Aitchison stands out as a dedicated, skilled, and experienced wig and hair designer whose work has quietly underpinned the beauty of countless stage productions. His commitment to craft, attention to detail, and collaborative mindset has made him a respected name in theatrical design circles.
Whether you’re a theatre fan, an aspiring designer, or a creative professional, Jon’s journey offers valuable insights into how artistic skill and technical mastery combine to bring characters to life.
If you found Jon Aitchison’s work inspiring, share this article with fellow theatre enthusiasts and explore more profiles of creative professionals shaping the performing arts today.
