Creating Gravity-Defying Wigs
Step into the world of sculptural wig artistry with this immersive 4-day course led by Annie Hardt. Whether you're a seasoned wig stylist or you’ve never touched a wig, this class is designed to expand your skills and ignite your imagination as you explore a multitude of techniques behind gravity-defying wigs and hairpieces.
We’ll begin with wig fundamentals, covering topics such as wig prep for various hair types, making and padding a head bubble, securing wigs and hairpieces for performers, and foundational skills like blocking and rolling a wig. From there, we’ll dive into building a Rococo-inspired wig cage and discuss how these techniques can be adapted to create unique shapes.
Next, you’ll select a lace front wig in the color of your choice and learn a variety of styling techniques to craft your one-of-a-kind caged wig design. Finally, we’ll explore the versatility of Fosshape, a sculptable thermoplastic material, as we create intricate shapes, attach hair to them, and transform them into sculptural hairpieces that can be added to wigs or applied directly to a performer’s hair.
By the end of this hands-on workshop, you’ll leave with a wealth of new knowledge, your own fully-styled caged wig, and a custom sculptural hairpiece!
Itinerary and Housing Details:
USITT-negotiated housing is available through June 6! Click here for more information.
When:
July 21-24, 2025
Where:
The Caged Wig
3230 E Charleston Blvd
#104
Las Vegas, NV 89104
Rates:
Payment plan available: Registrants have the option of paying the full amount up front or splitting payment into two installments. Dollar amounts by date, below.
Non-Members
Early-Bird through May 18: $1,450 ($725) | Regular until July 6: $1,550 ($775)
Members
Early-Bird through May 18: $1,350 ($675) | Regular until July 6: $1,450 ($725)
This class may be cancelled if minimum enrollment is not met by June 7th.
Meet Annie Hardt
Annie Hardt is the founder of The Caged Wig, a small business based in Las Vegas that specializes in wig styling and education. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic, The Caged Wig began as a way to inspire creativity and provide an outlet for those navigating lockdown life. Since then, it has expanded to offer both online courses and in-person workshops held worldwide.
In addition to her work with The Caged Wig, Annie is currently part of the wig and wardrobe team for Discoshow, the newest production on the Las Vegas Strip. Previously, she worked as a wig stylist and makeup artist for six years at The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil, which was the largest wig and hair show in Las Vegas until its closure in July 2024.
When Annie isn’t working backstage or traveling to teach and host workshops, she can be found in her Las Vegas studio crafting cages and wig sculptures for theater, film, television, burlesque drag, and beyond. Annie’s work continues to push the boundaries of what wigs can be, blending structural art and hairstyling to inspire and bring together a global community of hair and wig stylists.