Continuing and Professional Education


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    Wigs & Hair Production Certificate Program

    This class in wig making teaches you how to create and ventilate facial hair and lace front wigs, taught by practicing experts in the field of stage hair. You will be introduced to different types of hair pieces and taught each step of hair piece creation. You'll also have the opportunity to make your own hair pieces and learn how to properly apply, prepare and remove them.

    Wigs and Hair Production meets for five consecutive, eight-hour days. Each day covers a different topic, including demonstrations and lab practicals, in which you will have a hands-on opportunity to apply the skills learned to your own hair pieces.

    In conjunction with this program, DePaul also offers a Wigs and Hair Styling and Maintenance program that focuses on preparation, styling, application, and maintenance.

    Wigs and Hair Maintenance

    Courses in this Program
    Who Should Attend

    • Experienced professionals in costuming, wardrobe, wigs and make-up, and hairstylists who would like to sharpen their knowledge of hair for stage and screen
    • Actors who want to be able to create their own pieces for auditions and shows
    • Anyone interested in learning more about the craft

    Topics/Syllabus

    • Making a pattern for mustaches, beards, sideburns and fronts
    • Padding out blocks
    • Choosing and laying out lace
    • Hair choice
    • Hair coloring
    • Fronting a wig
    • Dressing facial hair
    • Applying a piece to the face
    • Wig Design
      • Building a wig
      • Making stage hair
    • Ventilation
      • Learning to ventilate
      • Ventilating a wig
      • Facial hair ventilation
      • Ventilating a beard

    FAQ

    Will housing be provided?
    Students are responsible for their own housing for the duration of the program. A list of housing recommendations can be provided by contacting iavalos@depaul.edu.

    How often do the classes meet?
    Each course will be comprised of five consecutive classes of seven hours each, with a daily lunch break.

    What is the average class size?
    Class size is limited to allow for a more interactive environment in the classroom. Most classes have less than fifteen students.

    Do these courses count for college credit?
    WHC courses do not count for college credit, but students can earn Certificates of Professional Achievement from DePaul University.

    Will there be homework?
    Some work will extend beyond class hours.

    Are there final exams for these courses?
    There are no final exams, but there are required projects for completing the course.

    Who teaches the Wigs and Hair Chicago Certificate Programs?
    Erin Lunsford teaches this certificate program. Erin is the founder and head wig designer for HERO HAIR: The REEL Wig Experience™, and Journeyman Member of IATSE Local 798. As a Broadway wig, hair and makeup designer of more than a decade, a Wig Master, Department Head, and Key Hairstylist for both the motion picture, and television silver and streaming screens, she brings nearly 20 years of experience to inspire, train and guide the next generations of artists and artisans in the industry. Erin is also Head of Wig and Makeup Design and Technology at the Theatre School at DePaul University.

    What happens if the class is cancelled?
    Although we prefer not to, DePaul CPE reserves the right to cancel classes. If we do cancel a class for which you have paid, you will have the option of transferring to a different class or receiving a full refund. All airfare and other transportation costs related to a CPE course are the sole responsibility of the student. If you book flights, bus ticket, or other mode of transportation, you assume the risk in the event we must cancel the course. DePaul University leaves the choice of transportation and affiliated expenses up to each individual.

    What is the difference between a certificate and a certification?
    A certificate is earned after completion of a course or a series of courses. Certificates are usually awarded by a training provider or an educational institution. Certification typically includes an experience, an educational component and requires passing an exam. Certifications are awarded by governmental and/or professional agencies and often require recertification to remain certified.

    For More Information, Contact:

    Isabel Avalos

    Email: iavalos@depaul.edu
    Phone: +1 312-362-5295


    Upcoming Class Offerings

    Wigs and Hair Production

    Dates: 6/23/2025 - 6/27/2025
    Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Location:
    Cost: $2,530.00
    Registration Deadline: 06/16/2025 - a $75 late fee will be assessed after this date for late registrations
    Final Deadline: 06/23/2025
    REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS


    Wigs and Hair Styling & Maintenance

    Dates: 7/14/2025 - 7/18/2025
    Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Location:
    Cost: $2,530.00
    Registration Deadline: 07/7/2025 - a $75 late fee will be assessed after this date for late registrations
    Final Deadline: 07/14/2025
    REGISTER FOR THIS CLASS


    Paper Registration

    If you wish to register for a class via a paper form, click here.

    Student Policies

    Click here for a list of our student policies.

    Contact Us

    For general inquiries, please email us or call 312-362-6300.