New Apprenticeship Transforms Stage Makeup into Viable Austrian Career Path
Vienna, Austria – A newly established apprenticeship program is addressing a long-standing gap in Austrian vocational training, offering a formalized path to becoming a professional stage makeup artist. Launched in 2018, the program is proving highly desirable and well-received, according to evaluations from the Institute for Education Research in the economy.
The apprenticeship, currently underway at the Volksoper Vienna with trainee Carolyn Weinzettl, provides complete training encompassing workshop skills, crafting, and the request of diverse makeup styles and hairstyles for theatrical performances. “The ideas that she spent behind the stage were exciting,” noted Gerd Kosour, a makeup artist at the Volksoper Vienna. A fellow trainee observed the dynamic pace of work during performances as a highlight of their first year.
Alexandra Heil, also at the Volksoper, emphasizes the programS value, stating that Weinzettl already demonstrates initiative beyond typical apprentice expectations. “If Carolyn wants to stay at the Volksoper even after completing the apprenticeship examination, ‘she is very welcome’,” Heil said. Demand for trained makeup artists is high across Austrian theaters and opera companies, ensuring strong career prospects.
Educational researcher Stefanie Bräuml confirms the program’s impact: “The apprenticeship introduced in 2018 closes a long-existing gap in Austrian vocational training. Our evaluation shows that the training in the professional field is very desirable and is well received.” Improvements have also been made to the parallel vocational school curriculum since the apprenticeship’s inception.
The role demands versatility, ranging from “glamorous to aliens to ugly,” according to Heil, and requires a commitment to evening and weekend work. ”Many think, make up a bit, and then I go home,” heil explained. “But when the performance begins, we’re going to start.” Prospective candidates are encouraged to pursue internships to gain a realistic understanding of the profession.
