Setting the standard for hair and makeup training.
Training built for real production environments, so teams can work confidently across all hair types.
Who we are
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Our mission is to raise professional standards in hair and makeup practice through inclusive training, ensuring all performers are properly cared for within the industry. Our vision is an industry where textured hair is understood, respected, and embedded into standard practice rather than treated as an exception.
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Our work is guided by the principles of preparation, care, accountability, and professional integrity, forming the foundation of how we train, support, and operate across the industry.
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Levelling Up was founded by industry professionals to address the long-standing lack of support for performers with textured hair. It grew from a response to that gap into a working model that brings together training, advocacy and industry standards, built into how productions are prepared.
Levelling Up is a professional training initiative working across theatre, film, and live performance to raise standards in textured hair and inclusive makeup practice.
We support productions and institutions to ensure performers are properly cared for throughout the creative process.
This work addresses a longstanding gap in industry training where textured hair has been overlooked, under taught, or treated as a specialist skill rather than a core requirement.
As the industry evolves, this is not optional. It is essential.
The gap in production
320+
Practitioners trained since 2021
18
West End & touring productions staffed
100%
Tutors are working department heads
What we deliver
Two ways we raise standards on a production, from focused programmes that build foundational knowledge to hands-on sessions with models and real production scenarios.
Development Training
Foundations & confidenceFocused programmes designed to build foundational knowledge and confidence in working with textured hair within professional environments.
Workshops & Practical Sessions
Hands-on, in real timeHands-on training that allows participants to apply techniques in real time, working with models and production-based scenarios.
“An industry where textured hair is understood, respected, and embedded into standard practice, rather than treated as an exception.”
Meet the team
From left to rightObi Rocque
Programme management and industry transition.With over 20 years in corporate banking, she moved into the world of hair and wigs and developed a strong appreciation for the skill behind it. Her journey shows that your experience can still be useful, even when you move into something completely new.
Cynthia De La Rosa
Hair, Wig & Make-up DesignerCredits include Killing Eve, The Crown and Mary Queen of Scots. A BAFTA Breakthrough recipient creating inclusive pathways for underrepresented artists.
Carole Hancock
Hair, Wig & Make-up DesignerOver 30 years across theatre, film and television — The Lion King, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child and Game of Thrones — and founder of HUM Studio Wigs.
Koral Neil
ActressTrained at Identity Drama School, with work across film, television and theatre. Works to improve representation for underrepresented creatives.
Giuseppe Cannas
The legacy of Giuseppe Cannas, co-founder of Levelling Up and a highly respected Wigs, Hair and Make-up Designer.
Original mark, designed by GiuseppeGiuseppe Cannas held key roles including Head of Hair and Make-up for The Lion King in Sydney and later Head of Wigs, Hair and Make-up at the National Theatre, where he led and developed a large department across stage productions and NT Live. He was deeply committed to fostering inclusive, respectful working environments and supporting the next generation through mentorship and education.
His legacy continues through the standards he set, the people he inspired, and the pathways he helped create for future creatives.
Get in touch
Planning a production or looking to up skill your team? Tell us what you need and we'll help shape the right training for your cast and crew.