Prop maker

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could take a foundation degree or degree in:

• prop making
• scenic arts
• production arts
• art and design

The Federation of Drama Schools  has information on performance-based higher education courses in UK conservatoires that include production arts.

Entry requirements:

• a foundation diploma in art and design
• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You can do a college course that may give you some of the practical skills needed in this job. Course examples include:

• Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design
• Level 2 Certificate in Carpentry
• Level 3 Certificate in Creative Craft
• Level 3 Diploma in 3D Design and Crafts
• Level 3 Diploma in Technical Theatre

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Apprenticeship

You could do a props technician advanced apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship takes 18 to 24 months to complete as a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You could start by working in a theatre as a props assistant or technician. In film and TV you would start as an art department trainee.

Practical experience is usually essential to get an assistant job.

Volunteering

Volunteering for student productions, festivals and amateur theatre is a good way to get experience and make contact with people working in the industry, which could help when looking for jobs.

DirectApplication

You may also be able to get into prop making after training in related areas like graphic design, furniture making or model-making.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• knowledge of building and construction
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work well with your hands
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to work on your own
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• leadership skills
• physical fitness and endurance
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues
• active listening skills
• the ability to read English

What you'll do:

Prop makers create objects for use in films, TV programmes and the theatre.

Typically you could:

• meet with production staff to discuss what props are needed
• make detailed plans from ideas and rough sketches
• do historical research to make sure items fit with the time period of the production
• work with a range of materials to create realistic props
• use hand and power tools
• source new props for hire or to buy
• repair existing props

Location : You could work in a workshop, at a TV studio, at a film studio or in a theatre.
Environment : Your working environment may be cramped and dusty.

Salary:

Starter : variable
Experienced : variable

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

42 - 44 hours variable

Working Pattern is freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

Career Path:

With experience, you could move into set design, production design or stage management.

You could become a prop master and run a props department.