Prop maker Job Information | National Careers Service

Job profiles

Prop maker

Hours

Variable
Starting salary

Variable

As a prop maker, it would be your job to create realistic-looking objects for use in theatre, film and television. If you would like to work in one of these areas, and you have both practical and creative skills, this could be the job for you.

In this job you would need to be good at solving problems. You would also need to have a high level of attention to detail.

To get into this job, your talent and skills are more important than your formal qualifications. However, there are college and university courses in subjects like prop making, which could help you develop the skills you would need for this job. This is a job for which getting practical experience is very important. You could get this by entering as an assistant, working on a placement or by volunteering.

The work

As a prop maker, you might make anything from fake jewellery to replica weapons and moving models, depending on what the script calls for.

You might use a wide range of skills, such as carpentry, sculpting, casting, sewing, painting, welding and computer-aided design. Your typical tasks could include:

being briefed by a production designer, set designer or props master
making props from rough sketches or detailed designs
carrying out historical or cultural research in order to make authentic-looking props
working with a variety of materials such as metal, latex, fibreglass, wood or fabric
experimenting with different materials and techniques to create realistic effects
using various hand and power tools – anything from paintbrushes to welding equipment
adapting existing items, for example ‘distressing’ an object to make it look old
hiring or buying props
repairing props.

On larger productions (typically in film and TV) you would work closely with a team including production designers, set designers, set builders, wardrobe/costume staff and model makers.

On smaller productions (often in theatre), you might carry out set building and costume work as well as making props.

Hours

Your hours would depend on the needs of the production. You may be able to choose your own working times, but you should be flexible and able to put in long hours to meet deadlines when necessary.

You could work in a studio, workshop or prop room, which may be backstage at a theatre or on a film or TV set. You would also spend time on research and visiting shops and theatrical suppliers.

Working conditions may be cramped and dusty, and you may have to work with chemicals such as adhesives and paints.

Income

Freelance work is usual and rates can vary widely. You could negotiate fees based on the type of production and your own track record. Film and TV are usually better paid than theatre work. Contact BECTU for current pay guidelines for film and TV.

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Entry requirements

Your talent and skills are more important than your formal qualifications, although many prop makers choose to take an art-based or technical theatre course before looking for work.

In the theatre you would typically start as a props assistant, or in film/TV you would often start as an art department trainee. The key to finding a trainee job is to gain practical experience (for example, from student productions, or from amateur theatre) and to build contacts with set designers and other people in the industry.

You may have an advantage with a college or university qualification such as:

BTEC Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Production Arts
BTEC Level 4 HNC and Level 5 HND in Performing Arts (Production)
a degree or foundation degree in set design or prop making
a drama school diploma in stage design or technical theatre (see the National Council For Drama Training website for details of approved courses).

Other useful degree subjects include art and design, fine art, 3-D design and model making. You should check with colleges and universities for exact course entry requirements.

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

Throughout your career, you should keep a portfolio of your work to show to potential employers.

Training and development

You would develop your skills on the job, learning from experienced prop makers.

You may be able to receive apprenticeship-style training at the start of your career from new entrant training schemes occasionally run by the BBC, regional screen agencies or media training organisations.

Competition for places on this type of scheme is very strong so you should still gain practical experience as explained above before applying. Creative Skillset Careers can advise on any new entrant training schemes that may be available.

You should keep your skills and techniques up to date throughout your career. See Creative Skillset’s website for a database of media courses (including relevant skills for prop makers), and for advice about how to fund your training as a freelance worker.

You can also check the Creative Choices website for advice on developing your career as a prop maker.

Skills and knowledge

To be a prop maker you should have:

a range of practical and craft skills
creativity and imagination
the ability to follow instructions and interpret ideas
problem-solving skills
good communication skills
a high degree of attention to detail
the ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative
computer skills, if using computer-aided design packages
the ability to keep to a budget and work to deadlines.

More information

Creative and Cultural Skills (Opens new window)
Lafone House
The Leathermarket
Weston Street
London
SE1 3HN
www.creative-choices.co.uk

Creative Skillset (Opens new window)
Focus Point
21 Caledonian Road
London
N1 9GB
www.creativeskillset.org

Creative Skillset Careers (Opens new window)
Tel: 08080 300 900 (England and Northern Ireland)
Tel: 0845 850 2502(Scotland)
Tel: 08000 121 815 (Wales)
www.creativeskillset.org/careers

National Council for Drama Training (NCDT) (Opens new window)
249 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2JX
Tel: 020 7407 3686
www.ncdt.co.uk

Association of British Theatre Technicians (Opens new window)
55 Farringdon Road
London
EC1M 3JB
Tel: 020 7242 9200
www.abtt.org.uk

Get Into Theatre
www.getintotheatre.org

Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) (Opens new window)
373-377 Clapham Road
London
SW9 9BT
Tel: 0845 850 2502
www.bectu.org.uk

Opportunities

You would usually be self-employed and work on freelance contracts for film studios, TV production companies, theatres, touring theatre companies and theatre in education companies.

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

Some jobs are advertised in the national press, trade press and industry websites. However, it is more common to get work by contacting companies yourself, networking and word of mouth, and using an agent or crew directory. Competition for work is strong.

You may find the following useful for job vacancies and contacts (links open in new window):

The Stage
Mandy.com
Stage Jobs Pro
The Knowledge (TV/film contacts directory)
Kays Production Guide (TV/film contacts directory)

Job profiles are based on the latest information supplied to us by industry bodies, such as Sector Skills Councils. Please be aware that with the introduction of the Qualifications and Credit Framework there has been, and will continue to be, changes to vocational qualifications. For more information, please check with industry bodies directly.

We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.

Related industry information

Industry summary

The performing arts industry is part of the creative and cultural industries, represented by the Creative and Cultural Skills Sector Skills Council, which also includes: craft; cultural heritage; literature; design; music; and visual arts. The creative and cultural industries currently employ 678,480, people, of which 24% are based in London. There are 74,640 businesses in the creative and cultural industries, of which 87% employ less than 10 people.

The performing arts comprises venues, employers, small businesses and freelancers in the theatre sector (including classical, contemporary, street arts, carnival arts, circus and physical theatre), dance, opera and the live music industry (including live performances of classical, pop, rock and all contemporary forms of music). The industry workforce includes performers, promoters and those who provide backstage technical input and administration.

Key facts:

There are 101,593 people working in the performing arts, of which:
- 34% are employed in onstage occupations, such as acting or dancing.
Employment grew by 20% between 2006/07 and 2008/09.
45% of the workforce is located in London and the South East.
There are 5,480 businesses, of which 92% employ less than 50 people.
The performing arts industry contributes £4.6 billion to the UK economy.
58% of the workforce is self‐employed.
Men and women are equally likely to have a level 4 or above qualification.
Men are likely to earn less money than women (87% of men earn less than £20,000 per year, compared to 58% of women).
73% of the performing arts workforce earns less than £20,000 a year.
40% of those working in performing arts have at least a level 4 qualification.

Jobs in the industry include: actor, agent, artistic director, choreographer, circus performer, dancer, entertainer, hair, makeup and wigs, props maker, puppeteer, rigger, sound technician, stage manager, studio manager, theatre director, wardrobe assistant.

National and regional data

Northern Ireland – There are 11,640 people working in the Northern Ireland creative and cultural sector. 2% of the UK performing arts workforce is located in Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland, it contributes £42 million to the UK economy. More than 99% of the workforce is white and 86% of the workforce is male.

Scotland – There are 45,420 people working in the Scottish creative and cultural sector. 10% of the UK performing arts workforce is located in Scotland. In Scotland, it contributes £143 million to the UK economy. More than 99% of the workforce is white and 86% of the workforce is male.

Wales – There are 24,060 people working in the Welsh creative and cultural sector. 3% of the UK performing arts workforce is located in Wales. The industry in Wales contributes £86 million to the UK economy. 99% of the workforce is white and 58% of the workforce is male.

[N.B. The data for the following regions are for the creative and cultural sector as a whole.]

East Midlands – There are 44,380 people in the sector workforce in the region, representing 7% of the UK sector workforce. There are 3,950 creative businesses in the region, of which 92% employ less than 50 people. 35% of the workforce is self-employed. 63% of the workforce is male. 95% of the sector workforce is white and 54% are under 40 years.

East of England – There are 63,700 people in the sector workforce in the region, representing 9% of the UK sector workforce. There are 6,710 creative businesses in the region, of which 93% employ less than 50 people. 37% of the workforce is self-employed. 66% of the workforce is male. 95% of the sector workforce is white and 46% are under 40 years.

London – There are 164,690 people in the sector workforce in London, representing 24% of the UK sector workforce. There are 21,600 creative businesses, of which 93% employ less than 50 people. 51% of the workforce is self-employed. 58% of the workforce is male. 84% of the sector workforce is white and 56% are under 40 years.

North East – There are 19,680 people in the sector workforce in the region, representing 3% of the UK sector workforce. There are 1,330 creative businesses in the region, of which 90% employ less than 50 people. 38% of the workforce is self-employed. 63% of the workforce is male. 96% of the sector workforce is white and 53% are under 40 years.

North West – There are 59,580 people in the sector workforce in the region, representing 9% of the UK sector workforce. There are 5,660 creative businesses in the region, of which 91% employ less than 50 people. 34% of the workforce is self-employed; the majority of who are in arts and music. 62% of the workforce is male. 95% of the sector workforce is white and 55% are under 40 years.

South East – There are 98,170 people in the sector workforce in the region, representing 14% of the UK sector workforce. There are 12,300 creative businesses in the region, of which 93% employ less than 50 people. 43% of the workforce is self-employed. 59% of the workforce is male. 97% of the sector workforce is white and 47% are under 40 years.

South West – There are 60,690 people in the sector workforce in the region, representing 9% of the UK sector workforce. There are approximately 5,000 creative businesses in the region, of which 93% employ less than 50 people. 47% of the workforce is self-employed in arts, design and music. 59% of the workforce is male. 98% of the sector workforce is white and 46% are under 40 years.

West Midlands – There are 40,300 people in the sector workforce in the region, representing 6% of the UK sector workforce. There are approximately 5,000 creative businesses in the region, of which 91% employ less than 50 people. 31% of the workforce is self-employed, which is the lowest regional figure. 58% of the workforce is male. 91% of the sector workforce is white and 49% are under 40 years.

Yorkshire and the Humber – There are 45,900 people in the sector workforce in the region, representing 7% of the UK sector workforce. There are fewer than 4,000 creative businesses in the region, of which 90% employ less than 50 people. 40% of the workforce is self-employed. 60% of the workforce is male. 97% of the sector workforce is white and 53% are under 40 years.