Prop Maker

Typical Salary

To

Typical Hours

42 to 44 variable

freelance / self-employed managing your own hours

How To Become a Prop Maker

You can get into this job through:

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

College / University

You could take a foundation degree or degree in:

prop making
scenic arts
production arts
art and design

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

You can do a college course to get some of the 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

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.

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

Routes into this Career

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.

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

Other Routes

Other Routes are not listed for this job.

Skills And Knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of building and construction
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of maths
the ability to work well with others
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
the ability to work on your own
sensitivity and understanding
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day To Day Tasks

Your day-to-day tasks may include:

discussing what props are needed
interpreting plans, from rough sketches to detailed designs
carrying out historical research to make authentic-looking items
experimenting with different materials to create effects like ageing
using power tools
hiring, buying or repairing props

Working Environment

You could work in a workshop, at a TV studio, at a film studio or in a theatre.

Your working environment may be cramped and dusty.

Career Path & Progression

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

Volunteering Opportunities

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.

Tips & Information

Career tips

Your creative talent and model-making skills will often be more important than formal qualifications.

Further information

You can find out more about working in props from ScreenSkills.

You can also get more information on working in the creative industries from Discover Creative Careers.

Restrictions & Requirements

Restrictions & Requirements are not listed for this job.