Prop masters create a wide range of objects, such as furniture, replica weapons and moving models, for use in theatre, television and film. They follow the brief from a production or set designer and use a variety of practical skills to make realistic-looking items.
You could be:
The figures below are only a guide. Actual salaries may vary, depending on:
Many prop masters work freelance. They charge a fee, which can vary depending on the work and their reputation. These may range from £10 to £20 an hour and £85 to £250 a day.
The rates recommended by the Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) range from:
Workforce Employment Status
LMI data powered by LMI for All
You can look for work with theatres, film and TV production companies, community arts groups and companies that specialise in supplying props. Most film studios are based in London and south-east England, but there are theatres and TV companies based around the UK.
Workforce Education Levels (UK)
LMI data powered by Lightcast
Employment
LMI data powered by Lightcast
LMI data powered by Lightcast
You need to be:
You need to have:
There are a number of websites advertising jobs in the theatre, film and TV industries, such as The Stage and Mandy.
The Creative and Cultural Skills website has a careers section called Creative Choices which covers careers information, jobs and opportunities in the theatre, including props work.
Trainee Finder is ScreenSkills flagship new entrant programme which offers paid work placements across a range of roles in film and TV. Applications are currently closed for the 2024-25 programme. Recruitment will usually begin around September of the year before placement. Find out more and apply online by visiting the Film Trainee Finder website.
Courtesy of English National Opera
The following organisations may be able to provide further information.
Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT)
Tel: 07760 549476
E-mail:
admin@abtt.org.uk
Website:
http://www.abtt.org.uk/
Twitter:
@theabtt
BECTU Scotland (Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union)
Tel: 0141 370 1590
E-mail:
info@bectu.org.uk
Website:
http://www.bectu.org.uk
Twitter:
@bectu
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BECTUOfficial
ScreenSkills
Tel: 020 7713 9800
E-mail:
info@screenskills.com
Website:
https://www.screenskills.com
Twitter:
@UKScreenSkills
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/UKScreenSkills
ScreenSkills works with the UK’s screen-based creative media industries to develop skills and talent from classroom to boardroom.
Stage Management Association (SMA)
Tel: 020 7403 7999
E-mail:
admin@stagemanagementassociation.co.uk
Website:
http://www.stagemanagementassociation.co.uk/
Twitter:
@SMAssoc