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Prop Master

Prop Master Image

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.

The Work

You could be:

Pay

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:

Conditions

Workforce Employment Status

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Getting In

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)

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Job Outlook Scotland

Employment

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Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland
2022
2245
1.7 %
RISE
2027
2283
  United Kingdom
2022
28634
1 %
RISE
2027
28913

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What Does it Take?

You need to be:

You need to have:

Training

Getting On

More Information

There are a number of websites advertising jobs in the theatre, film and TV industries, such as The Stage and Mandy.

Young Scot and Creative Scotland operate the 'Nurturing Talent - Time to Shine Fund', which aims to support young people aged 11-25 and interested in developing creative or artistic skills. Both individuals and groups can apply for funding up to £1,000. For more information see the Young Scot website.

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.

Video

Courtesy of English National Opera

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.

Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT)
Tel: 020 7242 9200
E-mail: office@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

Creative and Cultural Skills
Tel: 020 7015 1800
Website: http://www.ccskills.org.uk/
Twitter: @CCskills
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ccskills

Creative and Cultural Skills is the Sector Skills Council for advertising, crafts, cultural heritage, design, music, performing, literary and visual arts.

ScreenSkills
Tel: 020 7713 9800
E-mail: info@screenskills.com
Website: https://www.screenskills.com
Twitter: @UKScreenSkills
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKScreenSkills

ScreenSkills (formerly Creative Skillset) 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

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