Profession prop maker

Prop makers construct, build, prepare, adapt and maintain props used on stage and for filming movies or television programs. Props may be simple imitations of real life objects, or may include electronic, pyrotechnical, or other effects. Their work is based on artistic vision, sketches and plans. They work in close cooperation with the designers involved in the production.

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Personality Type

  • Conventional / Realistic

Skills

  • Interpret artistic intentions

    Interpret the artistic intentions of the author.

  • Translate artistic concepts to technical designs

    Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.

  • Work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision

    Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.

  • Follow work schedule

    Manage the sequence of activities in order to deliver completed work on agreed deadlines by following a work schedule.

  • Maintain workshop space

    Keep your workshop space in working order and clean.

  • Keep up with trends

    Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.

  • Develop prop effects

    Work with creative personnel to design special effects involving props using mechanical or electrical devices. Advise on feasibility and develop the needed prop effects.

  • Understand artistic concepts

    Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.

  • Adapt to artists' creative demands

    Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.

  • Work safely with chemicals

    Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.

  • Work ergonomically

    Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

  • Maintain theatre equipment

    Check up on, maintain and repair tools and machinery used for onstage purposes, such as lighting equipment, stage sets or scene-change machinery.

  • Prevent fire in a performance environment

    Take steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are aware of fire prevention measures.

  • Adapt props

    Adapt existing props for use in a specific production.

  • Work with respect for own safety

    Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.

  • Maintain props

    Check, maintain and repair props.

  • Follow environmentally-sustainable work practices

    Apply principles, policies and regulations aimed at environmental sustainability in the workplace.

  • Contribute to a safe working environment

    Apply basic safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the risks to you and your colleagues.

  • Manage personal professional development

    Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders.

  • Prepare personal work environment

    Correct settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.

  • Build devices into props

    Build mechanical or electrical devices into props.

  • Finish project within budget

    Make sure to stay within budget. Adapt work and materials to budget.

  • Define prop building methods

    Decide on how to build the necessary props and document the process.

  • Build props

    Build props from a variety of materials, working with the design staff to create the appropriate prop for the production.

  • Work safely with machines

    Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.

  • Use personal protection equipment

    Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.

Optional knowledge and skills

perform first fire intervention ensure safety of mobile electrical systems hand props to actors photography draw prop sketches work with the camera crew plan workshop activity support a designer in the developing process keep personal administration purchase props define prop materials attend rehearsals work safely with stage weapons manage consumables stock manage technical resources stock lighting techniques develop professional network promote yourself ensure cooperation among production, costume department and make-up department work with the lighting crew organise workshop space

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