Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Controlling Machines and Processes Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
•   Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Working Life

Prop makers are responsible for creating objects that help to bring a theatrical or cinematographic production to life on stage in a theatre, or on a film or television set. They may also be involved in hiring, adapting or borrowing props.

The Work

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

Prior to creating objects, prop makers read the script to get a basic understanding of the story. When they work on a historical production, the next step is often to undertake research to make sure that their props look authentic. Prop makers then work either from a detailed design or a brief which will include information such as sise, colour, use, details, and quantity given by the production designer or the art director. They normally make doubles or triples of each prop, in case the original gets damaged.

Props makers must constantly liaise with other members of the production team, they get the materials and tools needed from the production buyer and often work in collaboration with costume and set designers, make-up artists, electricians and stage hands. However, on small productions and especially in theatre, prop makers may be asked to be responsible for the creation of costumes and sets as well as props.

Prop makers usually have to work within tight budget and timescale requirements so they need to be imaginative and resourceful when it comes to creating an item from scratch. They may have to recycle old props or adapt them using techniques to simulate marks of age and wear.

As they create, prop makers often experiment with different materials. For example, they may have to create a prop which looks very heavy, like a metallic sword, but is in fact made of lightweight material so that the actor can manipulate it easily. Prop makers try out their props during rehearsals and tweak them accordingly, and may have to repair damaged props between scenes.

The vast majority of prop makers are self-employed and are paid per day or a set fee for a production. Employment opportunities are generally with theatre companies or in television and film. Another possibility is to also lecture in an art and design college.

You will often start as a props assistant and can progress to the position of props master or director, in charge of the overall production and maintenance of props.

Skills

Skills required for this job may include:

• Carpentry
• Sculpting
• Casting
• Sewing
• Painting
• Welding
• Computer-aided design.

Tasks and Activities

• being briefed by a production designer, or set designer
• Drawing a preliminary props list
• 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.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Study blueprints, drawings, and sketches to determine material dimensions, required equipment, and operations sequences.
• Inspect and test products to verify conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments or circuit testers.
• Drill, countersink, and ream holes in parts and assemblies for bolts, screws, and other fasteners, using power tools.
• Cut, shape, and form metal parts, using lathes, power saws, snips, power brakes and shears, files, and mallets.
• Set up and operate machines, such as lathes, drill presses, punch presses, or bandsaws, to fabricate prototypes or models.
• Devise and construct tools, dies, molds, jigs, and fixtures, or modify existing tools and equipment.
• Rework or alter component model or parts as required to ensure that products meet standards.
• Grind, file, and sand parts to finished dimensions.
• Program computer numerical control (CNC) machines to fabricate model parts.
• Lay out and mark reference points and dimensions on materials, using measuring instruments and drawing or scribing tools.

Further Information

• Prop Maker- from: N.C.S [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

A qualification in art and design or technical theatre would be beneficial to gaining entry into this career.

Another form of entry into prop-making is specialising in a related area of your choice for example a craft such as furniture making or in 3D design or fine arts. Building up experience is essential in this line of work so doing some volunteering with local theatre groups, school/college productions, festivals and concerts will prove beneficial.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: media, broadcast production, precision engineering, engineering operations, CNC, engineering design.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: creative digital media, TV, film studies, film production, media studies, art, design.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Animator Apprenticeship.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: digital media, TV, film production, media, communication, arts, design.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: arts, media, creative digital media.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Screen skills work based learning programs - training for production staff may be on-the-job. The company may organise short off-the-job courses for trainees.  

IFTV Irish Film & Television Network for a list of TV/ Film production companies and career roles

Careersinscreen

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €17k - €44k

Fees will vary depending on type of performance and venue, can average between 200 and 640. Estimating annual income difficult as income is irregular.

Salaries Vary by employer, location, role, duties, shift pattern, and experience.

Data Source(s):
Performing Arts Review/ DEASP/ Indeed/ Payscale/ WRC

Last Updated: March, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Artists; Authors; writers; translators; Actors; entertainers; presenters; Dancers; choreographers; Musicians Arts officers; producers; directors; Photographers; audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators; Graphic designers Product; clothing and related designers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022, with an additional 7,300 persons employed. As illustrated in the CSO Census data below, employment is spread across a number of roles; since 2016, the strongest growth, in absolute terms, was for graphic designers and authors, writers and translators.

New employment permits issued for this occupation in 2022 were primarily for film/TV and animation/visual effects (VFX) roles but also for linguistics experts in the ICT sector. There was also a high volume of recent job hires in line with the recent employment increase. The data does not point to overall issues with recruitment for these roles.

• The Arts Council of Ireland

  • 70 Merrion Square, Dublin 2
  • (01) 618 0200 CallSave 1850 392492
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Design & Craft Council of Ireland

  • Castle Yard, Kilkenny
  • (056) 77 61804
  • Click Here

• Association of Irish Stage Technicians (AIST)

  • Dunmaise Arts Centre, Church Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, Ireland
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here