Prop Making

This five-day course will introduce you to a wide range of techniques and materials used by a prop department for theatre, film or TV. By the end of the week, you will have created a number of your own props that you will be able to take away with you.

Key information:

Course dates:: Mon 24 July – Fri 28 July 2023
Course times:: 10am–5pm
Age:: 16+
Art form:: Production Arts
Fees:: £565
Deadline:: 5pm, Sunday 9 July 2023
Level of study:: Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+) | Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (ages 4-18)
Mode of study:: In-person
Venue:: Guildhall School of Music & Drama
When:: Summer Schools (July–August)
Contact details:: shortcourses@gsmd.ac.uk; +44 (0)20 7382 2310

This course is now full. Please join our waiting list and we will contact you if a place becomes available.

Ages 16+

Course Dates & Times

Monday 24 July – Friday 28 July 2023
10am–5pm

About Prop Making

This five-day course will introduce you to a wide range of techniques and materials used by a prop department for theatre, film or TV.

Prop makers use a variety of materials, techniques and tools and work can range from making intricate period items to Iron Thrones, Harry Potter's Wand, a Stormtrooper Helmet, to Dr Who’s nemesis the Daleks. Areas of skills can range from mold-making, sculpture, life-casting, prosthetics, puppetry, armour, woodwork, upholstery to restoration.

By the end of the week, you will have created a number of your own props that you will be able to take away with you.

Who is the course for?

Anyone aged 16 and over with an interest in prop making or exploring their creative side.

What can I expect?

The course will cover a wide range of creative techniques, which may include

Sculpture using clay, polystyrene, foams.
Mold-making and casting techniques using plaster, alginate, silicones
Finishing and effects

We aim to teach sustainable prop making without limiting creativity, exploring a balance between both.

Do I need anything for the course?

Materials will be provided and you will be able to take home anything you make during the week
Please consider your choice of clothing and footwear, as you will be working with paint and other materials throughout the week. Old clothes, overalls and shoes are encouraged

“I knew nothing about prop making before I attended this course, but this course not only gave me lots of new skills to take home but was also lots of fun"

– participant on Prop Making, 2021

Course Fee

£565

Participation Bursaries are available for this course (Please note the application deadline for participation bursaries is 12 June 2023.)

This course is now full. Please join our waiting list and we will contact you if a place becomes available.

Eligibility

For everyone aged 16+
No prior experience required
Participants must have sufficient English language skills to cope with course demands.

About the Course Tutor

The course is taught by Aurélie Clark.

Aurélie’s 17-year career has taken her into theatre, live events, advertising, installation, TV and film, working as a prop maker, scenic artist, carpenter and workshop manager. Credits and projects include Edinburgh Fringe, Pride, Birra Moretti Beer, Intu, Starbucks, Lazy Town, Almeida Theatre, Albany Theatre, Elstree Studios, British Summer Time Hyde Park and Hackney Empire. She transferred these skills into education, teaching specialist techniques that will equip others to pursue a variety of career paths.

Aurélie has always been excited with the breadth of endless possibilities that prop making has to offer from concept to completion. A props maker’s job is to interpret, envisage and communicate the atmosphere and storytelling within each piece created. Often pioneers in experimentation and prototyping, it is a constant learning experience.