Prop Making

This five-day course will introduce participants to a variety of prop making skills and techniques to use within theatre and beyond.

short course participant making a mask in props workshop

Key information:

Course dates:: Mon 28 July – Fri 1 August 2025
Course times:: 10am–5pm
Age:: 16+
Art form:: Production Arts
Fees:: £595
Deadline:: Bookings will close at 5pm on Monday 30 June 2025 or when the course reaches full capacity
Level of study:: Short Courses & Summer Schools (ages 18+) | Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (under 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

Public booking opens at 11am, Thursday 28 November. Join our mailing list before Monday 25 November to receive priority booking.

Ages 16+

Course Dates & Times

Monday 28 July – Friday 1 August 2025
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 and 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 learned so many new skills including ones that I didn’t think I could do at a basic level. It was excellent."

– Participant on Prop Making, 2023

Course Fee

£595

Public booking opens at 11am, Thursday 28 November. Join our mailing list before Monday 25 November to receive priority booking.

Participation Bursaries are available for this course. Please note the application deadline for Participation Bursaries is 28 April 2025.

Eligibility

We welcome participants from all ages 16 and over
Participants must have sufficient English language skills in order to fully engage with the course
No prior experience required

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. Aurélie has transferred these skills into education, teaching specialist techniques that will equip others to pursue a variety of career paths.