Short Courses / Technical
Prop Making Level 1
10 weeks / 7pm - 9.30pm
A 10-week introductory course for those who want to learn more about making props in a theatre-focused environment.
Overview
PROP MAKING - LEVEL 1
Develop the essential skills of a professional prop maker in this intensive, project-based evening course. You won't just learn theory—you'll get your hands on professional-grade materials and techniques to create three fundamental categories of props: realistic fake food, detailed costume accessories, and safe action props.
Over the course of 10-weeks, each student will work on 3 projects:
- Costume Badges
- Fake Food
- Hatchet making
Students will gain experience working with materials including MDF; paint; buffing waxed; caulk; glues; epoxy putty; gold and silver leaf; bi-resin; metal powders; wire wool; polyvine glaze; polystyrene sheet; latex; and upholstery foam. Students will learn how to use tools such as: sculpting tools; scalpel; paint brushes; weighing scales; craft knives; sand paper; bread knife; heat gun; and filling knife.
In the world of film and theatre, props often need to be lighter, safer, more durable, or simply look better under the lights than their real-world counterparts. This course is designed to equip you with the practical knowledge to deliver these bespoke, high-quality solutions, transforming raw materials into compelling theatrical illusions.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be able to:
- Select and manipulate materials (foam, latex, epoxy putty, MDF) appropriate for the specific demands of a prop's function (e.g., food, detailed accessory, action weapon).
- Safely use a selection of prop making tools
- Sculpt and shape both organic forms (like food) and highly detailed, defined shapes (like badges) for screen-ready realism.
- Execute advanced finishing techniques, including realistic paint effects, texturing, and achieving professional metal and wood illusions using various waxes and metallic applications.
- Construct a basic action prop that meets industry standards for visual realism, durability, and most importantly, safety for performers.
Prop making is taught by The Lir's Head of Prop Making, Ed Rourke, in our workshop onsite at The Lir Academy. You can see more on Ed's extensive experience in theatre, film and TV by clicking here.
Terms and Conditions click to
Cancellation Policy click to
The full course fee is payable as acceptance of an offer of a place on the course.
Any withdrawal before the course start date, irrespective of circumstances, will result in the forfeiture of the entire fee.
Please note, acceptance onto the course is at the discretion of The Lir Academy. If The Lir feels for whatever reason that a participant is not suitable for the course, he/she will not be accepted. All decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
Any refunds will be processed within 28 days of notice.
