Prop Maker - Apprentice in Nottingham

The Props Workshop is part of the Production Workshops Department at the National Theatre and makes props for the NT’s shows and events. The apprenticeship is designed to produce practical skills to a high standard of expertise. The Apprentice Prop Maker will contribute towards the making of props for the National Theatre for shows in rehearsal and performance. They will primarily be working on furniture props, but a wider supporting skill set will be taught, such as decorative finishes, technical drawing, and general theatre working practice.

As this is a training position, we are not looking for experience in props or in theatre, but for someone who has practical skills, which can be applied to this apprenticeship. You will need to show us that you enjoy working with your hands, can work well in a team, and will be committed to completing this apprenticeship. An interest in carpentry and problem solving will be useful.

The Prop Maker apprenticeship is designed to be the first step in working in theatre or going on to further study. Although we cannot guarantee that this apprenticeship will lead to a permanent post, this is an area of specialisation where there is a skills gap in the theatre sector, and we would expect there to be good opportunities for further work in the sector on finishing.

What is a Props Maker? A Prop Maker in the performing arts is responsible for creating all types of props, specifically furniture and set dressing that set the scene of a live stage show.

What is a prop? A “prop” is short for property. It originally meant the personal items that belonged to the characters in the performance. It has evolved to include any item large or small that is not part of the set. This can be anything from a sofa to a pocket watch.

What you will do during the apprenticeship:

• The apprenticeship will be split between the National Theatre and Webs Training Ltd.
• At Webs Training Ltd: You will study a Level 2 Standard in General Furniture Manufacture. Time at college will be in 5 x 1-week blocks. The NT will cover reasonable travel and accommodation costs for the time you are at college. You will also be required to produce a portfolio as part of your course, which the NT will support you with.
• At the NT you will: Under the direction of NT Staff, make, repair, and refurbish a wide range of furniture props, as well as experiencing a wider set of prop making skills. Working from designs, working drawings, and models, and with instructions from Designers, Production Managers, Workshop Supervisors and the Props Workshop Manager and senior props staff. Attend dress rehearsals of shows that you have worked on. Work to agreed deadlines, consulting at all times with the Props Workshop Manager. Work on stage when required, installing, and repairing props and set dressing. Participate in safety checks, and weekly planning meetings. Maintain high standards of operations and good housekeeping in the workshop. Participate in the provision of a safe working environment, acting within the company’s Health & Safety policy at all times. Participate in other training as necessary and appropriate, including visiting other workplaces on placement. Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by the Props Workshop Manager, or the Workforce Development Manager.

You will be supported at the NT by a dedicated team.

By the end of the apprenticeship you will have a working knowledge of:

• Furniture making and Carpentry skills
• A broad range of complimentary prop making skills
• Theatre design
• Tools, hardware and equipment
• Materials
• Health & Safety
• How to interpret a design brief and help to fulfil the vision of creative designers.
• Bench/technical drawings
• Basic stage craft and how to work in a performance-based environment.

This is a Level 2 apprenticeship, therefore applicants must be suitable for study at that level and NOT hold a degree in a creative field, HND, or a post graduate qualification, or have experience of working backstage in professional theatre.

What skills or experience are we looking for in a Prop Making Apprentice?

• Can show that they enjoy making things.
• Can follow written spoken and visual instructions.
• Is curious about the world, and keen to learn new things.
• Is able to work well within a team and communicate clearly.
• Is able to work effectively under supervision and be self‑motivated to work on your own initiative.
• Has a helpful, positive and flexible approach and attitude, whether the work is routine or exciting.
• Is punctual and good at managing their own workload.
• Be able to follow strict health & safety rules and theatre working practices and to understand why it is important to do so.
• Has an interest in carpentry and in problem solving.

Please note: The closing date for the position is 16th June 2026 at 11:59pm - any applications submitted after this time cannot be accepted.