At a Glance
- Tasks: Create stunning props for world-class performances in a vibrant theatre environment.
- Company: Join the Royal Ballet and Opera, a leading arts organisation in Covent Garden.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for creative growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with a commitment to equality and creativity.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that brings extraordinary performances to life through your craft.
- Qualifications: Experience in prop making and a passion for theatre are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 46000 £ per year.
Salary: £41,092 per annum
Hours: 42.5 hours per week
Permanent; Full-time
Based in: Covent Garden, London
The Royal Ballet and Opera continues to lead the way in opera, ballet, music and dance both live on stage and through multiple digital platforms, from live streaming to worldwide cinema screenings. Our Covent Garden theatre has been at the heart of London and British cultural life for three centuries. We are home to two world-class Companies: The Royal Ballet and The Royal Opera.
Our Technical, Production and Costume department plays a leading part in ensuring our performances are of the highest quality by delivering technical excellence for every performance, rehearsal, and event. Our Production division are looking to recruit a Props Workshop Maker to work as an effective member of the team facilitating the smooth running of the Props Workshop, ensuring that all activities are carried out to the highest possible standard of safety, efficiency, and quality.
Our ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate:
- A good level of experience of practical prop making in a professional theatre.
- Training in an Art and Design course or professional craft-based training an advantage.
- Experience in a wide range of craft skills from (but not limited to) the following list: texture and paint finishes, upholstery and soft furnishings, leatherwork, costume prop making, basic woodwork, basic metalwork and welding, sculpting and 3D modelling, mould making and casting using all standard materials and techniques.
- Proven competence in the use of all workshop machinery and equipment, conversant with specific H&S requirements.
- Able to work from and accurately interpret scale drawings, plans and models.
- Team player with a collaborative approach to working.
To submit your application, please provide a supporting statement that outlines how your skills and experience match the essential criteria listed above. We recommend drafting your response in a separate document and then copying the final version into the application form. Please note that as part of our commitment to anonymised shortlisting, panels do not view CVs during the recruitment process. If you choose to upload your CV, our system will automatically pull information from your CV into our application form.
The Royal Ballet and Opera is one of the UK’s leading arts organisations and our aim is to inspire imagination, ignite emotion and make the extraordinary for everyone. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion underpin all that we do. We want our people to be representative of the diversity in the UK. We understand the creativity and innovation that diversity can bring and strive to create an inclusive environment in which everyone can thrive. We encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and skills to join our teams. We particularly welcome applications from those who are from a global majority background and/or those who are disabled, as they are under-represented within our organisation.
We are a Disability Confident Employer, which means that we are actively working to ensure that candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions feel supported, engaged and able to fulfil their potential in the workplace. We will endeavour to offer an interview to candidates who tell us they wish to participate in the scheme and who demonstrate in their application that they meet the essential criteria for the role, though sometimes due to the volume of qualified candidates with declarations this is not possible.
The RBO is also committed to safeguarding and protecting all children, young people, and adults and we implement robust safer recruitment practices. Due to our safeguarding promise, certain roles will be subject to a DBS check before commencing employment with us, which will be indicated in the advertising.
Closing date for applications: Midnight, 5th January 2026
Applicants must have work authorisation for the UK. No agencies.
Props Workshop Maker - WC2E 9DD in London employer: ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
The Royal Ballet and Opera is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture steeped in creativity and collaboration at our iconic Covent Garden location. With a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, we provide ample opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their craft while contributing to world-class performances that inspire audiences globally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Props Workshop Maker - WC2E 9DD in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Royal Ballet and Opera! Dive into their productions, understand their values, and be ready to chat about how your skills can contribute to their creative vision. This shows genuine interest and helps you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn or at industry events. A friendly chat can lead to insider tips or even a referral, which can give your application a serious boost.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to prop making and teamwork. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills and how you work well with others. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the Royal Ballet and Opera.
We think you need these skills to ace Props Workshop Maker - WC2E 9DD in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your Supporting Statement:When writing your supporting statement, make sure to clearly outline how your skills and experience match the essential criteria. We want to see your passion for prop making shine through!
Be Specific About Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; give us examples of how you've used them in a professional setting. Whether it’s upholstery or sculpting, show us what you can do and how it relates to the role.
Follow the Application Instructions:Remember to draft your response in a separate document before copying it into the application form. This helps avoid any last-minute hiccups and ensures your application is polished.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any fuss. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Showcase Your Craft Skills
Make sure to highlight your practical prop-making experience during the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that demonstrate your skills in texture and paint finishes, upholstery, or any other relevant craft techniques.
✨Know Your Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with health and safety requirements related to workshop machinery and equipment. Being able to discuss how you ensure safety in your work will show that you take this aspect seriously, which is crucial for a role in a busy props workshop.
✨Interpret Drawings Like a Pro
Brush up on your ability to read and interpret scale drawings and plans. You might be asked to explain how you would approach a project based on a given design, so practice articulating your thought process clearly.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since this role requires a collaborative approach, think of examples where you've successfully worked as part of a team. Be prepared to share how you contribute to a positive team dynamic and how you handle challenges when working with others.
