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 creativity.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with career growth and support for all backgrounds.
- 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 41092 - 41092 £ 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 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. Employees benefit from a commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside opportunities for professional growth within one of the UK's leading arts organisations. Join us to be part of a team that not only values technical excellence but also inspires imagination and ignites emotion in audiences worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Props Workshop Maker - WC2E 9DD
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Royal Opera House! Research their productions, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their creative team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn, attend industry events, or join relevant groups. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to prop making and teamwork. Think about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your skills and how you work collaboratively.
✨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 Royal Ballet and Opera family.
We think you need these skills to ace Props Workshop Maker - WC2E 9DD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:When writing your supporting statement, make sure to highlight how your skills and experience align with the essential criteria. We want to see what makes you a great fit for the Props Workshop Maker role!
Be Specific:Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your craft skills. Whether it's upholstery or sculpting, we love to see concrete evidence of your expertise in action.
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we appreciate creativity, clarity is key! Make sure your application is easy to read and straight to the point. We want to understand your qualifications without sifting through too much fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BALLET AND OPERA
✨Know Your Craft
Make sure you brush up on your practical prop-making skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific techniques you've used, like upholstery or sculpting, and how they relate to the role. This shows you're not just a fan of props but have hands-on experience that aligns with what they need.
✨Safety First
Familiarise yourself with health and safety standards relevant to workshop environments. Be prepared to talk about your experience with workshop machinery and how you ensure safety while working. This will demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to maintaining a safe workspace.
✨Team Player Mindset
The Royal Opera House values collaboration, so think of examples where you've worked effectively in a team. Share stories that highlight your ability to communicate and support your colleagues, especially in high-pressure situations. This will show that you can contribute positively to their team dynamic.
✨Tailor Your Supporting Statement
When crafting your supporting statement, make it specific to the job description. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match their criteria. This is your chance to shine, so don’t hold back on showcasing how you fit into their vision for the Props Workshop!
