Do you ever dream of conjuring up the props for Harry Potter, Doctor Who or West End musicals? Are you interested in a career in window display? On this course you will explore techniques used by professionals to produce effective props and sets. Get hands-on experience of sculpting, fabricating, mould making, casting and using paint effects. Learn about the demands of the industry from a specialist tutor, and have a go at tra...
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This is a practical introductory course to prop making and working in the prop making industry, suitable for beginners and those with experience. It is very accessible, hands-on and friendly! You will explore a range of materials and techniques including carving and sculpting, fabricating, mould making, life casting, finishing and paint effects. You will be encouraged to develop your personal interpretation and interests throughout the course. If you are an absolute beginner tasks will be tailored for you, and we promise you will have fun. If you have experienced previous prop making courses, you will be helped you develop and improve your knowledge of materials, and modelling and sculpting techniques.
What will we cover?
Sculpting in various clays and polymers.
Carving in polystyrene and Styrofoam
Mould making and casting.
Life casting
Fabricating
Paint effects and finishes
Contextual research.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Sculpt objects in various clays and polymers.
Carve basic or more advanced forms in polystyrene or Styrofoam.
Make a one-piece or two-piece mould and cast in Jesmonite.
Understand the concept of life casting and make at least one cast.
Understand the concept of fabrication and manipulation of various materials.
Use paint effects, finishes and experiment effectively to achieve realistic results.
Identify areas within the prop making industry that might use your specific area of expertise.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is open to all levels - from complete beginners to those who have previously taken prop making courses.
Please note that you can join any of City Lit’s prop making courses in any order. Props 1, Props 2, and Props 3 are not sequential; each course explores different materials and processes, and the tutor tailors content to individual student interests.
Feel free to enrol in whichever Props course best suits your schedule and curiosity - no prior attendance on a course is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be introduced to new materials and techniques in each session, and encouraged to develop these to the best of your ability. You will be taught by demonstration followed by practical application, and given short tasks to follow. We understand that you might be more comfortable with some processes than others, but you will be encouraged to have an open mind in order to experience all techniques and therefore gain the most from this course. You will receive one-to-one guidance and there will also be group discussions. You will be encourage to do independent research and investigation outside of the class, but this is not compulsory. You will be shown examples of work from practising prop makers and you will receive information about further progression routes.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Materials and Equipment There are no additional costs - all essential materials and equipment are included in the course fee, although you will be asked to bring in images and/or objects to support various tasks.
Please bring a sketchbook, pencils and a pen to sketch and make notes. A camera is also useful to photograph your work in progress.
What to Wear For your safety please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes - no sandals or open-toed footwear. Wearing old work clothes or overalls is strongly recommended, as some materials may mark or damage fabrics.
Health and Safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn where required. This includes items such as facemasks when working with materials that may release airborne particles.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The City Lit sculpture department offers a wide range of exciting courses that will allow you to progress from beginner to advanced and learn a range of techniques. After this course, you may wish to join a similar course to develop your skills further, or try something completely different. We offer courses in prop making, metal, clay, carving in stone and wood, mould making and casting, and much more! Alternatively, you may wish to progress onto the year-long City Lit Sculpture course VU841, which helps you build your individual sculpture practice.
Please ask your tutor for advice, browse the City Lit website for inspiration, or contact our Visual Arts team by emailing visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or calling 0203 880 2415 Monday - Friday, 11 am - 4 pm.
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/props-till-you-drop-i2490802Props till you drop Ihttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/r/propstillyoudrop_vu976-_1080.jpg809809GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Art & design/Courses/Art & design/3D and digital design/Courses/Art & design/3D and digital design/Model & prop making22851132163917261228511321639<p>Do you ever dream of conjuring up the props for Harry Potter, Doctor Who or West End musicals? Are you interested in a career in window display? On this course you will explore techniques used by professionals to produce effective props and sets. Get hands-on experience of sculpting, fabricating, mould making, casting and using paint effects. Learn about the demands of the industry from a specialist tutor, and have a go at translating your own ideas into 3D.</p>153029884Props till you drop I809809https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/product/p/r/propstillyoudrop_vu976-_1080_3.jpgInStockDaytimeSatKeeley StreetAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekend2026-09-26T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allSep 2026Art & designVU976809809Props till you drop I647526809Wendy Chandlerprops-till-you-drop-i/vu976-2627<p>Do you ever dream of conjuring up the props for Harry Potter, Doctor Who or West End musicals? Are you interested in a career in window display? On this course you will explore techniques used by professionals to produce effective props and sets. Get hands-on experience of sculpting, fabricating, mould making, casting and using paint effects. Learn about the demands of the industry from a specialist tutor, and have a go at translating your own ideas into 3D.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-26 00:00:00<p>This is a practical introductory course to prop making and working in the prop making industry, suitable for beginners and those with experience. It is very accessible, hands-on and friendly! You will explore a range of materials and techniques including carving and sculpting, fabricating, mould making, life casting, finishing and paint effects. You will be encouraged to develop your personal interpretation and interests throughout the course. If you are an absolute beginner tasks will be tailored for you, and we promise you will have fun. If you have experienced previous prop making courses, you will be helped you develop and improve your knowledge of materials, and modelling and sculpting techniques.</p><p>Do you ever dream of conjuring up the props for Harry Potter, Doctor Who or West End musicals? Are you interested in a career in window display? On this course you will explore techniques used by professionals to produce effective props and sets. Get hands-on experience of sculpting, fabricating, mould making, casting and using paint effects. Learn about the demands of the industry from a specialist tutor, and have a go at translating your own ideas into 3D.</p><ul><li>Sculpting in various clays and polymers.</li><li>Carving in polystyrene and Styrofoam</li><li>Mould making and casting.</li><li>Life casting</li><li>Fabricating</li><li>Paint effects and finishes</li><li>Contextual research.</li></ul><ul><li>Sculpt objects in various clays and polymers.</li><li>Carve basic or more advanced forms in polystyrene or Styrofoam.</li><li>Make a one-piece or two-piece mould and cast in Jesmonite.</li><li>Understand the concept of life casting and make at least one cast.</li><li>Understand the concept of fabrication and manipulation of various materials.</li><li>Use paint effects, finishes and experiment effectively to achieve realistic results.</li><li>Identify areas within the prop making industry that might use your specific area of expertise.</li></ul><p>This course is open to all levels - from complete beginners to those who have previously taken prop making courses.</p><p>Please note that you can join any of City Lit’s prop making courses in any order. <em>Props 1, Props 2,</em> and <em>Props 3</em> are not sequential; each course explores different materials and processes, and the tutor tailors content to individual student interests.</p><p>Feel free to enrol in whichever Props course best suits your schedule and curiosity - no prior attendance on a course is required.</p><p>You will be introduced to new materials and techniques in each session, and encouraged to develop these to the best of your ability. You will be taught by demonstration followed by practical application, and given short tasks to follow. We understand that you might be more comfortable with some processes than others, but you will be encouraged to have an open mind in order to experience all techniques and therefore gain the most from this course. You will receive one-to-one guidance and there will also be group discussions. You will be encourage to do independent research and investigation outside of the class, but this is not compulsory. You will be shown examples of work from practising prop makers and you will receive information about further progression routes.</p><p><strong>Materials and Equipment</strong><br>There are no additional costs - all essential materials and equipment are included in the course fee, although you will be asked to bring in images and/or objects to support various tasks.</p><p>Please bring a sketchbook, pencils and a pen to sketch and make notes. A camera is also useful to photograph your work in progress.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong><br>For your safety please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes - no sandals or open-toed footwear. Wearing old work clothes or overalls is strongly recommended, as some materials may mark or damage fabrics.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong><br>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn where required. This includes items such as facemasks when working with materials that may release airborne particles. </p><p>The City Lit sculpture department offers a wide range of exciting courses that will allow you to progress from beginner to advanced and learn a range of techniques. After this course, you may wish to join a similar course to develop your skills further, or try something completely different. We offer courses in prop making, metal, clay, carving in stone and wood, mould making and casting, and much more! Alternatively, you may wish to progress onto the year-long City Lit Sculpture course VU841, which helps you build your individual sculpture practice.</p><p>Please ask your tutor for advice, browse the City Lit website for inspiration, or contact our Visual Arts team by emailing visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or calling 0203 880 2415 Monday - Friday, 11 am - 4 pm. </p>3D and digital designModel & prop makingvirtual647809526VU976NONESat26/09/26 - 05/12/2610:30 - 16:3010:3016:3010 sessions (over 11 weeks)105-10 weeksDaytimeWeekendKSKeeley StreetWendy ChandlerBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-09-26T00:00:00+00:00Sep 2026Art & design809809Props till you drop Iprops-till-you-drop-i/vu976-2627<p>Do you ever dream of conjuring up the props for Harry Potter, Doctor Who or West End musicals? Are you interested in a career in window display? On this course you will explore techniques used by professionals to produce effective props and sets. Get hands-on experience of sculpting, fabricating, mould making, casting and using paint effects. Learn about the demands of the industry from a specialist tutor, and have a go at translating your own ideas into 3D.</p>0000-Available|2026-09-26 00:00:00<p>This is a practical introductory course to prop making and working in the prop making industry, suitable for beginners and those with experience. It is very accessible, hands-on and friendly! You will explore a range of materials and techniques including carving and sculpting, fabricating, mould making, life casting, finishing and paint effects. You will be encouraged to develop your personal interpretation and interests throughout the course. If you are an absolute beginner tasks will be tailored for you, and we promise you will have fun. If you have experienced previous prop making courses, you will be helped you develop and improve your knowledge of materials, and modelling and sculpting techniques.</p><p>Do you ever dream of conjuring up the props for Harry Potter, Doctor Who or West End musicals? Are you interested in a career in window display? On this course you will explore techniques used by professionals to produce effective props and sets. Get hands-on experience of sculpting, fabricating, mould making, casting and using paint effects. Learn about the demands of the industry from a specialist tutor, and have a go at translating your own ideas into 3D.</p><ul><li>Sculpting in various clays and polymers.</li><li>Carving in polystyrene and Styrofoam</li><li>Mould making and casting.</li><li>Life casting</li><li>Fabricating</li><li>Paint effects and finishes</li><li>Contextual research.</li></ul><ul><li>Sculpt objects in various clays and polymers.</li><li>Carve basic or more advanced forms in polystyrene or Styrofoam.</li><li>Make a one-piece or two-piece mould and cast in Jesmonite.</li><li>Understand the concept of life casting and make at least one cast.</li><li>Understand the concept of fabrication and manipulation of various materials.</li><li>Use paint effects, finishes and experiment effectively to achieve realistic results.</li><li>Identify areas within the prop making industry that might use your specific area of expertise.</li></ul><p>This course is open to all levels - from complete beginners to those who have previously taken prop making courses.</p><p>Please note that you can join any of City Lit’s prop making courses in any order. <em>Props 1, Props 2,</em> and <em>Props 3</em> are not sequential; each course explores different materials and processes, and the tutor tailors content to individual student interests.</p><p>Feel free to enrol in whichever Props course best suits your schedule and curiosity - no prior attendance on a course is required.</p><p>You will be introduced to new materials and techniques in each session, and encouraged to develop these to the best of your ability. You will be taught by demonstration followed by practical application, and given short tasks to follow. We understand that you might be more comfortable with some processes than others, but you will be encouraged to have an open mind in order to experience all techniques and therefore gain the most from this course. You will receive one-to-one guidance and there will also be group discussions. You will be encourage to do independent research and investigation outside of the class, but this is not compulsory. You will be shown examples of work from practising prop makers and you will receive information about further progression routes.</p><p><strong>Materials and Equipment</strong><br>There are no additional costs - all essential materials and equipment are included in the course fee,&nbsp;although you will be asked to bring in images and/or objects to support various tasks.</p><p>Please bring a sketchbook, pencils and a pen to sketch and make notes. A camera is also useful to photograph your work in progress.</p><p><strong>What to Wear</strong><br>For your safety please wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes - no sandals or open-toed footwear. Wearing old work clothes or overalls is strongly recommended, as some materials may mark or damage fabrics.</p><p><strong>Health and Safety</strong><br>Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided and must be worn where required. This includes items such as facemasks when working with materials that may release airborne particles.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </p><p>The City Lit sculpture department offers a wide range of exciting courses that will allow you to progress from beginner to advanced and learn a range of techniques. After this course, you may wish to join a similar course to develop your skills further, or try something completely different. We offer courses in prop making, metal, clay, carving in stone and wood, mould making and casting, and much more! Alternatively, you may wish to progress onto the year-long City Lit Sculpture course VU841, which helps you build your individual sculpture practice.</p><p>Please ask your tutor for advice, browse the City Lit website for inspiration, or contact our Visual Arts team by emailing visualarts@citylit.ac.uk or calling 0203 880 2415 Monday - Friday, 11 am - 4 pm.&nbsp;</p>3D and digital designModel & prop makingconfigurable
17261639Model & prop makinghttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/art-and-design/3d-and-digital-design/model-and-prop-making1/2/285/1132/1639/17261/Courses/Art & design/3D and digital design/Model & prop making
