What is a Props Manager?

A props manager has quite a range of responsibilities since he must supervise the building, making and buying of the props needed for a production. He must also make sure that the props are well-maintained for the duration of the show. All of this requires coordinating many different people, and liaising with carpenters, artists and other staff in the prop department.

Some tasks that are part of the prop manager's job are managing the props budget, making a list of the props needed, ordering or going out to buy props, liaising with the director and production manager, attending rehearsals to assess changes to be made to props, instructing cast members about how to operate or take care of props, and supervising other staff in the props department. Since it is a managerial role, the job demands a variety of skills, but an interest in this career usually stems from a passion for designing and engineering.