Inside Backstage

A career in theatre props

Antony is still very involved in the props workshop. Photo credit Pete Le May

Antony Barnett is Head of Props at the Royal Opera House. Hired in the mid-1980s as a prop maker, his role has become more managerial in recent years.

The same make-up can look quite different, according to the actor’s face shape.

Make-up artist for theatre

Sara Tyndall is a make-up artist and wigs mistress in London's West End. She has worked for Mamma Mia, Beauty and the Beast, and is now Head of Wigs and Make-Up for The Lion King.

Veronica Berg trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

A career in stage management

Veronica Berg moved from Sweden to train at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Five years after graduating, she has worked on shows and tours all around Britain and abroad.

Despite advances in theatre technology, brushes and a basic spray gun remain tools of choice for a scenic artist.

Theatre scenic artist

Scenic artists are responsible for painting sets, scenery backdrops and large props, bringing colour to a theatre production. Leila Kalbassi is the Design Assistant/Scenic Artist for the Dundee Repertory Theatre.

The Little Mermaid was one of The Rep's theatre productions.

Lighting up the stage

Lighting technicians set up and operate lighting equipment during theatre productions. Both creative and technical, they can use lights to achieve a variety of effects to dramatically alter the mood and shape of a performance.

Career article

Learn backstage skills at the Technical Youth Theatre.

Learning technical theatre

Theatre would be nothing without people working behind the scenes to bring it alive. Chichester Youth Theatre teaches young people the skills they need to work backstage.

Read more Backstage career articles

Career Templates