Q&A with Prop Making Tutor, India Allin
We chatted to Short Course Tutor, India Allin, about her career as a freelance Prop Maker, Artist & Designer, and what students can expect on the upcoming Prop Making: An Introduction Easter Course.
Who are you? What do you do, what is your background/training?
My name is India Allin, and I’m a freelance Prop Maker, Artist & Designer. I studied BA Theatre Practice: Prop Making at RCSSD from 2015-2018, graduating with a first class honours degree. I stumbled upon prop making after studying visual merchandising for a year at London College of Fashion, where I realised that I was more interested in making the features for displays than actually designing them. I found the RCSSD Prop Making course and absolutely fell in love with making, and found the degree course endlessly interesting and creatively challenging.
Where have you worked?
During my time at RCSSD I did work placements with Glyndebourne Opera House, the Royal Opera House, Lifecast and Manta Ray Props. After finishing my degree I worked as a freelance Prop Maker for Replica Foods, Lifecast, and The Magic of Things (creators of The Cauldron Magical Cocktail Experience and other immersive experiences). I was brought on as a permanent team member at The Magic of Things and worked there until December 2021, working my way up to Head of Props. I also took some private commissions on the side whilst working here.
Since leaving TMOT, I am now working as a Decorative Artist in what is sometimes referred to as a ‘perma-lancing role’ (someone who is self-employed/freelance but works regularly at one company) for Benjamin Raymond, a luxury decorative arts & interiors company. This role gives me stability and creativity, with the luxury of being able to work on other projects when they are available. It’s win win!
What kind of things have you made?
I have made a pretty broad range of props, as is common for most people actively working in the industry. Some standouts include magic wands with integrated technology so they interact with other things (making magic real!), faux taxidermy mythical creature heads that dispensed cocktails from their mouths, prop food, laser-cut and hand-painted signage and scenic elements such as rocky landscapes and crystal caves. I’ve also dabbled in scenic painting and murals, and will be learning more of this in my work for Benjamin Raymond.
What will I make during the Prop Making: An Introduction short course?
Over the four day course we aim to have each student leave with two deliciously convincing items of prop food; a lemon meringue tartlet and a glazed strawberry tartlet. Prop food, in my opinion, is one of the most fun and satisfying things to work on. The possibilities are endless and the parallels to actual cooking are often very evident during the making process. Be prepared to make yourself very hungry whilst doing it!
What can I expect to learn from the course?
The course will cover the following practical skills;
- Sculpting and baking with polymer clay
- Silicone mould-making
- Painting & glazing techniques
- Decorative piping
There will be plenty of opportunities on the course to chat with me and your fellow students about materials, processes and the prop making industry. Speaking with others about their experiences is an excellent way to learn new tips and tricks, discover new materials, and come up with new ideas to develop your practice.
Who is this course suitable for?
Everyone is welcome! The course is suitable for absolute beginners who want to learn some key making skills, either for professional purposes or just for a fun hobby, all the way through to professionals who want to try their hand at prop food or make something for themselves for a change.
What is the course format, e.g. what will each day look like?
The course will run from Monday 11th April - Thursday 14th April from 10am - 5pm, with an hour lunch break each day. It will be held in the main props workshop at RCSSD. At the start of each day I will set out the aims for the day, then throughout the day will be performing demonstrations of the required skills, talking you through the materials and processes. You will be making your own pieces from start to finish, and I’ll be on hand the entire way to advise and guide you.
Prop Making: An Introduction is a 4 day Easter Course held onsite at Central’s Swiss Cottage Campus. The course will led by India Allin.
Dates: Monday 11 April - Thursday 14 April, 4 days, 10am - 5pm
