PropertiesPropertiesaka Propsaka Props

PropsProps What are props?What are props?

Props are all things handled Props are all things handled by the actors or used to by the actors or used to “dress” (decorate) the set.“dress” (decorate) the set.

Props help the audience know Props help the audience know the setting, enhance the setting, enhance characterization, aid the actor characterization, aid the actor in stage business, and add in stage business, and add symbolism to the playsymbolism to the play

Props are NOT SceneryProps are NOT Scenery

Props and scenery are NOT the Props and scenery are NOT the same thing. same thing.

Props are something the actor Props are something the actor can pick up and move. can pick up and move.

Props appear moveable on Props appear moveable on stage.stage.

Scenery looks like it is Scenery looks like it is permanent and cannot be permanent and cannot be moved.moved.

Types of PropsTypes of Props Hand props—small items necessary Hand props—small items necessary

to the play’s action that can be to the play’s action that can be carried by the actorcarried by the actor Items like books, letters, dishes, flowers, Items like books, letters, dishes, flowers,

etc.etc. Stage props—large props. Stage props—large props.

Items like chairs, tables, benches, Items like chairs, tables, benches, stools, desks, furniture, etc.stools, desks, furniture, etc.

Trim props—props that serve to Trim props—props that serve to decorate the set.decorate the set. Items like pictures, lamps, clocks, etcItems like pictures, lamps, clocks, etc

Literal vs. ImpliedLiteral vs. Implied Literal props are stated in the Literal props are stated in the

script, usually in the stage script, usually in the stage directions.directions. (Johnny picks up the axe.)(Johnny picks up the axe.)

Implied props are not stated in Implied props are not stated in the scripted, but assumed.the scripted, but assumed. (Johnny is cutting wood.)(Johnny is cutting wood.)

This probably means he needs an This probably means he needs an axe.axe.

The Prop CrewThe Prop Crew Crewhead or Designer is called the Crewhead or Designer is called the

“PROPERTIES MASTER/ “PROPERTIES MASTER/ MISTRESS”MISTRESS”

Responsible for gathering all the Responsible for gathering all the props for the showprops for the show

Begin by reading the script and Begin by reading the script and highlighting all the props need.highlighting all the props need.

Then make a prop list.Then make a prop list.

The Prop ListThe Prop List This is a list of all the props for This is a list of all the props for

the show.the show. Usually includes the prop, the Usually includes the prop, the

page you can find it on, the page you can find it on, the character that uses it, where you character that uses it, where you can get it, and any special notes can get it, and any special notes about the prop (color, things it about the prop (color, things it needs to do, etc.)needs to do, etc.)

Where to get props??Where to get props??

You can get props You can get props several ways:several ways:BuyBuyBorrowBorrowMakeMakeRentRentFind in storageFind in storage