Props Designer

Everyone Wants To Play With The Props!

The Properties Designer has the responsibility of creating the items that an actor holds in their hand and:

          a.) Carrying onto the stage.
          b.) Using or consuming while on the stage.
          c.) Taking off the stage.

NOTE: Sometimes if the item comes out of the
costume the actor is wearing...

it may be considered
a costume piece or costume assessory.

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THE PREPARATION
(pre-production work)

Prop Designers are expected to read the play several times and:

1.) Make detailed lists of all the props in the show.
2.) Make notes on where the prop starts in the show and ends up 
     when it it done being used.
3.) Find the place to put the prop tables in the theater space.
4.) Set-up a rehearsal props table (if necessary)- with "rehearsal"
     props
5.) Be present (if needed) to set up and strike the "rehearsal" props.

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THE DESIGN

The main purpose of the prop is to help the audience see the situation being played out on stage more clearly, with more points of reference to time and place.

NOTE: Every show is so different and the props can range from very simple items that you can find in your house to very bizarre items that may be from another time period (past or future) or even from the fantastical  imagination of the playwright.

The Props Designer always::

- Finds images and/or makes initial sketches for the director's approval.

- Gets the budget from the Production Manager

- Breaks down all props that can be pulled from stock first
         a.) Pull all props from storage and check for director's approval.
         b.) Label all the props that work
         c.) Put on the props table

-Breaks down the costs of the following:

         a.) Supplies to make props.

         b.) Any props rentals.  

         c.) Any costumes that can be borrowed.

         d.) Any costumes that can be purchased.

As Props are found, bought, rented or collected from friends and family they are labeled and put on the props table.

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NO ONE BUT THE

PROPS CREW AND THE ACTOR

WHO USES THAT PROP

SHOULD EVER TOUCH THE PROPS

FOR A SHOW!

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The Props Maker

The props that have to be constructed require a person who may have the following background, talents  or skills:
(supplies that may be available can vary)

Metalwork

 Woodwork or carving

Casting and molding

Modelling and sculpting

Painting and Texturing

Upholstery or pillowwork

Computer-aided design (CAD)

Mechanical and electrical engineering

Distressing - using a range of techniques to make an object look old or worn.

 Floral arrangement

 Any so many other craft-related skills