PROPS DEPARTMENT

  The props role requires skills in creativity, research and management. The role includes: Designing, purchasing or sourcing props that are listed in the script or what the director specifically asks for, as well as budgeting, creating, making a props list and identifying needs from a script.

  When making the props list, the first step is to read the script and identify which props are needed for the show. The script also gives information on the prop, such as size, quantity, whether it is used as a display or interacted with... All this information is important as we incorporate this into the designs. We then use our DSM (deputy stage manager) to communicate between departments and the rest of the company in order to see if anyone has that prop that they don’t mind lending. We also use our storage units or props room to find whether we already have the props from previous shows. The information from the script helps with this, as we can see if the prop we have can be used in the show, based on the information we’re given.

  When designing the props, we start with concept drawings, that are shown to the production managers so they can see our ideas. We annotate our designs, such as, the materials that we will need. This goes into the budget which is also shown to the production managers. After receiving the final budget, we base our final designs on this. The new designs are more detailed, using measurements to determine the size.

  The production managers are used to approve designs and ideas, as well as support our work and give us feedback. They may help us in the building process, especially if the prop needs power tools to build it, which we become more knowledgeable on using. We are given the freedom to experiment with different methods that we want to use to build a prop.

  During the show, the main job is to preset props in certain places. Props may be used multiple times, so we use the tech rehearsal to mark which props are used for what scene and whether they’ll be preset or brought on by the cast. The props manager will also manage the props table during the show, making sure that the props are in the right places, so that the person bringing them on knows where they are.

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(Chloe Peigne 2020)

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