Most theatrical shows will require props to enhance their show. The Props Master is in charge of sourcing, making and looking after props. They will design and fill in a working props list by matching props with the script, discussing with the Director, Costume Designers and Actors. Dealing with props for a performance is a creative and rewarding job.
The Props Manager is Responsible for the Props
Depending on the production, the Props Master will acquire and procure a range of props for the show at hand. They will go through the script (noticing the detail) writing down all the props which are needed in each scene by which character.
The PM will also liaise with Directors about their vision for each prop, if some can be eliminated and some introduced in certain scenes. Often the PM will consult other artistic practitioners involved with the show such as Costume Designers and even the Actors themselves.
The Props master would check on the actor’s ability with certain props such as using knives, swords, turning on lamps, filling drinks etc and make them to suit each actor.
The Props Master List Helps Organise Backstage Crew and Actors
The Props Master List is essential in working with a production. A props master list is a system which holds information about props. This helps organise what props to attain, what characteristics they have, any changes needed and where to place them.
An example of a Master Props list is shown here:
Click on the link to download your Google Sheet and Word Sheet
The first column you’d write in the specific prop required, the second write the Act and scene or preset the prop is needed for. Write the script page number when and where the prop is needed.
Write a brief description, which could include liquids needed, the fragility, or a quality of a prop, which the actors may need to know about. Character location is where the item will be picked up from, backstage right or left for example. This could be downstage left or right.
You can also include the pricing of the items, and any changes you want to make. The Google document is editable so you can chop and change your ideas.
Props Can Be Made, Sourced from A Variety of Places
Sometimes props can be utlized in more than just show, such as swords, glasses, lamps, makeup etc. Often these types of props are stored in a specific props warehouse or room. However, often a prop needs to be made for a specific purpose for a specific show. This is where props makers customise props.
For example, In Peter Pan, you may have to make a vine out of specific materials which is suitable for a large stage. However, if you are staging Peter Pan in a small stage/show, you may not need such a long vine, which may take the audience’s focus off the actors and on the scenery, which isn’t the purpose of props.
Props for period pieces, for example a traditional Shakespearean sword, might be completely different from using a switchblade knife in a modern day depiction of the same play. So A modern day switchblade knife would be more appropriate to source.
If you are interested in learning more about what the different types of props are for a show check out my other post here.
How I Have Sourced and Acquired Props for Shows
I have personally sourced many good props from Second Hand stores and Op Shops. I have bought items which suit a specific time period. If I can’t find a piece I will look online such as Amazon, Ebay or as we have here in New Zealand Trademe. I have found many items due to the size of the auction platforms.
Or I have to make props for a show. My latest prop I have made is a puppet, called Binklebonk for a Children’s production called Bad Jelly The Witch by Spike Milligan. I looked up online and Youtube videos how to make my puppet. I bought materials I thought would work and made him. He did take me a few days to make because it was the first time I’d made a proper puppet. But I was pleased with him at the end of the day and he worked a charm on stage. Keep in mind I am not usually a props maker, but dabble.
You may have access to a props maker which is great. You can give them a brief design using measurements and what you want. You could even given them a vision board or range of photos of ideas.
Of course when utlizing a props maker, there may or may not be a cost involved. In community theater you’d probably have people working and making props for free, but in professional theater they will likely charge for their services.
Taking Care of Props
The Props Master is ultimately in charge of the props. But that task may also fall to the Stage Manager. When addressing actors on Health and Safety issues, usually there will be a talk about ask to all people in the production that props have their home on the props table and no-one is allowed to touch them except for the actor who uses them.
It can frustrate actors hugely when someone has misplaced or broken a prop that they were about to use for the show.
Only props are allowed on the props table, water bottles are the responsibility of the cast and they could have a small table provided for these.
The Props Master must check that all items have come back to the props table. They should also check if items need to be replaced such as liquid in bottles, or items placed on stage for the next performance or the second half.
Valuable props such as jewelry and even firearm weapons should be locked away between performances and at the end of the night. This is a legal requirement in many areas.
If something breaks off, make sure you have a tool kit with a range of fix it up things. You’ll probably need cotton and needles, tape, cloth tape, bluetack to keep items fixed on a table (table clothes), scissors the break things which have gotten tangled, among many other things.
Take care of the props, by checking them often to feel for any breakages or lose bits. re-dress, fix or change items where needed.
Typically you’d use a clip board or a folder to hold your Master Props List. Write in the information per scene that you need and start sourcing items.
Any health and safety issues are usually dealt with by the Stage Manager.
What are the Types of Props?
A hand prop is anything the actor uses
A personal prop is anything an actor wears
Set prop is anything which is on the stage/set or in the scene. These could include:
- Furnishings, table clothes, plates, lamps, carpet, ornaments, makeup, clothes and shoes etc.. Of course this should be discussed with the costume department.
However, set dressers would be specifically hired by larger organisations to do this job. Stage managers and their teams might actually dress the stage in conjunction with the Props Master, and Director in smaller productions.
Great Resources for Making Props
If you are interesting learning more about how to make props, check out these sites and videos:
It’s amazing how one piece of paper can tell a huge story.
Props are a fundamental item for most productions for the stage. Props are very important and integral to many productions and the quality and usability is important. Actors need props to anchor them into their character and into the scene.
How you organise your props list and items is up to you. There are tried and true ways of looking after props and making them. Good luck on your journey with making, sourcing and caring for props for your next performance.
If you are interested in costumes and costume design check out my blog post on Cosplay and also and also this link to a great store with amazing Cosplay costumes. I just wished I lived close by!!
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