What is a Prop and Where can I buy one?
Here is an example of one way to store props on open shelving with labeled containers.
A prop (short for property) is usually defined as any small to medium object that is moved or used by an actor. Here is a list of possible props: a book, a pair of glasses, a keychain, a wallet, a pocket watch, a musket, a cellphone…You get the idea, the possibilities are endless.
Because the work of keeping a show going is generally divided between different departments or individuals, deciding what is a prop and what is not can be very difficult. For instance in some productions the glasses and watch mentioned above could just as easily be considered costume.
Larger items such as chairs, etc. are usually considered set pieces, while stationary objects such as hanging pictures are usually considered set dressing. This is something that will need to be decided so that everyone knows who is responsible for what.
Some props are very easy to find and for most modern productions the majority of the things you need you will have or be able to borrow. For the hard to find or expensive things try a little bargain hunting. I like to go to garage sales and rummage sales. Thrift stores , junk stores, and flea markets are also good sources for many things. If you look long enough you can buy almost anything used! You’ll save a lot of money and have a lot of fun in the process.
I recommend you take pictures, drawings, or notes about the items you are looking for with you on your shopping safari. I cannot count the number of times that I have left my list and ended up going back out for things that I had walked right by. Bringing a digital camera with you is not a bad idea either. You never know what you might see something that you are unsure of and need to run it by the director or stage manager. In most cases used merchandise is non returnable so make sure before you buy.
If the item you need is particularly important be sure you look early sometimes the simplest thing becomes the hardest if you wait until the last minute. We once waited until three weeks after Easter to look for white gloves only to end up in a specialty store paying double what they would have been if we had tried earlier. Be sure that you have some place to store all of the precious things you will begin collecting because most props are reusable again and again.
Need to build props? Look here for more info.
A prop (short for property) is usually defined as any small to medium object that is moved or used by an actor. Here is a list of possible props: a book, a pair of glasses, a keychain, a wallet, a pocket watch, a musket, a cellphone…You get the idea, the possibilities are endless.
Because the work of keeping a show going is generally divided between different departments or individuals, deciding what is a prop and what is not can be very difficult. For instance in some productions the glasses and watch mentioned above could just as easily be considered costume.
Larger items such as chairs, etc. are usually considered set pieces, while stationary objects such as hanging pictures are usually considered set dressing. This is something that will need to be decided so that everyone knows who is responsible for what.
Some props are very easy to find and for most modern productions the majority of the things you need you will have or be able to borrow. For the hard to find or expensive things try a little bargain hunting. I like to go to garage sales and rummage sales. Thrift stores , junk stores, and flea markets are also good sources for many things. If you look long enough you can buy almost anything used! You’ll save a lot of money and have a lot of fun in the process.
I recommend you take pictures, drawings, or notes about the items you are looking for with you on your shopping safari. I cannot count the number of times that I have left my list and ended up going back out for things that I had walked right by. Bringing a digital camera with you is not a bad idea either. You never know what you might see something that you are unsure of and need to run it by the director or stage manager. In most cases used merchandise is non returnable so make sure before you buy.
If the item you need is particularly important be sure you look early sometimes the simplest thing becomes the hardest if you wait until the last minute. We once waited until three weeks after Easter to look for white gloves only to end up in a specialty store paying double what they would have been if we had tried earlier. Be sure that you have some place to store all of the precious things you will begin collecting because most props are reusable again and again.
Need to build props? Look here for more info.
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