| Sourcing |
| It is the rôle of the properties team to source all functional props necessary for the show, a list of which would usually be found at the back of the script. These can range from glasses, plates and cutlery to the more random stuffed ostrich from ‘Just the Ticket’. The simpler items may be found in our scenery store, which also holds many of the larger items used in previous shows such as tables, chairs and sofas. Others can be borrowed from the membership via word of mouth or an advert in the newsletter. If all else fails the local charity shops will usual have something suitable. |
| Sourcing those more complex items may require a bit of initiative, but things as strange as a stuffed ostrich are not usual and someone will usually know someone who knows someone else who is a taxidermist. The key to being good at props is not necessarily literally traipsing around Maidstone looking in Charity shops for items, but is being responsible for making sure that by opening night everything which is needed is where it should be. |
| Whether you source items yourself or delegate out to others to source is immaterial as it is all down to teamwork. |
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| As part of this you will need to ensure that all the actors have their ‘personal props’ – these are those items one might assume would be simple enough for the actor to provide themselves; cigarette or handkerchief for example. It is essential they are made aware of this though in order that nothing gets missed. |
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| During Rehearsal |
| For a show with complex props it is essential that the actors begin using the real things as soon as possible, so that they can get used to them. If sourcing is a problem then a substitute may be used in the interim. How soon props are required at rehearsals will be prescribed by the director but usually by the time the scripts go down. |
| During The Show |
| The minimum necessary for any production is to ensure that at the beginning of each performance everything is in the right place. That letter which is found stuffed between the cushion at the end of Act one and then removed by the actor is put back between the cushions ready from them to accidentally discover it again the next night. There could be nothing worse than the murderer running to the chest of draws, up stage right, at the climax of the show to kill himself – only to find the gun is not there. |
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Musical productions display the extreme of what may be required to be undertaken by the props team. With rapid changes of scene being the norm – any props need to be taken on and off stage with lightning rapidity. The props table will usually be set up in the wings from where actors always know to get any props they have to take on with them and return those they have finished with. A team in these cases is essential to make scene changes slick and chase after actors who have wandered off with a prop that needs to be used by someone else in the next scene. |
One production even required a full cooked meal (note the microwave in the background) |
| For productions where there is no set dresser then the props team will usually take on this rôle in tandem with their own.
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