What is a Prop?

Tuesday 20^th September

Unit: PROPERTIES &TRANSFORMATION

Lecture: Props

What is a Prop? A prop is an object handled by the actor or seen on stage or screen that helps tell us the story.

·         Hand props: props that are used in the performance.

·         Hero props: handled by the actor.

·         Set props: just in the background, not handled direct.

·         Consumables: (food/breakages) has to look like the food of the era and be edible, this is also a prop that has to be made over and over again.

·         Special Effects props: (requiring an unusual performance) these have to be rewired if needed or recreated easily.

·         Practical props: ones that will work when needed.

·         Furniture

·         Lights

·         Set dressing props: one that defines the environment.

·         Greens: up to the prop master to look after if real.

·         Costume props: such as bags, swords, guns etc...

·          

Hero and set props have to be perfectly matched to the era you are trying to create if it has a close up on a film. A successful prop fulfils all the criteria that is demanded of it.

Rules for Theatrical Props Making:

There is no correct way to build a prop

·         Props are generally made with little budget.

·         Theatrical props are made cheaply.

·         What they are made for will determine the level of detail that is required.

Props can be hired, bought, borrowed, made etc...

Props Makers – Props Masters

·         The prop makers make.

·         The prop masters manage (and sometimes make props too)

Knowledge of materials and how they behave is crucial for success in prop making.

·         Your knowledge and understanding of the props to build will come from research.

·         Journals will be a record of this: one that I will constantly refer to.