ORGANIZING PROPS

Once you have props for the show, you need to organize them for the run.  
Keys to this:
Give every single prop a home where it belongs when not being used, 
That is easily checked to make sure nothing is missing.

Means:
One or several props tables. A props table  is simply a large table in the 
wings where props are laid out for use.  Usually covered with heavy paper 
which is divided into sections for each prop, appropriately labeled. The props 
often outlined to make their proper place obvious.  It is then quite simple 
to look over the table to see if anything is missing.

Other options for show props storage include: 
Prop shelves
labeled for props that live there.
Take less room, but harder to check at a glance.

Prop crates,
 Especially good for travelling shows.  Usually not as easy to set up, and 
may be harder to check than tables, but they may be better under some 
circumstances.  

Seeing that props are in place on the props tables are the presponsibility 
of both the props running crew and the actor. 
 The crew does preshow check 
AND
 each actor should be responsible for checking his own personal props. 
Ideally props should always be in their place on the table when not in use.  
The actor will pick them up before an entrance and replace props on the 
table when they exit. 

Unfortunately many actors are not particularly trainable.  Delicate balance 
between letting them get away with this by chasing after them and enforcing 
the rules.  You are often at the mercy of what the director or stage manager 
will permit.  
Some professional shows fine actors who ignore the rules too often, but this 
is not a practical option outside of Equity. The temptation to let a lost 
prop stay lost is not really practical, either.

The key to any system is that there BE a system and that it be easy to check 
and maintain so that props are always available when needed.