The first step: generate a prop list. Generally combined effort the director, the scene designer, the stage manager and the props manager. The designer has ultimate resonsibility for the look of props, but the director must approve. The stage manager and the director will both make lists of needed props before and during rehearsals, but a good props manager usually generate a list from the script as well. Many scripts have props list is back, and are a good place to start, but realize that this list is usually just the production list from the first time it was done professionally. Your list WILL differ, sometimes a little, sometime a lot. Generating a list, like everything else, starts with the script. In a sense, a type of script analysis is needed. As you read, look for mention of or clues to props by reference in action. Rubrics often mentions hand props, and some hand props IF actor touches them. May mention some dressing in initial set description, but only significant stuff. Incidental dressing rarely mentioned. Action may require props not really mentioned, but inferred. Especially true of older scripts, whose rubrics are minimal or non-existant. Example: Shakespeare may call for a fight scene, but never say they need a collection of weapons to do so, or mention a banquet, which needs food, dishes, etc. This list will be mostly hand props. Other categories come later. Research Once the list is begun (it won't stop changing until the production is over), it is time to do research. The props department, more than most others, depends on the craftsmen to know something about what the real objects would look like. The designers establish the look of the work of other departments and are responsible for props, too, but props often has real primary input into the look of their own work. Props is often expected to know these things. Sources You can check libraries, museums, period paintings, movies, and production photos of other shows. The Internet can be useful, but it is overrated as a source. Info is only as good as who posted it. On other hand, museum sites & gov history sites have lots of good stuff! Check all available sources. Picture Morgue Develope a picture morgue of usual & unusual items. Good ones take years to assemble, so start now. Rehearsal props. Before gathering "real" props. get rehearsal props. Not a good idea to give the real props too early. Actors will be hard on the props they rehearse with, and will destroy them. If you give the real prop too early, expect to replace it. Do not give borrowed or valuable props. Instead, use less valuable, sturdy substitutes, but at least try to supply something that will be similar in size, weight, and feel as real thing. If they work out particular routines with the rehearsal props that won't work with the real thing, there will be trouble. Remind actors that these are after all substitutes, NOT the real prop, and that they will be different. When to give the real prop? That is hard to say. If durable or easily replaced, can be given early. If it's valuable, delicate, hard to repair or replace, or borrowed, then don't give before tech rehearsal. Key props and trick props may be exceptions. You have to decide each time and deal with the consequences.
Created on ... September 25, 2003