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Course: THEA 272 Stagecraft

Properties Procedures (for 4/13/99)

Process in Propping a show

  1. Determine the demands of the action and the play. -Some properties can be the most important items of the visual scene.
  2. Determine the demands of the visual scene. -Must suit period and style of the setting or production concept.
    -Research to determine what the object looks like, how it is constructed, and how it is used. Decide exactly what details have to be duplicated in the show prop.
  3. Determine availability -Sources:
    1. Stock:
      • Can something already in stock be pulled as is, modified, or remade?
    2. Loans:
      • Is something which approximates the requirements available for the borrowing locally? Keep your eyes open and maintain records.
      • Note: Some stores cannot be counted upon because loaned goods can’t be sold as new.
      • Note: Do not borrow the irreplaceable! (See 7 rules below)
    3. Purchases:
      • Would it be worthwhile to purchase the property if it can be obtained? Factors:
      1. Expense of purchase
      2. Savings in time
      3. Availability of expertise for acceptable reproduction.
      4. Requirement for durability
      5. Potential for re-use
      6. Possible purchase of major parts which can be combined less expensively than the completed object.
  1. Construct if necessary
    • Generally, property construction requires an inventive approach.
    • Brainstorm among crew.
    • Refer to scenecraft texts and periodicals, and theatrical catalogs.
    • Scratch-build only if necessary; most properties are modifications of commercial products.
    • Drafting may be necessary for construction of complicated projects, but usually a few sketched plans will suffice.
    • Allow time in the construction to solve problems and modify approaches.
    • Most constructed properties should be scrapped after the show for which they were built unless they are likely to receive substantial re-use:
      • If they were constructed once they can be constructed again
      • Photographs and plans for the property should be retained
      • Storage space is limited and it is unlikely a piece will need to meet exactly the same demands of action and visual scene

Seven Rules of Borrowed Property Management

  1. Record loans
  2. Centralize responsibility
  3. Don’t borrow the irreplaceable.
  4. Give preferential care and security
  5. Return promptly
  6. Give recognition (if desired)
  7. Look out for trophy hunters




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