Name:_______ KEY____________

What is a Props Master? Guided notes

Write your reflection in your journal:

What is the importance of a Properties Master in the Theatre business?

What do they do?
Do you think the job is easy? Why or why not?
(5 sentence minimum response)

Respond here:

___Answer will vary _______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Who are Properties Masters?_ The person responsible for obtaining all props needed for the production.

What are props? “properties”; the items handled by the actors during a show.

Props Master vocabulary- Define the following

Rehearsal Props- Props used strictly in rehearsal in order for the actor to develop the character
and the scene’s timing.

Props table- table placed backstage for actors to easily access props during the show

Props Plot- an inventory list of the props in the show

Load in/ load out- moving props/ scenery into and out of the theater space

Hand Prop- small props manipulated by the actors; Carried in the hands of the actor.
Ex:_a book

Scenery Prop-_scenery pieces used by the actors to add levels onstage

Ex:_the stocks in Addams Family, or a chaise lounge in Earnest.

Set dressing-scenery pieces used to create a realistic setting onstage that Might not be used by the actors onstage.
Ex:_sconces, chandelier, framed portrait, floor lamp

Perishables- props used once or twice in a production run. Replaced on a regular basis with a new version of the prop

Ex: A letter that actor has to tear up, muffins for Earnest muffin scene

Identify 3 props from the advertisement.

What type of props are they?

1)______telephone: hand prop_________

2)__vinyl record on the wall: set dressing_____________

3)__7-Up Bottle: hand prop_______________________

Who works with a Properties Master?

__Director_________- Discusses the overall artistic concept for the show.

Stage Manager_____- meets show deadlines with props
_Tech Director ___- discuss needs for props tables and backstage storage areas.
____Set design___-Set Design- discusses measurements of the scenery and scenery props needed
_Lighting_______- discuss lighting instruments used on stage and transitions onstage
__Costumes__- discuss which costumes are props.
___Actors_____- discuss the props’ functions/ necessities/ expectations for the show
___Props crew- discuss props location, expectations, props maintenance, other show requirements
Expected responsibilities- Some of the responsibilities are missing. Fill in the blanks
 Read the script and create a props list from the text.
 Establish the production’s time period.________________________________________________
 Reveal details about a character such as social status, gender or age.
 Create props plot for the show and add specific props mentioned by the crew__________________________
 Create props budget.
 Gather rehearsal props
 Gather show props- pull from storage, borrow from others, purchase, or make the props
 _Collaborate with production crew.
Reflect- Read the following text. Is the tie a prop or a costume piece? Why or why not?
____No, because he manipulates it on set, which puts it in the props category. If he were only wearing it, then it would
be a costume piece._________________________________________________________________________
Peter Pan adapted by Timothy Mason
Act 1 Scene 1 - Nursery. Mrs. Darling tucks Children into bed.
(MR. DARLING rushes in like a tornado, almost dressed, and followed by the servant, LIZA, with his tie.)
MR. DARLING: Here, what’s all this! A little less noise!
MRS. DARLING: Dear, whatever is the matter?
MR. DARLING: Matter? This tie, it will not tie! Not round my neck! Round the bed-post! Oh yes, twenty
times I’ve made it up round the bed-post, but round my neck, oh dear no! Begs to be
excused!
MRS. DARLING: Let me try, dear. Thank you, Liza!
LIZA: Mum. (LIZA curtsies and leaves.)
MR. DARLING: I warn you, mother. Unless this tie is round my neck we don’t go out to dinner tonight,
and if I don’t go out to dinner tonight I never go to the office again, and you and I starve
and our children will be flung into the streets!
(MRS. DARLING finishes tying the tie around Mr. Darling’s neck.)
MRS. DARLING: There you are, Dear.
Props table
Props tables hold hand props for each show that are not already present on stage.
The props crew/ stage managers divide the table up into little "compartments" with gaff tape -- and make squares on
the table with the tape.
Each individual prop is placed in a "box," below it, on the tape, the crew writes what
the prop is and what it's for -- character that uses it and act and scene are optional,
but very helpful.
If you cannot pull up this video, this part will be finished on Monday:

Watch and respond-For the clip, write ten facts you learn about the Props Master life.
1)__Props people learn best by doing.
2)_Prop masters must be resourceful over being an expert. Resourcefulness #1 skill.
3)__Props need to be strong – one props master called it “toddler-proofing.” Because actors BREAK props.
4)_ A good idea is to build a “mock-up” of your actual prop to see how it will work with the actor or on the set (before
you build the real thing)
5)_Efficiency and organization are top priority. Rehearsal notes come in/deadlines change – a props master MUST be
flexible. Change is constant.
6) Stylizing and set dressing are key components to making a set come to life. One must have the eye of an interior
designer. One must also thing about how the prop, set piece will be an extension of the actor(s) who use it.
7)___Problem solving and a no-fear attitude are also key skill sets needed. These are more important than an
impressive portfolio. Flexibility is HUGE; there is constant changing (improving on ideas or working off on new ideas)
8)_Period pieces are harder than modern plays. One needs to research longer.
9)Period plays are more $$$ than modern plays (musicals)
10)_Obie awards are like Tonys, but for Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway.

Journal continued (In your journal respond.) After watching the film, do you think you could be a props master? Did your
perspective change from your original journal entry? Why or why not?

Answers will vary.