Photo Credit: adapted from :mrMark: via cc
When I used to do musical theatre, my dad refused to come backstage. He never wanted to see the props up close or the sets up close. He didn’t want to see the magic.
If an item is not touched by an actor then it is set or set decoration – if it is touched by an actor, be it large or small, then it is a prop!
When you are working with props then there are a few rules and guidelines which you should stick to in order to stay on the good side of every stage manager.
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Props Are Not Toys
A prop is not a toy ….. unless they are actually toys …. then they are toys … but not toys … confused!!??!!Props can be fun, exciting, ridiculous and beautiful and very often are all too tempting to pick up and ‘play’ with. However they can also be very valuable and exceptionally hard to source or make – so repect them!If something does get broken then you need to report is immediately so that the Art department can replace it without delay. -
Only Touch Your Own
As a basic rule if it is not yours then do not touch it.Imagine how stressed you would be if you had to go onstage and the prop you need is not where it should be, or broken. Give others the respect you expect and do not touch, move or play with their props. If something is preset or placed somewhere then its very likely someone is expecting to find it there.
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If Its Edible The Eat It When It Should Be
Never eat or drink a prop until it is needed onstage – this one should go without saying but I have known actors to have a nibble of something, or a swig, before going on stage. This is going to make you a very unpopular actor backstage!Bring your own food and drinks …. and you shouldn’t really be eating in costume anyways!
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Don’t Touch Until It’s Time
Messing around with props, even whan they are your own can often be really distracting and especially noisy backstage. It is also a one way ticket to breaking something be fiddling with it in the wings.If you are loitering with intent at the props table then it is very likely you are in someone’s way and they won’t be able to reach their prop.
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Use Your Props in Rehearsal
Its important as an actor that you get used to handling your props as early as possible. I always ask the stage manager if I can get my props for early rehearsals and if not can get supply me with some kind of stand-in.This is not only useful for me to get used to holding and using the prop but also gives me an idea of when and where it comes on from and how it will get offstage.
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Pre Check
The stage management team will do a pre check to make sure everything is where it should be, but I like to get used to doing my own check too and make sure everything I need is where it should be and in working order.It can also be a good post show ritual to make sure everything you have used has been left where it should be too.Be a smart actor and take care of all of your ‘stuff’ not just of yourself.
Professor John P Palmer’s Theatre Essays
