Props

Props Designer

Responsible for the building, procurement, upkeep, and repair of all props for a particular production in a timely manner within budgetary limits.

Responsibilities

Pre-Production

• Reads and studies the play; attends first production conference at which Director presents his/her interpretation of the play. Discusses possible props with the Director and Production Manager and Technical Director.
• Does research on the period/style of properties (and furniture if the set designer is not responsible for furniture).
• If necessary, obtains a ground plan showing location of all furniture, and notes whatever comments the director and/or designer makes concerning the size, color, style, or function of each piece of furniture or prop.

Rehearsal Period

• Makes a detailed property list. The Stage Manager provides a complete prop list by the "Final Props List Due" deadline outlined on the Department Calendar. Keeps track of the source of props: pulled from Prop Room; borrowed from cast, crew or friends in the community; built in shop; borrowed from merchant; etc. If not bought, built or pulled from stock, Props Designer makes sure the source is thanked in the program.
• The Props Designer is responsible for obtaining all props (and, in some instances, furniture) for the production. The Props Designer lists every prop needed for the production, marks: whether the item will be built, borrowed, rented or bought; the estimated cost; the source (e.g. "stock," "actor's name," "Civic Theatre," etc.); the date of obtaining or completing the prop; and any alterations to borrowed or rented props.
• If necessary, the Props Designer obtains the Prop Shop Road Box from the Prop Shop Student Manager. The Props Designer stocks the Road Box with props as needed and, in conjunction with the Stage Manager, determines its location.
• The Props Designer discusses the budget with the Director and Staff Production Manager and Technical Director and determines if any props will have to be bought or rented. The Props Designer is responsible for making arrangements for purchase or rental with the Department Budget Officer.
• Discusses in detail with Set Designer what each item of set dressing (and furniture, if necessary) should be. Works closely with Set Designer in selecting and approving drapery materials and other set dressing.
• If consumables are used in a performance, the Props Designer is responsible for making arrangements for purchase with the Department Budget Officer. The Props Designer consults with the Director of the production regarding when consumables should first be used in rehearsals.
• Props Designer ensures the safety and sanitation of all props and consumables until such time as the Stage Manager or Running Crew take over this responsibility.
• Attends rehearsals as necessary to note placement and use of props.
• Attends Stagger through/Stumble through/First Run through.
• Ensures that all props are ready by the "Final Props Due" deadline on the Department Calendar
• Submits weekly Production Budget Reports to the Staff Production Manager.