PROPERTY MASTER: PRODUCTION TEAM JOB DESCRIPTION
Attention to Details Separates Mediocrity from Excellence
by Tom McLaughlin
September 18, 2005
The props master is responsible for identifying locating, building, buying, renting, caring for, and returning all set furniture dressings, and props needed for a production. Props include set furniture, set dressings, trim props, set props, hand props, personal props, and greens. The following is a list of specific items that need to be done and a time frame for accomplishing your tasks.
Before Rehearsals Begin
Begun Done
� ____ ____ Read the play.
� ____ ____ Meet with the director to confer about the furniture and props. (The director may wish to change, add, or delete some furniture or props.)
� ____ ____ Make a list of all set pieces (furniture) and every prop needed. List hand props, set props, special effect props, and consumable food items.
� ____ ____ Meet with the set designer. Discuss furniture and props needed for the production.
� ____ ____ Make a final list of furniture and props. Include on your furniture list which act and scene the furniture will be needed and where. Include on your props list WHO will use the prop and in WHICH ACT OR SCENE the prop will be used. Include hand props and set props.
� ____ ____ Divide your main list into sub-lists: 1) furniture and props which can be located; 2) furniture and props your crew needs to buy (including food sued in the play); 3) furniture and props your crew will have to build.
� ____ ____ Make a list of each actor who will sue personal props. List the act and scene where the actor will sue the prop.
� ____ ____ When your lists are complete, type the list. Give one copy to the director and one copy to the stage manager.
� ____ ____ Together with the stage manager make a list of everything your crew needs to do.
� ____ ____ Make a production time line establishing deadline dates.
During the First Weeks of the Rehearsal Period
Begun Done
� ____ ____ Organize a crew and post signs for crew meetings. At your first meeting make a list of crew members and their phone numbers.
� ____ ____ Prepare copies of your furniture and props list for your crew.
� ____ ____ With your crew, inventory available furniture and props.
� ____ ____ With your crew, begin to collect and build the furniture and props that will be used during the run of the show. Store them in a secure place.
� ____ ____ Use the Yellow Pages to locate Salvation Army, Thrift Stores, etc. to buy inexpensive props.
� ____ ____ Prepare a furniture/props budget. Submit it to the director or tech director for approval.
� ____ ____ Check with your director for policy on purchase orders. Do not spend money without authorization. Save all receipts. Present them to the director or tech director.
� ____ ____ Collect "stand-in" rehearsal props for the director and actors to use during early rehearsals.
� ____ ____ After each rehearsal store and secure the rehearsal props.
During the Mid-Rehearsal Period
Begun Done
� ____ ____ Continue supervising the furniture and props construction.
� ____ ____ Watch the show and make notes of when and how the actor uses the props. Indicate that on your master list.
� ____ ____ Meet with the stage manager. Determine when the director will need the real props.
� ____ ____ Arrange for the pick-up or delivery of all stage furniture not in your theatre's possession.
� ____ ____ After each rehearsal, secure the props.
During Technical Week
Begun Done
� ____ ____ Purchase consumable food items used in the performance.
� ____ ____ Assign crew members their jobs for tech week and for the run of the show. Put your expectations for them in writing.
� ____ ____ With your crew, cover a large table with butcher paper. Place the props on that backstage table. With a black marker draw the shape of the prop. Inside the shape write the name of the prop. Add the act and scene where the prop will be used.
� ____ ____ Arrive early for rehearsals with your crew. Set all furniture which needed to be removed. Set out all props either on the props table or on the set. Use your inventory or checklist.
� ____ ____ Test all "practical" props. (Lamps, clocks, running water, etc.)
� ____ ____ When all furniture and props have been set report that to the stage manager.� ____ ____ Check with the stage manager daily to make certain the director has not been added, deleted, or changed a furniture of props.
� ____ ____ After each rehearsal strike all valuable furniture and props and store them in a secure area. Use your checklist to make sure nothing has disappeared. Be sure to check for wear and/or breakage.
� ____ ____ Compliment and thank your crew.
During the Run of the Show
Begun Done
� ____ ____ Arrive early for rehearsals with your crew. Set all furniture and props either on the props table or on the set. Use your inventory or checklist.
� ____ ____ Test all "practical" props.
� ____ ____ When all furniture and props have been set, report that to the stage manager.
� ____ ____After each performance strike all valuable furniture and props and store them in a secure area. Use your checklist to make sure nothing has disappeared. Be sure to check for wear and/or breakage.
� ____ ____ Before closing night, write a letter to the person who will have your position for the next show. Give that person advice based on your experience. File the letter in your 3-ring binder behind your job description.
� ____ ____ Compliment and thank your crew.
During Strike
Begun Done
� ____ ____ Return all rented furniture and props.
� ____ ____ Store all purchased furniture and props.
� ____ ____ Compliment and thank your crew.
� ____ ____ Write any necessary thank you notes and mail them.
� ____ ____ Check out with the stage manager.
