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.
