This Web site was designed using Web standards.
Learn more about the benefits of standardized design.

Quick Links

E-mail Article Print Article

Fine Arts: Drama


Story image 1_0
432db4bca8ac2

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.

 

screen resolution stats

Sign up for the News Update.


  • privacy policy
  • more info

Back To Top