Kinds of Props
Define "costume prop" and give an example.
Propstume! Any accessory that is part of a costume but isn’t clothing (mask, pocket watch, sword belt, etc.)
Define "dummy prop" and give and example.
Opposite of a practical, doesn’t actually “work”, alarm clock that doesn't ring.
What is the term for someone who builds props?
Props Artisan
What process can be described as "the removal of material"?
Cutting
Describe the importance of "look" in prop design.
Props need to fit the style of the show, be appropriate for time period, locale, place, etc..
Define "practical prop" and give an example.
A prop that functions as you would expect it to (lamp that actually turns on)
What is another name for a costume prop?
A propstume!
What is the term for people who create props out of wood, metal, and plastic?
Props Carpenters
What process can be described as "putting two things together"?
Assembling
Describe the importance of "use" in prop design.
What does the prop need to do during the show? Does it get thrown, stepped on, tossed?
Define "consumables" and give an example.
Things consumed during every performance (food, cigarettes, blood, paper that gets ripped)
Define "breakaways" and give an example.
A prop that needs to be destroyed (might be a consumable), breakable plate
A person who creates props out of fabric, such as upholstery or drapes.
What process can be described as "deforming a piece of material so that it takes on a new shape or surface"?
Bending
Describe the importance of "weight" in prop design.
How does the prop get used? Does the actor throw the prop around? You can't build a gold statue out of gold...
Define "Running Props" and give an example.
Things that need to be replaced regularly (batteries, newspapers)
Define "trim props" and give an example.
Things that hang on the walls like drapes, curtains, blinds, pictures
What is the term for people who create props via sculpting, casting, modeling, etc?
Props Craftspeople
Name all five main Processes.
Cutting, Assembling, Bending, Modeling, Hardening
Identify the reasons for building/buying/modifying.
Buying is cheaper and easier but it might not give you the look you want. You can build from scratch if that thing doesn't exist, or you can buy something that exists and modify it to meet your needs.
What is another name for a rehearsal prop?
A do-fer (because they'll do-fer now)
What is another name for a dummy prop?
Static prop
Why is the term "props designer" not typically used in professional theatre?
Because the scenic designer usually creates the prop designs and gives them to the props coordinator/master.
Name three examples of Combination Processes.
Fabrication, Sculpting, Laminating
Describe the "Project Triangle".
Cheap, Fast, Good. Pick two.