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PROPS by Maggie Freyher
Props are the objects handled by actors or used in dressing the stage
which are carried on set or placed on the set which aren't costumes or
scenery. Props, when used, are an integral part of any play and maybe some
of the audiences don't always notice the props unless we get it dreadfully
wrong and then everyone notices! The props team work hard, have perpetual
headaches, suffer moderate to severe anxiety and experience sleepless
nights.
The size of the team will vary depending on the amount of props needed and
the complexity of the production. The head of the team will usually be
involved from early on by attending rehearsals and production/technical
meetings. We have to know the basics of the script and the characters.
Although some scripts will give details of the necessary props, entrances
and exits and where they need to be if "set", other scripts won't be so it
is up to the props team to work it out for them. Some scripts give some
information only and just when you think you've got it all sorted, it
suddenly becomes evident there is a major prop that has been totally
overlooked and a state of panic occurs.
It is up to the props' team to be au fait with where props need to be at
all times, when they are needed and by whom. This can sometimes involve
back stage sprinting especially if a prop exits one side of the stage,
it's not a job for the unfit or anyone with a serious heart defect. Think
of a rugby player careering down the field, substitute the ball for a prop
and you've got the picture, only we have to do it on tiptoe.
During scene changes we need to get props off the set, relevant others on
and correctly positioned, this can be the cause of some anxious moments
particularly if the scenery has to be changed, remember, it has all to be
done in limited time, in semi-darkness. As a team we will work out who
will take responsibility for getting what props on and off the stage
during the changes to ensure we get the right props onto the set and to
avoid on stage collisions by us dashing about like headless chickens.
The hardest task for the props' team is actually finding the props. We
have a tiny budget so although we may have an idea of exactly what we'd
like, the reality is we have to accept what we can get our hands on. Among
our many attributes are the abilities to plead, beg, bribe and cajole to
temporarily rid people of a worldly possession. With the 1999 production
of August it was hardly surprising that people didn't want to relinquish
their Victorian artefacts so whilst the props were circa 1990s, we tried
our best to stay as closely in the period as we could.
Back stage, the props table/tables will be laid with all the props in the
order, as they will be required. Whilst some actors like to take
responsibility for a particular prop, we still have to check that they
have got it about their person although we do stop short of frisking, it
has been known for an actor to get on stage with the prop in the dressing
room! We do have to remain vigilant over the tables as actors will pick
props up to fiddle with them but worse, will drink any available glasses
of water without realising it's about to go on stage. However many props
are on the tables, there is always available space for any chocolates we
gratefully receive. Being involved within the props' team can make you
bossy, possessive and obsessive, or maybe we're like that anyway!
Some props are determined to make life difficult for us, candles in
particular have the ability to misbehave, no matter how good the quality
of where they've been bought from, they alone will determine whether
they're lit or not and for how long they stay alight. In some performances
lighting of said candle has had to be abandoned so apologies.
It's always a challenge if food or drink is required that may have to be
edible and drinkable. If food hygiene inspectors could see what goes on
sometimes, they'd be horrified, come to think of it that applies to the
actors too! Well, what the eye doesn't see the mind can't fret over.
Getting hot drinks onto the stage at the right temperature doesn't always
quite work out.
On occasions diverse props are needed and we have to be inventive and
creative and those close to us are heartily relieved when, after weeks of
experiments and temper tantrums, we have fulfilled the task and developed
the required prop.
Being involved in props can be a learning experience, is usually fun but
always a challenge.
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