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January 14th, 2012
If you’re looking for great stage props, Keeley Hire is the place for you! We have thousands of different realistic props for use in a wide variety of plays. Need army props or military props? We have made a special list of 58 props following a war and military theme so that if you have a play, event, or party based around this, you can easily find what you need.
We also have many other themes which we have categorised. For instance, if your play is set in the jungle or on a tropical island, you’ll want to check out our Jungle & Native themed props. We have realistic prop alligators, chimps, anacondas, and many other wild animals. We also have head statues reminiscent of those on Easter Island, native masks, tropical trees, and more. Some of the other themes that we have created categories for include the wild west, Christmas, farmyard, Titanic, Space and Sci Fi, and Pirates and Caribbean.
At Keeley Hire, we have been supplying private individuals and companies holding themed events and parties, and for those making films and plays, for more than forty years. Our props are all highly detailed, realistic, and of the highest quality. We are dedicated to providing you with the best possible props for your event at the best hire prices. For more information about hiring from us, or to browse our full collection, visit the main web page and click the Themes tab. Need assistance? Ring us on 01992 464040 or 01992 444584 to speak to a member of staff.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props, themed props
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December 9th, 2011
Staging a play is no mean feat. Indeed, a great deal of work is needed to organise and stage a theatre production, and it is advisable to carefully consider the main aspects before deciding to go ahead and make the magic happen.
Script
The first thing to consider with any stage production is the script. This can either be an existing script or an original work that has been written specifically for the occasion. Although going for an existing script means having to obtain performance rights, the extra effort is normally worth it as popular scripts generally attract larger audiences.
Cast
Once you have settled on a script you will need to find actors and actresses who are able to make the dialogue come alive. Naturally, you should always try and get the best actors that your budget allows.
Props
Once the script and cast are established, you will need to turn your attention to your theatre sets and prop items. Theatre props play a vital role in any play so it is important that any items sourced are of a quality that will ensure the actors and audience are suitably engaged. Again, you should always go for the best prop pieces that your budget can afford.
Here at Keeley Hire, we have a wide range of affordable prop items to suit all types of theatre productions. So, regardless of whether you need contemporary, sci-fi or medieval props, make us your first port of call.
Tags: Props, Stage Props, theatre props, Theatre Sets
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October 14th, 2011
The idea of props is relatively simple. In order to fully engage film, TV and stage production audiences, it is important to make sets as realistic as possible and this involves the use of certain objects to help the actors convey their stories.
However, in reality there is a delicate art when it comes to creating and using the perfect movie and stage props. For example, as strange as it may seem, sometimes real items do not look correct when used in the bright lights of a studio or on stage and it is therefore necessary to exaggerate some of their features and play others down.
Creative experts are adept at coming up with new versions that seem more real than the real things.
Meanwhile, certain objects used by actors have to be altered from their true nature for safety reasons. For example, we have all watched scenes in films, soap operas and so on when characters smash glass objects, sometimes over the heads of fellow performers.
Of course, if this glass were real, serious physical harm would be caused.
But, with the magic of stage props, such problems can be overcome. Rather than glass, crystallized sugar is used to make the objects. This looks real but does not cause the same level of harm.
These are just two of the tricks of the trade. There are many more and so getting the perfect props means choosing providers that know their stuff.
Here at Keeley Hire we have decades of experience in the field and can provide a vast array of items that may be perfect for your needs. Our extensive selection includes everything from horror movie props to Star Trek props.
Tags: importance of props, organising props, Stage Props, star trek props
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October 10th, 2011
School plays have been around for a long time and they are a great way to get youngsters involved in projects they can be proud of. Indeed, in some cases, these stage productions lead to a lifelong passion for acting amongst those involved.
However, often the props used are of a very low quality and are botched together from items lying around in schools and in the homes of pupils.
The good news is, it is now possible to source superb, realistic objects for use on stage by engaging in prop hire. Here at Keeley Hire we offer a vast array of such things at great value prices.
Because of the sheer number of objects we stock, you should not struggle to find the ideal ones for your school’s play. And the best thing is, the process of sourcing the items could not be easier. You can peruse our catalogue online and, once you have found what you are after, you can simply get in touch with our helpful team by phone or email.
Making use of high-quality props can give youngsters a richer experience and it really helps to capture their imaginations. We stock such outstanding items as medieval, Sci-fi and pirate props kids will love.
Interacting with these quality items is great fun for youngsters and it can help to ignite a passion in them for all things theatrical. And of course you are bound to impress their parents when they come to see the productions.
To find out more about our prop hire services, simply take a look around the rest of our website.
Tags: pirate props, Prop Hire, Props, science fiction props, Stage Props
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September 12th, 2011
If you are preparing to present your play to the masses, there’s one thing that needs to be at the top of the agenda: sets. You need to make sure your stage sets perfectly suit the play. A lot of that comes down to which props you use. Having access to suitable options is essential if you want to be happy with the results.
There are several factors you need to consider when considering stage props, with suitability and realism being two of the most important. Some will need to blend into the background, whilst others can become valuable additions to the performance in their own right. Choosing wisely will be essential if you want to give your audience the best production possible. However, finding the most suitable props can be difficult if you’re new to the arena, which is why you need to get in touch with the experts. Us.
We specialise in providing props for stage and screen which will serve as the perfect backdrop to your performance. We cater to all genres, so no matter what type of play it is, no matter its historical setting, we can accommodate. Our range includes everything from medieval armour to military movie guns. Our extensive catalogue means you’ll never need to look anywhere else, so to find the right stage props for you, simply take a look at our collection. You’ll soon be able to give the performance of a lifetime when the time comes.
Tags: authentic props, medieval props, Props, Stage Props
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July 22nd, 2011
In the renaissance era, theatrical troupes travelled Europe, working as co-operatives, pooling resources and sharing earnings. While many actors made their costumes, special items, such as weapons, furniture and hand-held objects, were described as company property, and this term became shortened.
The earliest stage props were stylised hand-held masks, or Onkoi, used in Greek theatre. Today, they symbolise the theatre–the ‘comedy and tragedy masks’.
Many stage props are everyday items. But a prop must “read well”, meaning it must look real to the audience. Many real objects are not well adapted to the job of looking like themselves to an audience, due to their shape, durability, or colour under lights, so some props are designed to look more like themselves than even the real thing does.
And in some cases, a prop is designed to behave differently than the regular version, often for safety reasons. Examples include balsa wood furniture or sugar glass, for realistic breakage without causing harm.
Keeley Hire has specialised in prop hire since the 1830s, and supplies the TV, theatre, movie and themed event industries worldwide. We have 500, 000 items in stock – and can make to order anything we don’t currently supply.
Our database search facility makes it easy to search for whatever your event or production needs – from an umbrella to a plant pot. Build a prop hire enquiry list online, and we’ll confirm availability. We don’t deliver, but recommend experienced hauliers. Visit our showrooms or arrange your own collection, by prior appointment.
Tags: Prop Hire, Stage Props, theatre props
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July 18th, 2011
Whether you’re an amateur drama company or a frazzled teacher charged with producing the school play, the right stage props are crucial. As well as completing the look of a show, these vital components of theatre sets help actors get into character with confidence.
While it can be tempting to ask around for props, this may not produce the range and quality of stage props for your theatre sets you need in time.
Hiring the items your production has to have saves money compared to buying, and you won’t be left wondering what to do with everything you’ve bought at the end of your show’s run.
If you deal with an Internet hire company, you can source all your properties online easily and quickly, and cost-effectively. You’ll be able to find absolutely everything for your show under a single virtual roof, with just a few clicks of your mouse. When time and money are tight, and everyone involved in a production is a volunteer, that can be invaluable.
At Keely Hire, we’ve been supplying movie, TV and theatre sets for generations, and we were originally founded in the nineteenth century. We can supply you with everything mentioned in your play’s script – from a rickshaw to military regalia. Search our easy to use database and email or phone to check availability. Unable to collect and return your stage props? We’ll gladly quote for transport using the transport and courier companies we know and trust.
Tags: Props, Stage Props, theatre props
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June 17th, 2011
Stage productions have long been popular with audiences in many countries around the world. People often love nothing more than watching talented actors, singers or dancers, or all three in the case of a musical, showing off their skills in engaging and entertaining shows.
In order for such events to be a success, it helps if the audiences are drawn into the imaginary world inhabited by the cast for the length of the production. This enables viewers to truly get into the spirit of the performance and to follow the story with greater interest.
One of the crucial things when it comes to making this goal a reality is the stage props used on theatre sets. These days there are many such items to choose from, from exceptionally realistic to over-the-top and comical.
For example, here at Keeley Hire we specialise in the provision of objects like this and so can help you achieve the effects you are after. Indeed, our large warehouse allows us to stock a plethora of provisions, meaning you should not struggle to find exactly what you are seeking.
Putting considerable effort into the stage props used on your theatre sets can really pay off and add a whole new dimension to your production. Indeed, details like this can help make or break your creation, so they should never be underestimated or seen merely as an afterthought.
To find out more about the fantastic array of objects we have, simply take a look around our website or get in touch.
Tags: Props, Stage Props, theatre props, Theatre Sets
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May 30th, 2011
In a recent blog post, we extolled the fantastic virtues of Theatre in Education as a learning tool and experience for young people. As a leading supplier of stage props and theatre sets in the UK, we’ve certainly witnessed a fair amount of folks treading the boards professionally.
But one of our favourite areas of thespian delight is amateur dramatics! Many people partake in this, and it has become incredibly popular in recent years. We support am dram for a number of reasons.
Emotional Outlet
This is particularly valuable in terms of youth work and am dram companies. Young people often benefit from the emotional and creative outlet afforded by amateur dramatics, even if it’s just for a few weeks on a summer course or something similar.
Skill Development
Becoming a better actor or actress, finally conquering your fear of dancing in front of others, voice coaching, social skills – there are tons of ways amateur dramatics can foster valuable skills (and silly ones like learning how to walk on a tightrope – could be useful one day though) in all different types of enthusiast.
Fun
Why did we put this last! The simple pleasure of am dram productions is something we fell in love with the first time we saw our stage props added to the theatre sets of modernised Shakespearean productions. Amateur drama is brilliant, so if you’re an enthusiast or company leader, you can count on Keeley Hire!
Tags: prop suppliers, Props, Stage Props, Theatrical Props
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May 23rd, 2011
Rather than puff this blog entry up with advice about working with children and animals, we’ve decided to make today’s props blog all about…. taxidermy.
We currently carry a rather diverse stock of taxidermy animals, but it’s come to our attention that lots of people are a little uneasy/confused concerning the law of the land and using taxidermy stage props. Here’s a little advice and legal clarification to help you get to know your inanimate furry friends.
The Guild of Taxidermists is an organisation whose members we tend to favour when on the hunt for ethical, brilliantly crafted stage props. The Guild provides comprehensive legal advice to members, meaning we know everything we buy has come from a 100% legally sound background and been created using 100% legally recognised processes.
Of course, there are some things most folks know from the word go e.g. the sale of rhino horn is illegal, so if anyone turns up offering to sell you one, head for the police station! But knowing the right questions to ask and the right documents to see as proof is something we know well.
For example, UK taxidermy law lists numerous animals such as the Big Cats, Elephants, Pandas etc as being on banned lists for contemporary taxidermy (if you want proof, take a look at the taxidermy panda in the London Natural History Museum; it’s bio informs the viewer that the panda’s coat has faded and will not be replaced by a newer version due to the unethical practice of replacement) so we always ask for proof of origin when buying new specimens.
Tags: Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props, Stage Props
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