You are here: Blog » Theatre Sets
May 20th, 2011
Theatre sets and screen production locations are marred with all sorts of frustrating creative considerations, most of which are formed around the central focus of the audience suspending their disbelief. Take the example of Shakespeare, nobody REALLY expects Puck to fly about the place because we’ve been watching his part be performed on stage (on wires or on the ground) for centuries without thinking “I can see the wires! Rubbish!”
Nonetheless, the right props can help the audience to immerse themselves in the illusion of even the simplest theatre sets.
We supply props to heaps of different types of screen and theatrical productions. Some of our most high profile screen clients include blockbuster movies like The Mummy, Gladiator, Harry Potter, Saving Private Ryan and Stardust. Speaking of Stardust, we also had loads of fun on location with Jane Goldman and Glamour magazine for a Stardust-themed photoshoot!
Our props catalogue is rather extensive (to say the least!), but we reckon it’s the little things that count. Things like the right period detailing (would you remember to make sure a 1908 post box bore the initials “VR” for Queen Victoria?) can add an invaluable finish to theatre sets, movie posters, short films, adverts – you name it!
In terms of making the little things count, we stock heaps of themed bits and bobs like barrels, swords, shop carts, chests, locks, clocks, musical instruments, inkwells, lanterns … you get the picture!
If you’d like a little advice about what props best suit your illusion, get in touch with our expert prop gurus.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, scenery, Stage Props, Theatre Sets
Posted in Theatre Sets | No Comments »
March 5th, 2011
Theatre sets must be particularly infallible in terms of how authentic they appear, available for immediate scrutiny beneath an audience’s eyes and without the editing or re-shooting perks of working on screen. As a rule, they should be dressed as simply as possible to make scene changes and transitions smoother and less chaotic, but with the audience relying on this space to convey important details which could be conveyed with a caption in a film or television show, such as the location and the date of the story’s setting.
Audiences make the unspoken agreement that permits performers to transport them to another time or place, but without any set dressing at all, this can be incredibly tricky. Minimalist shows which mime instead of interacting with props can be hard to follow, trying to work out if the lead character is supposed to be peeling a banana or unscrewing the lid from a jam jar. Being immersed in a set with a real prop to interact with can be beneficial for the actors too, allowing them to forget that they are in a twenty-first century theatre and slip into character with a little more ease. Special designed-for-theatre items, particularly weapons, can also be essential to the integrity of a live performance.
Specialists in helping provide props for film, TV, and theatre sets, at Keeley Hire we have a collection exceeding 500, 000 items, all available for hire. Whether you would like to draw on our vast expertise or know exactly what it is you are looking for, just give the site a browse or contact us.
Tags: Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props, Theatre Sets
Posted in Theatre Sets | No Comments »
February 2nd, 2011
If you want to stage a truly outstanding theatre production you’ll need an outstanding set. In the old way of thinking that would have meant a really well-painted backdrop and a few choice props to add authenticity. These days, however, it takes a lot more than that. Audiences are used to seeing movies on big screens and enjoying lavish productions in high definition and even 3D. You’ll need to do more to engage their attention.
One way of setting your play apart from the norm is to build three dimensional theatre sets. It doesn’t have to be difficult- one or two large, freestanding props can change the whole shape of the stage space. Imagine a garden scene from Oscar Wilde performed in front of a realistic but easy to move fibreglass fountain or Hamlet’s soliloquy in front of a painted castle backdrop with a real set of spiral stairs coming out of it.
We have a large selection of major props, from post boxes for modern street scenes to daleks to sand bags for trench warfare theatre sets. No matter what theme your play or production has, with a little help it will be possible to stage it in a visually striking environment that will capture audience interest right from the moment the curtain goes up. It’ll give actors a framework to interact with and lend extra depth to their performances. We’ve got lamp posts and flagpoles, market stalls and chandeliers, and with them it is possible to create sets that really work.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Theatre Sets, Theatrical Props
Posted in Theatre Sets | No Comments »
January 2nd, 2011
“Good Luck!”… brings bad luck!
Never mind The Scottish Play, when it comes to superstitions, theatrical folk certainly get full marks for effort. Theatre sets are notorious for being full of some of the most unexpected, strict and downright weird superstitions in the business.
Stage Props
Theatre sets and stage props should be free from personal items owned by an actor (hence the necessity of props). Apparently it also brings very bad financial luck to advertise your own play on your clothing. Mirrors on stage are said to be bad luck, although we’re fairly sure it’s more to do with a lighting and set design secret conspiracy (mirrors are notoriously difficult to light and site.) According to die-hard superstitious theatre folk, peacock feathers represent the “evil eye”, casting a curse of chaos on a production.
Colours
Certain colours perhaps suffer an undue reputation as unlucky. Green, for example, probably owes its unlucky status to a bygone time when plays were traditionally performed outdoors… amongst greenery. Thespians would quite literally blend into the background if they wore green.
Luckless blue is another great example; historically, struggling theatre companies would falsely imply prosperity by wearing blue costumes. Ultimately though, this was a pretty redundant practice since a truly affluent company would partner blue garments with silver to cement their prosperous image. Superstition states that silver counteracts blue’s unlucky streak on stage.
And how about yellow? Aside from being the colour of all things sunny and delightful, it’s also the traditional colour of the devil’s costume on stage.
Tags: Props, Stage Props, Theatre Sets, Theatrical Props
Posted in Theatre Sets | No Comments »
December 14th, 2010
An evening at the theatre is still a magical experience. Even in this day and age of cable television and blockbuster films, some of which feature the most dazzling special effects we’ve ever seen. The whole ritual of a night at the theatre is just perfect. Getting dressed up and then maybe dinner and drinks somewhere beforehand, before heading over to watch the play.
Of course, the main thrill is seeing the actors, up close and performing. There’s nothing quite like it, but stop for a moment and think about the unsung heroes who work on theatre sets. The attention to detail and time and effort they go to is absolutely incredible. You might not even notice that period clock, that was researched and sourced by someone, just to create the right period look and feel for that particular seen.
Theatre sets change from scene to scene, so it’s a tough job to get everything just right. Just one play can require any number of props, which all have to be sourced by someone for your entertainment. There’s far more to putting on a successful production than getting the acting right. Of course, the director has a challenging job, but so does everyone else. So much work goes into the lighting, the costumes and the props of course.
So if you have a night at the theatre coming up, try to absorb and enjoy every detail, that has been painstakingly recreated to entertain you. You’ll be amazed by what you notice and when you read the programme notes, spare a thought for the team who put so much work into creating such a perfect evening for you.
Tags: hiring props, Props, realistic theatre sets, Stage Props, Theatrical Props
Posted in Theatre Sets | No Comments »
November 5th, 2010
Theatre sets come in all shapes and sizes, and their cost is also right across the range. From the garishly painted backgrounds used in school productions which cost very little to produce, to the car in the stage production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, which is believed to have cost more than £1 million, stage props are important to telling the story.
Whether you are putting on a West End show or a school nativity play, props are an integral part of the production. Without them, the actors would struggle to carry out their role. Having said that, there are some stage productions which do not use props, preferring instead to go for a minimalist look.
But the majority of productions use props to enhance storytelling, which of course, is the most important aspect. For instance, fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel make good use of stage enhancements. A spooky scene from the play feels even more realistic with a scene in a dark forest hanging in the background. Some actors might also feel more comfortable with inanimate objects with which to interact. If you are in charge of a stage play, think carefully about what you need. Do you think stage props will enhance the production? If so, choose carefully. Whatever you choose, make sure it benefits the show and serves a purpose. And remember, it doesn’t matter if the show is in the West End or at the local community centre – just make the best of what your budget will allow.
Tags: hiring props, theatre, theatre props, Theatre Sets
Posted in Theatre Sets | No Comments »
October 17th, 2010
Props can offer a degree of versatility. Rather than just being a secondary feature of the stage and screen, good props can really elevate a production. If used correctly, they can greatly enrich a play or movie, without overpowering the atmosphere of a production.
Often, theatre sets and props will be out of the actors way, so to speak, and will inhabit the background of a production. However, although theatre sets may not be centre stage, this does not mean that they can’t play an important role. particularly for plays or films which occur in a different time period, props and theatre sets can be fundamental, providing visual cues that can really enhance a play.
Sometimes, however, the background will come to the fore. Rather than just providing contextual cues, theatre sets can actually determine the play and influence the actors – this is a distinction between theatre sets and props, as props tend to be more tactile, and are actively used by actors.
So, why not move the background to the fore, and create a stage set that not only enhances a play aesthetically, but also provides a space where actors can interact more deeply and more satisfactorily.
In fact, such is the diversity of props offered by Keeley Hire – and many at distinctly affordable prices – that it is easily possible to set a scene with lots of authentic looking props, without breaking the bank. Whatever genre of play or film you are producing, we will have something for you.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props, Theatre Sets
Posted in Theatre Sets | No Comments »
August 11th, 2010
Theatre sets are a crucial part of most stage productions, but they often need to be changed in a hurry. For this reason, many stage dressers like to use props which are lightweight and easy to move around, so foam props are often used in the theatre, rather than heavier, bulkier versions of the same object. Props can easily be made from foam and rubber, which are very light but still sturdy enough to look realistic on stage.
If you would like to use foam props in your stage production, you will need to decide whether to buy, make or hire the props. If you are a skilled designer, you could probably make your own props with ease, but, if you are not particularly talented in that area, buying or hiring your props would be a better solution. At Keeley Hire, we have some great foam props at low prices, which may be suitable for your show.
Types of foam
Foam versions of heavy objects should be made with Styrofoam; which is much more ‘solid’ and will give you the desired effect. Styrofoam is particularly good for making prop cars and statues.
Foam rubber is, often, also used to create weapon props, due to its soft but sturdy nature.
When it comes to creating scenery on your theatre set, use flat foam rubber. It can easily be painted to achieve your desired colour and is very flexible. When it is mounted on wood, it becomes much more flexible and can be moved around the stage with ease.
Tags: Movie Props, Prop Hire, Stage Props, theatre props, Theatre Sets
Posted in Theatre Sets | No Comments »
July 30th, 2010
We have been telling stories for thousands of years. The simple story was the chief source of entertainment for a long time, that is, until some great person came up with the idea of staging a play. The play simply improved upon the art of storytelling by making it a much more visual and exciting experience. No longer did you have to imagine how the beautiful heroine would look or wonder how the hero looked as he saved the day, you could see it all. Of course, when the play was first invented, it was in a much more primitive state than the huge productions we see in the West End today, where props and expensive theatre sets are the order of the day. Back then, there would have been few props, and actors would supply their own garments for their parts. Back then, there was still a lot of imagination involved.
Today, however, theatre is an amazing spectacle. Theatre sets are so detailed that you could almost believe you had been transported to another time and place and the actors wear expensive costumes which have been painstakingly created for the role. The actors now use authentic props which look realistic, no matter what time period they are representing. We at Keeley Hire have props ranging from the futuristic to the primitive, available for hire. No expense is spared in creating a new world for the audience to relish and revel in, before coming back down to reality. But, at the heart of this entire spectacle, is still the simple story.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props, Theatre Sets
Posted in Theatre Sets | No Comments »
July 17th, 2010
When putting on a show in the theatre, there are many things to be considered if you wish it to be successful. Of course, you will need great actors and a strong script, but you will also need a convincing theatre set, great props and excellent costumes.
Theatre sets are very important, because they set the scene and paint a picture of the world that the characters inhabit. There are many different variations of theatre sets, some simpler than others, which are used to create a whole new world for theatre goers. They can be futuristic or dark and gothic, but without them, the stage would lack atmosphere and the play’s impact would be lessened as a result.
Similarly, props and costumes are very important aspects of any stage play. The clothes people wear show us a lot about them. The outfits worn on stage can tell us so much; they tell us if a character is rich or poor, conservative or outgoing, and they can also give us a good idea of the time period in which a piece is set.
Props can enrich a character and help the actors to play their roles convincingly. They can show us little quirks a character may have, further the plot, and are often central to the proceedings on stage.
At Keeley Hire, we offer an exciting range of props and theatre sets for hire. Our stock will help to enrich and maximise the audience’s immersion in your production, helping you on your way to success.
Tags: Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props, Theatre Sets
Posted in Theatre Sets | No Comments »
|
