Stage props are used on theatre sets by the actors in a play. Props have been around since actors would use props to make their plays more entertaining for audiences in ancient Greece. It was common for ‘theatre groups’ to travel around Greece at this time, and their shows were often huge events. At this time, props were usually supplied by the actors, who would use their own property to flesh out their character. However, some props were communally owned too. These days, props are usually bought outright by the production company, or hired from a company such as ours, at Keeley Hire.
Props are usually defined as objects which are used on stage by actors, but which are not used as part of the set design or costume. This includes objects such as guns, telephones, books and newspapers. However, sometimes clothing and set pieces can be included under the bracket of props. For example, if an actress on the stage was to hold up a cardigan against her body to see how it looked, the cardigan would be classified as a prop rather than costume.
Props are usually sourced by a member of the production team, known as a ‘prop master’. Prop masters often have a tight budget to stick to, so needto be shrewd in their purchases. Props come in many forms, whether they are original vintage items or modern replicas. They vary in price too, and it is often more economical for the prop master to hire, rather than buy, objects for a production.
