In the theatre, when a production is taking place, there will always be a props table backstage. A props table is basically a table that has all of the stage props for the evening’s show placed on it. The actors will take their props from the table before appearing on stage with them. It is important that actors can find the stage props they need to use in any given scene quickly, in order to avoid missing their cue. This makes setting the prop table correctly an important task. Below is a brief guide to setting the props table correctly:
Compile a list of props to be used in the show. You can hire props from a company such as ours at Keeley Hire; we have a vast array of stage props waiting for you.
Then you need to work out the order in which they will be used on stage. Once this is done, you can arrange them on the props table in the correct order, making it easy for the actors to find the right prop at the right time. Heavy props should be placed on the floor for safety reasons.
Many stage managers like to cover the props table with a thick fabric, so that in the event a prop is hastily thrown onto the table, it will not make a loud sound which could disrupt the show. You should also be aware that things can change on stage and you may need to change the order of the props on the table to accommodate this, so keep an eye on proceedings through the night.