You are here: Blog » Archives for Stage Props
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
Posted in Stage Props | No Comments »
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
Posted in Stage Props | No Comments »
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
Posted in Stage Props | No Comments »
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 »
May 11th, 2011
Although many of our clients are theatre types and movie maniacs, we also spend a lot of time dealing with non-industry related folks who are just looking for props to add a little extra magic to various events and celebrations.
Civic Events
Local council events like parades, fairs, street gatherings etc. offer some brilliant opportunities for really great props and set ideas. If you’re not quite sure what’s best for your civic event, do a little research online or get in touch with us for some more personal advice.
Education
Learning through really fun things like role plays and theatrical productions is one of our favourite educational tools (we might be a little biased though!). Keeley prop hire can help create an authentic atmosphere conducive to maximum learning AND maximum fun!
Props can also be used very effectively to illustrate non-animated scenes, depict historical events, demonstrate principles and help students to understand particular events.
Private Parties and Events
Our themed props are particularly popular with party enthusiasts looking to add a little extra life to their parties! Our website is very easy to use, and we’ve gone quite far in trying to make everything as user-friendly as we can to layman prop clients.
Basically, we want all of our clients to feel like they can use our website and services simply and easily. Party props like sci-fi themed bits and bobs, Western items and Halloween specials number amongst our most popular private event and party products.
Tags: hiring props, Prop Hire, prop suppliers, Stage Props, themed props
Posted in Prop Hire | No Comments »
May 5th, 2011
We don’t just interact with production managers and theatre set designers, you know. Our experts have spent a lot of time on theatre sets and at movie locations making sure our props are safe, effective and as useful as possible to everyone involved in the production (even the poor guy who has to lie in the coffin for an entire scene before his one line and gruesome death!)
We’ve been in this crazy business long enough to feel like we can impart our wisdom to on-set newbies and prop assistants, so here are a few basics for folks like extras, assistants and temporary staff.
Patience is a Virtue
Movie and theatre sets are notorious for frayed tempers and tantrums. If you’re working as an extra, for example, avoid the arena of confrontation as much as possible. Take a book, be quiet and do your best not to get caught up in main cast or production team issues.
Every Cog is Important
Replacing the odd awful props assistant or extra is pretty easy, but in a large production it’s essential to remember that every piece of the production mechanism plays a vital role. Do your job properly. Do it sensibly.
Respect Boundaries
Use common sense! We tend to advise our clients that the best place for our props is in a safe, secure location. If you’re not 100% sure it’s ok to play in the prop rickshaw on your lunch break, or dress in the Crown Jewels whilst waiting for a safety certification to clear on set – don’t do it!
Tags: organising props, Props, Stage Props, Theatre Sets
Posted in Props | No Comments »
April 8th, 2011
Choosing the right stage props for your performance depends on a lot of different factors. What time period is the play set in? Are you working with detailed or minimalistic theatre sets? How much money do you have to spend? Here are some thoughts to help you choose the right stage props.
First, read the script thoroughly. This way you will know if the play itself calls for any specific props. Often certain characters need particular articles of clothing, things they keep in their pockets, or things that they will use in various scenes.
Once you know what you absolutely have to have to make the play work, start looking for these props. You can sometimes buy things from charity shops or department stores, but you could also hire some props from a company like Keeley Hire. They offer some amazingly detailed and well made props and theatre sets.
Think about the time period your play is set in as well. For instance, if your play is set in the 1930’s, you don’t want a really modern telephone as a prop. Or, if your play is modern, you probably don’t want to use an antique tea set—unless that is important to the story, or adds something important to the scene.
Try to choose basic background pieces and furniture based on what the characters would like, or what they would be able to afford.
Now that you know what you need and where to get it, you can get started setting up your scenes and rehearsing your play.
Tags: hiring props, Props, Stage Props, Theatre Sets
Posted in Stage Props | No Comments »
April 2nd, 2011
As well as hiring props, making your own stage props is a great way to save some money on any production you plan to do. But if you’ve never made any before, you may not know where to start, or how to find the materials you will need. Here are some tips to help you get started making your own props.
First, make a list of all the props that you will need. Sometimes you will be able to find a few useful items around your home, or borrow some from a friend. Find anything you can before you start making things.
Now figure out what kind of materials you need. For instance, do you expect to build furniture? You will need some wood that’s easy to work with. Try scrap yards, or ask friends with barns or sheds if they have any old scrap wood they aren’t using. Alternatively, but cheap plywood from a DIY shop. Figure out what else you need—ie paint, glue, paper mache, cardboard, fabric, etc.
Now you can start to build and create. If you’re doing a period piece, look at photos online or in magazines to find out what the item would have looked like. Try to replicate it. If you’re doing a modern play, try to make items look like things in your own home, or the home of someone you know.
If you need help making your stage props, enlist the help of your cast. Most people will be glad to help and to do as much as they can to make your production a success.
Tags: Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props, Stage Props
Posted in Stage Props | No Comments »
March 20th, 2011
Stage props are often used by theatre actors to enhance their performances and add meaning to a scene.
Types
There are four distinct types of props used in the theatre. A ‘hand prop’ is small and so can be held by an actor. A ‘dress prop’ adds to a character’s costume without being worn. A ‘rehearsal prop’ is used in place of any real prop that is so delicate or valuable it can only be used for actual performances. ‘Set properties’ are functional items used by actors on the set, such as tables and chairs.
Role
Stage props can have many functions within a theatre performance. Aside from being obvious visual aids, they can also help to convey a story’s subtext and give the audience deeper perception of a character and their motives. For example, a man whose wife has died may carry a keepsake of hers with him at all times. Even though the audience are not informed of this sad event, the infatuation of the keepsake can allude to his great loss.
Significance
The inclusion of props in a theatre production can be invaluable. Not only can they make an audience believe more in the performance they are watching, they can also be used to help convey meaning. For example, if no props are used for the first hour of a performance and a box then suddenly appears, the audience can safely assume that the box will be significant to the story in some way later on.
Tags: hiring props, importance of props, prop hire company, Stage Props
Posted in Stage Props | No Comments »
March 11th, 2011
Any individual in a creative profession knows that the richness of a piece lies in the details. This is why, in the performance industry, it is not simply the quality of the script and the skill of the actors that will sell a production to the audience, but also the almost-invisible details in the screen or theatre sets being used. These innocuous background items add texture and depth to the picture you are presenting to your audience, whether live or otherwise, contributing to the realism that most productions aim to create.
Whether they will remain static or be used in an interactive capacity by the actors, the props in place should look as realistic as possible, helping to immerse the actors in whatever world their characters inhabit and to act as indicators of time and place for members of the audience. When trying to dress movie or theatre sets to create these important effects, it can help to have the knowledge of an experienced hire company at your disposal.
Keeley Hire has been in existence since the 1830s and has a collection of more than 500, 000 items available for hire. We have lent our expertise and our fantastic props to huge movies such as Braveheart, Gladiator, Sweeney Todd, Harry Potter and Stardust, as well as to successful series such as Lark Rise to Candleford and Bleak House. So for the details which give productions distinct and believable appearances as seen in these big-name projects, browse our site and see if we have what you need in our enormous catalogue.
Tags: hiring props, Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props
Posted in Props | No Comments »
|
