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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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July 30th, 2011
Props aren’t just for theatre sets! And from Indian Jones’s hat to Luke Skywalker’s light sabre, to Judy Garland’s red slippers from The Wizard of Oz, movie props are big business.
There are plenty of memorabilia and auction sites selling film props – either the real items used on screen or replicas. There are sites dedicated to items from specific genres, like horror films. And there are forums where people can discuss their passions and purchases.
Of course, if you are buying movie props, you need to be sure that whatever you are buying, if it is billed as authentic, is genuine.
Real, screen-used items can be hugely expensive, often fetching thousands of pounds.
If you want to add a touch of movie glamour to your party, without that expense, you could always consider hiring film props to create a theme. This can be a great idea, especially for a surprise party, whether someone you love is a James Bond, Austin Powers or Harry Potter fan.
At Keeley Hire, we’ve been supplying film, TV and theatre sets for decades. Whether you’re a film fan, film maker or creating a themed event, we can help. You’ll love our affordable prices, and with 500,000 items in stock we’re bound to have what you’re after.
Check out our easy to search prop database, and build your own enquiry list online, then register an account. Visit our showrooms, arrange your own collection or let us arrange for a haulier to do the hard work.
Tags: film props, Movie Props, Theatre Sets
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July 14th, 2011
Choosing the props you use for your film or stage production really can make a huge difference to the way your audience views the scenes. If you want the very best in theatre sets and other items which are available from a prop hire company, there is only one place to go.
Keeley Hire has what can only be described as a comprehensive range of props available, all of which will make the difference you need, whether you are involved with film, theatre or a school production. If you have a look at the prop hire section on the website, you will see for yourself just how many props are available.
As an example of this comprehensive range, have a look in the farm section of prop hire items. Whether you are looking for a chicken ark or a farm gate complete with posts, you will be able to hire them from us, and at prices which may surprise you. The prop hire section is alphabetical, so it’s simple to find the prop you need. If you are looking for theatre sets, you will also find some great ideas right here on our website, so why not join the many satisfied customers who have used our services over the years?
If you have watched films such as Braveheart and Gladiator, you will have seen some of the props which were supplied by Keeley Hire, but you don’t have to be involved with a Hollywood blockbuster to get the best prop hire service available!
Tags: hiring props, Prop Hire, prop hire company, Props, Theatre Sets
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July 8th, 2011
If you are looking for high quality props and theatre sets for your production, you need look no further. Here at Keeley Hire, you will find everything you need to enhance your production, whether you are involved with a local theatre group or a major film company.
Keeley Hire have more than forty years experience in supplying all kinds of props and theatre sets, so you can be assured of a great service when you use us. The props we offer range from guns to period vendor carts and everything in between. So no matter what kind of show you are involved with, you are sure to find the perfect props and theatre sets right here.
No matter which end of the entertainment business you are involved with – whether it is a film or a local stage show – the props you use are an integral part of the production. If you get it right, the audience won’t even notice the props, which is the way it should be. Imagine for a moment that one of your actors has to use a gun. If it is obviously a fake, the audience will spot this and you will get laughter when you don’t want it. Bear this in mind if you are thinking of making your own props. Instead, let us supply the props and theatre sets which will look great on your stage, and you can get on with looking after the rest of the production.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Theatre Sets, Theatrical 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 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
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May 8th, 2011
Where would Andrew Lloyd-Webber be without really great theatrical props! The Phantom of the Opera created the Music of the Night, but he’d be hard pushed to pull it together without brilliant period musical prop hire and theatre sets!
We love getting our big, scary, pointy, Halloween prop teeth into new projects (otherwise they might just sit in hygienic storage for the rest of the year, and that seems such a waste!), and our prop theme of the day is…. drum roll….. MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS!
We don’t stock the regular stuff like trumpets and pianos, but we do spend a lot of time listening out for the sound of more obscure instruments like tribal drums, gramophones, cow bells and period brass bells. Our musical props can whip theatre sets, movie locations and party events into an atmospheric musical frenzy!
Take the example of drums (because that way we get to play them a little as inspiration for this blog post), we can supply your production with scores of different drum styles, including ethnic themed, leather, military and tribal drums.
When it comes to really great theatrical and movie atmospheres, we reckon it’s the little details that add that priceless final touch. Take a look through our massive online catalogue of props and theatre sets and choose from our awesome props. If you’ve got something in mind we don’t stock, get in touch and we’ll see what we can do to get you fixed up.
Tags: authentic props, Prop Hire, Props, Theatre Sets
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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
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April 17th, 2011
Putting on a community play can be a fun way to make friends, and a great way to get involved in theatre and gain some acting experience. Here are some tips to help you put on a successful play.
First, choose a script. You can write your own if you want, get a play book from the library, or buy a script online.
Now you need to start holding auditions. Try to get a lot of people involved from different areas of the community—don’t just target one group. Ask if you can put information about the auditions up on bulletin boards, in shop windows, and in your local newspaper.
Try to have a few extra actors on hand to replace people if they can’t make it to one performance, or if they suddenly get sick. Once you have your cast you can start building your theatre sets and gathering your stage props.
If you want, get your whole cast involved in building the theatre sets. Make, buy, or hire your stage props, and get some costumes together.
Now you can start holding rehearsals. Make sure that everyone knows where to be and when. You should try to have multiple rehearsals a week to encourage your actors to memorize their lines, and really throw themselves into their parts.
Rehearse until you feel everyone is ready. If you planned to be done but someone’s not ready, throw in another rehearsal. It’s always better to be prepared. Enjoy the experience, and do your best, and youll probably want to do another play!
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Theatre Sets, Theatrical Props
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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
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