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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
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February 28th, 2011
There is no reason not to be a perfectionist when it comes to stage props and theatre sets. If you let your guard down over just one or two items there’s bound to be someone in the audience who notices, and once they notice one thing that’s not perfect they’ll notice others. Unfortunately not everyone is content to sit back and watch the magic of the theatre unfold- there are always critics, and critics will be picky.
It is possible to make sure that every one of your stage props is perfect. We keep more than half a million items- almost any item you can think of will be represented in our range somewhere, and usually we’ve got at least two or three different kinds so you can choose the one that suits your play best. You can either browse the most popular items in the range through the web or make an appointment to come into our massive warehouse and pick up everything you need.
In the unlikely event that we haven’t got what you want (and if we haven’t got it, the chance that someone else does is limited), don’t despair. Our specialists can make props for movies and theatre sets to order, so it is possible to get the exact prop for the job. It is, of course, cheaper to hire something we already have but if you are really stuck we’ll do all we can to help, even if that means making custom props just for your play or movie.
Tags: importance of props, prop hire company, Props, Stage Props, Theatre Sets
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February 23rd, 2011
Everyone knows that first impressions do count. That is true at job interviews, true when passing someone in the street, and just as true when it comes to theatre sets. As soon as the curtain goes up it will be obvious whether the viewer can expect a children’s school play, run of the mill amateur dramatics, or something a little more professional.
Costumes, sets, and stage props make a difference, especially in the opening scenes. It doesn’t matter how powerful an actor is. If he or she is dressed in a poorly stitched outfit made by their mum and carrying something that is obviously a children’s toy rather than a serious stage prop the viewer is immediately inclined to be unimpressed. As soon as the audience sees the stage they will begin to expect either a quality performance or a poor showing, and they’ll have made up their minds before the first actor even opens their mouth. Sure, they might be pleasantly or unpleasantly surprised, but there is no doubt that first impressions have an impact.
Theatre sets, costumes and stage props make that first impression so it’s critically important to get them right. Of course, the rest of the production also has to sparkle, but getting the visual details right gives the cast the best possible chance to shine. It helps audiences take the play seriously right from the first moment.
Visual cues also let the audience know what to expect in terms of tone and provide a wealth of information on setting and time period. A picture – or a theatre set – speaks a thousand words before the first line of the play.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props, Theatre Sets
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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
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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
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December 27th, 2010
For many, the theatre still retains an incredible air of magic. There’s nothing quite like a live performance, from seeing your kids in the school play, to a glitzy West End production. And long may it continue. In this age of Xbox and Facebook, computers and smartphones, you could spend all day at work glued to a screen and then come home and plonk yourself down in front of another one. Why not try a night at the theatre instead? When was the last time you went?
It’s always interesting to marvel at the incredible theatre sets. Whether it’s because of the imagination and ingenuity shown by a creative team without much budget for stage props, or because of the sheer, stunning breath taking scale of big productions. It’s an essential part of the magic. Imagine what goes on when the curtains are closed or the lights are dimmed. Putting on a play or a musical is a huge under taking, so let’s not forget about the hard work that goes in behind the scenes.
Stage props can be a nightmare to sort, so more and more theatre companies are turning to specialist suppliers to get them the items that they need. You can imagine some poor guy scratching his head and wondering where he source authentic Edwardian lamp post props from. Well these days, he can just get online and order what he needs. Job done.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Theatre Sets, Theatrical Props
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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
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October 30th, 2010
There’s no denying the importance of props to movies and plays. However, movie props and stage props are not always used the right way. Often, the old idiom less is more can be neatly prescribed to the use of props, particularly on stage.
There are a few ways to use props inadequately, and one of the most common is to crowd the stage or screen. Often, especially in plays, using props sparingly can greatly enhance the drama. Plays that are heavy on dialogue can usually benefit from one or two props rather than a full set on stage.
The other pitfall with props is using props that are not chronologically accurately. This is a particular danger when setting the stage for period dramas, where context is at the fore. When hosting such a play, it is absolutely crucial that you research the kind of props that are suitable for that time period.
Whilst stage props can be inaccurately used or overused, they can also be underused. Especially, if a play is lacking in its other aspects, such as its acting, then good stage props can really drag a production up by its bootstraps and inspire both audience and actors alike.
Whilst it is easy to use props incorrectly, stage props are definitely something that shouldn’t be feared. The simple use of a few well placed props can greatly enhance a production, and make it a winner with audiences. If a prop is visually attractive enough, then it can hold an audience’s attention in certain scenes.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props, Theatre Sets
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October 27th, 2010
No two theatre productions are the same. Therefore, with a view to offering a comprehensive selection of props and movie sets, at Keeley Hire we provide a wide range of different items, perfect for all sorts of productions, for stage and screen.
There is a distinction to be made between theatre sets and props, as props tend to be more tactile than theatre sets, and are therefore a way for actors to interact with both each other and their surroundings.
With props in mind, we offer a wide range of great items which are perfect for all sorts of productions. For example, we have a lot of replica weapons, which are the kind of prop which is essential for some productions. One need only think of the endings to famous Shakespeare plays, from Macbeth to Romeo and Juliet, to realise the importance of weapons within a play, rather than merely as contextual window dressing.
Many productions are also about context, and costume dramas in particular are built around great props. Not only do we have great props ideal for costume dramas of every hue, but we are tried and tested in the field, and have provided props for BBC productions such as Little Dorrit.
It is one of our aims not only to provide high end props, but to also provide props that are perfect for amateur productions or even themed parties. No matter what the event, you are sure to find exactly what you’re looking for at Keeley Hire.
Tags: Movie Props, prop hire company, Props, Stage Props, Theatre Sets
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October 20th, 2010
A lot can be achieved through words alone. This was a skill that Shakespeare had: the ability to set a scene with a few well placed contextual nods. Unfortunately, not everyone has this skill, and it is the nature of modern plays that they are often intensely visual experiences. This can often hinge upon the adept use of stage props and theatre sets. However, by looking to Shakespeare, we can definitely learn a lot about good staging and an adept use of props and theatre sets.
With Shakespeare in mind, many modern incarnations of his plays are set in idiosyncratic time periods. For example, a modern version of Richard III might be set in a time period that resembles late 30s Germany. Whilst this has no bearing on the main thrust of the play, it adds an extra dimension by relating the themes of the play to time periods that we are better able to recognize.
Of course, Shakespeare had its iconic stage props. Memorable amongst these is Yorick’s skull used in Hamlet’s graveyard scene. This is a rare but perfect example of when props can take centre stage in a play, and can practically begin to act themselves. As the scene is based around death and the difficulty of living, the skull serves as a morbid symbol of mortality. It is also a bizarre and grotesque visual, which is likely to hold an audience’s attention.
One of the best things about hosting a Shakespeare play is that they are copyright free. Therefore, you have the whole pantheon of Shakespeare plays at your disposal, even if you are an eager amateur.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props, Theatre Sets, Theatrical Props
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