You are here: Blog » Archives for Theatrical Props
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
Posted in 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 »
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
Posted in Theatrical Props | No Comments »
February 8th, 2011
Fire is instantly evocative. Even in modern times when central heating is almost everywhere, there is a kind of romance that can only be conjured up by a roaring wood fire. When it comes to creating an air of mystery, there’s no doubt that candles make better props than battery powered torches ever could.
Using fire with stage props can be very effective. For medieval castle scenes there is nothing quite like a burning brazier or two to set the tone and conjure up exactly the right feel for a dark and gloomy night. They make even a poorly painted backdrop look like ancient stone walls studded with oak and iron.
We have a selection of fiery stage props. There are braziers, candelabra, and both wall-mounted and hand-held flaming torches in the range along with a variety of oil burners and lamps, all of which can be used to lend an authentic feel to medieval and fantasy scenes and add a touch of spectacle to a production. They do particularly well in outdoor performances – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, for example, can be wonderful when staged under the stars.
Fire does always raise safety issues. Plan exactly where the props will be placed and ensure they’ll be easily extinguishable and fully stable at all times. Do consider the regulations before hiring any fire-related props and make sure that all necessary permissions are obtained well in advance. There is nothing worse than having to make fake fire with orange and red tissue paper at the last minute, except perhaps for having the fire alarms go off mid-performance.
Tags: authentic props, Props, Stage Props, Theatrical Props
Posted in Stage Props | No Comments »
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
Posted in Theatre Sets | No Comments »
January 23rd, 2011
It’s not just movie props and theatre sets we can sort out. Some of our clients are in the business of drama education. Of course, every performing company is different, but here’s a little information we’ve garnered over the years based around the fabulous services and benefits of educational theatre.
Theatre education generally takes the form of performance troupes visiting schools and community facilities with the aim of imaginatively informing and nurturing students through performance and interactive plays.
Delivering a Message
In general, education tends to end up being a lot of time spent sat at a desk wishing you were ANYWHERE else in the world. The idea of drama education is to inventively convey messages that perhaps sound trite or ineffective when delivered in a regular teaching fashion.
Chatting with our clients, it seems that theatrical education is largely about creating empathy, promoting tolerance and compassion. Props can play a pivotal role, adding an invaluable element of realism.
Developing Creativity
Imagination is a precious thing. Learning to make creative choices, develop new ideas and interpret concepts resourcefully could lead to a career that sees those same kids hiring our props and theatre sets for their own productions one day.
Opening a Door
Drama education is generally noted for developing empathy, creativity, confidence, communication skills, social awareness and a whole lovely bunch of worthwhile qualities in our kids. Opening the door to a wonderful world of boundless creation, immeasurable enjoyment and lifetime passion.
Tags: importance of props, prop suppliers, theatre, Theatrical Props
Posted in Theatrical Props | No Comments »
January 17th, 2011
The right props can make or break a historical production or photo shoot. In a genre like sci-fi, the audience is living in a world where anything is possible, meaning their suspense of disbelief is arguably a little more lenient than in the case of historical portrayals.
Of course, some periods in history are a little easier to accommodate (check out our “Skins & Furs” section) whilst others require a delicate accuracy and perceptive visuals aimed at fully winning over the audience’s belief. The abstract nature of theatre sets means a little more leeway is generally given (nobody expects TOTAL visual representation). However, productions such as Les Miserables are of note due to their stunning depiction and historical precision through versatile (and downright magnificent) theatre sets.
We’ve catered for a massive range of historically focussed film, theatre, photography and TV productions including Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Larkrise to Candleford, Band of Brothers, Gladiator and Shakespeare in Love. Perhaps the best advice we can give you is to have a clear outline of what props you’re after, but don’t be afraid to let your needs evolve – you never know what you might spot on a visit to our warehouse.
A lot of our clients are like revisiting old friends, so don’t worry about chopping and changing your mind about which props are best for you – we’re used to it. When it comes to prop details and historical accuracy, we understand just how important it is to get things just right.
Tags: hiring props, Prop Hire, Stage Props, theatre, Theatrical Props
Posted in Stage Props | No Comments »
January 8th, 2011
The modern audience is made up some pretty sceptical tough cookies. Visual entertainment such as movies, theatre productions, art photography and TV shows rely heavily upon the audience’s willingness to suspend their disbelief. In the worlds of fiction, audiences are urged to accept proposed realities which would perhaps never arise in the real world. TV/movie props and theatre sets play massive roles in this mutually engaged fantasy.
Continuation within the created world is incredibly important in the industry of fantasy entertainment. Although the semi-conscious decision of the audience to accept specious premises can take you a long way, it’s important to enhance this effect with great acting and believable props.
Screen Fantasy
On screen, you’re up for much tougher scrutiny than on stage. Success is based more innately upon visuals. For example, what would World War 2 representation be without authentic-looking weapons on screen? As powerful as suspension of disbelief can be, it’ll only go so far when movie props and atmosphere are lacklustre and lazily composed.
Theatrical Illusion
Theatre sets can be far more conceptualised than their film counterparts. Theatre audiences are less there for the special effects, and more for the overall atmosphere of a play. Nonetheless, effective props and set design are powerful weapons in the battle for your audience’s attention, imagination and ability to believe.
Screen and theatre audiences can be won and lost based on props and sets. Effective, authentically representational props are the bread and butter of believable production.
Tags: authentic props, hiring props, Stage Props, Theatrical Props
Posted in Props | No Comments »
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
Posted in Theatre Sets | No Comments »
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
Posted in Props | No Comments »
|
