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June 20th, 2010
A scenic designer can sometimes also be known as a set designer or stage designer. Their job is to design theatre sets in an interesting way. Their main aim is to create realistic and atmospheric theatre sets, which enhance a production and allow the actors to perform in a much more convincing manor. The design of the set can be a very important factor in any production. After all, theatre is a very visual medium, and the stage is the first thing to be seen by the audience, setting their expectations for the rest of the show.
Scenic designers have to have a good artistic vision in order to do their jobs well. They initially work in conjunction with the director, in order to establish the tone and atmosphere which they wish to create. The set designer will then come up with a series of sketches from which to work on. Once they have a design in mind, they will set upon building and hiring props and set pieces to be used during the production. Often, set designers will need to do a great deal of research in order to get their designs just right. This is particularly true if the production is an historical piece, because the set designer will need to ensure that every item on the stage fits into the right time period. Using prop hire specialists, like Keeley Hire, is a great way for set designers to find realistic period pieces for their design, without spending too much cash.
Tags: Prop Hire, prop suppliers, Theatrical Props, traditional theatre sets
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June 17th, 2010
Stage props are used on theatre sets by the actors in a play. Props have been around since actors would use props to make their plays more entertaining for audiences in ancient Greece. It was common for ‘theatre groups’ to travel around Greece at this time, and their shows were often huge events. At this time, props were usually supplied by the actors, who would use their own property to flesh out their character. However, some props were communally owned too. These days, props are usually bought outright by the production company, or hired from a company such as ours, at Keeley Hire.
Props are usually defined as objects which are used on stage by actors, but which are not used as part of the set design or costume. This includes objects such as guns, telephones, books and newspapers. However, sometimes clothing and set pieces can be included under the bracket of props. For example, if an actress on the stage was to hold up a cardigan against her body to see how it looked, the cardigan would be classified as a prop rather than costume.
Props are usually sourced by a member of the production team, known as a ‘prop master’. Prop masters often have a tight budget to stick to, so needto be shrewd in their purchases. Props come in many forms, whether they are original vintage items or modern replicas. They vary in price too, and it is often more economical for the prop master to hire, rather than buy, objects for a production.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props, Theatrical Props
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May 31st, 2010
Defining Props
Props are vital to any production, and theatre sets would not be the same without them. Here at Keeley Hire, we stock a vast array of props and set pieces which can be hired at reasonable prices to enhance your production without the hassle of hiring storage space. There are often arguments amongst some artistic directors and set designers as to what constitutes a prop. There seem to be many different opinions on which parts of a set are props and which are not. Most of us would agree that a book or a mobile phone used on the stage is a prop but disagreement occurs when a piece of furniture such as a shelf or a cabinet is referred to as a prop. Some people believe that furnishings are not props, but are in fact design settings.
In reality, it does not matter how we refer to these things. Each item in its own way is a prop. It does not matter whether the item in question can be picked up and used or whether it is a stationary piece of background furniture; it is still a prop which has been placed on stage with a purpose to either further the plot or make it more realistic. It does not matter much whether you would like to refer to them as props or part of the set; the objective remains the same. The props set the desired scene and help the actors and the audience to believe the drama unfolding before them.
Tags: Props, set design, Stage Props, Theatrical Props
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May 6th, 2010
Staging A Play
The decision to stage a play is not one to be taken lightly. A lot of work is required to organise and stage a theatre production, so it’s advisable to take some time to plan and evaluate your situation before taking the plunge.
First, choose a script. This could be an original work specifically written for the occasion, or it could be an existing script. If you opt for an existing script, you will need to obtain the rights to perform the play. This is not always easy, but it’s likely a popular script will attract a larger audience.
Next, you will need to find actors and actresses. Casting a play is one of the most important elements to staging a successful show. You should always audition and get the best actors you can afford. At this point, you will also need a director, make up artists and other backstage production staff.
When everything is in place, you will need to consider your surroundings. Theatre sets and stage props play a vital role in any play. It is important for both the actors and the audience to be in the presence of quality props. For instance, a period piece performed in modern surroundings by actors in modern dress would be a confusing. Money may be tight but you should always go for the best props you can afford. At Keeley Hire, we offer an excellent range of affordable props for hire, which will enrich your setting and help your play to succeed.
Tags: Props, Stage Props, theatre set, Theatrical Props
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February 25th, 2010
It is a commonplace that fashions come and go. This is the case even where the most traditional theatre is concerned. Shakespeare’s plays are still performed today, and it has to be said, are as relevant as they ever were. However, the fashions in how to speak Shakespearean language, how to stage the Bard’s plays and what sets and props to use have altered over time.
For many years, everybody wore ruffs around their neck and got clad in doublet and hose. Nowadays, anything goes as far as costumes are concerned. It might be that everybody is in a black shirt and trousers. They might just wear modern dress or the play may be set in a particular time and place.
Theatre sets are usually avoided with productions of Shakespeare. This is because the settings for scenes fly around the world. Unlike modern plays which often seem to happen inside a single bedsit, Shakespeare’s plays often present wider spaces.
In the 1960s the Royal Shakespeare Company famously reinvigorated Shakespeare’s history plays. They did this with no permanent set, although they did use banners to show, for example, the opposing sides in The War of the Roses. Props became even more important than usual. In particular, weapons had to be both historical and practical.
Many of Shakespeare’s plays suit a medieval setting and we at Keeley Hire have lots of fantastic props and settings to help establish that atmosphere. In fact, however you want to stage your Shakespeare, take a look at the over half a million props we have.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, props suppliers, settings, Theatre Sets, Theatrical Props
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February 11th, 2010
In the United Kingdom, there are three types of theatre; the professional, the amateur and fringe theatre. It is often difficult to know where one stops and another starts and many productions that describe themselves as fringe would not be perceived as such by other people in the industry.
Amateur productions are, some would say, the purest form of theatre. A group of like-minded people from all walks of life who enjoy staging plays. The standard of many amateur productions is as good as the professional theatre. What can make amateur theatre particularly enjoyable is when it is possible to hire in professional theatre sets and costumes. For example, it is possible to hire costumes from the Royal Shakespeare Company. This will often have the bonus of the original actor’s name sewn into the collar. Likewise, progressive firms in the sector will hire out professional theatre sets and props to anyone.
Professional theatre is where the actors and technicians are paid. Fringe is more difficult to define as sometimes those involved receive some money or they may be on what is termed a profit share. This is often accepted as a euphemism for no money at all.
The motivation of people on the fringe is often that they are starting out on their careers and want to get noticed and hired by professionals. This goes for the designer and director as well as the actors which is the reason why it is important that the show looks as professional as possible and why at Keeley Hire we are always happy to help with props, particularly theatrical props.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Theatre Sets, Theatrical Props
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