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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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December 14th, 2010
An evening at the theatre is still a magical experience. Even in this day and age of cable television and blockbuster films, some of which feature the most dazzling special effects we’ve ever seen. The whole ritual of a night at the theatre is just perfect. Getting dressed up and then maybe dinner and drinks somewhere beforehand, before heading over to watch the play.
Of course, the main thrill is seeing the actors, up close and performing. There’s nothing quite like it, but stop for a moment and think about the unsung heroes who work on theatre sets. The attention to detail and time and effort they go to is absolutely incredible. You might not even notice that period clock, that was researched and sourced by someone, just to create the right period look and feel for that particular seen.
Theatre sets change from scene to scene, so it’s a tough job to get everything just right. Just one play can require any number of props, which all have to be sourced by someone for your entertainment. There’s far more to putting on a successful production than getting the acting right. Of course, the director has a challenging job, but so does everyone else. So much work goes into the lighting, the costumes and the props of course.
So if you have a night at the theatre coming up, try to absorb and enjoy every detail, that has been painstakingly recreated to entertain you. You’ll be amazed by what you notice and when you read the programme notes, spare a thought for the team who put so much work into creating such a perfect evening for you.
Tags: hiring props, Props, realistic theatre sets, Stage Props, Theatrical Props
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November 27th, 2010
Although stage props have been used by actors for hundreds of years, the theatre sets used in Shakespeare’s time were a lot smaller than the props you see today when you go to the theatre. Large pieces of scenery were not used in Shakespeare’s plays, mainly because the stage projected right out into the middle of the audience. The scenery which makes up the theatre sets would have blocked the view of the audience, as well as being disruptive to the actors.
If the script called for a particular environment, for example, a cave or a tomb, a curtain at the back of the stage would be opened to reveal what was known as the ‘discovery space’. It was in this space that a set would be prepared in advance, which meant that the audience would not have their view of the play obscured. Smaller items – originally called ‘properties’ from which we derive the term props – would be carried on by the actors. Perhaps the most famous of the Shakespeare stage props is the skull used in Hamlet, but many others were used.
There is just one surviving inventory from an Elizabethan theatre company’s prop store, and this includes a pair of wings, a bear skin, a cage, a golden fleece, two coffins, four crowns (three imperial and one plain), a cauldron and a wooden leg. Stage props have come a long way since those days, but their purpose remains the same, and that is to enhance a story for the benefit of the audience.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props, Theatrical Props
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November 11th, 2010
Stage props are generally pieces of equipment which, because of their nature, are harmless. They are fakes which are used by actors to enhance a scene, but there have been occasions when these fakes have proved dangerous. Twelve years ago, during a performance of I Pagliacci the opera singer David Rendall accidentally stabbed another singer in the stomach with a flick knife. The blade was supposed to be retractable but the mechanism failed and plunged three inches into the abdomen of the hapless actor, who required emergency surgery. The production continued with a replacement baritone and a toy knife.
It seems that when it comes to stage props, actors have to be careful when using knives. In Vienna two years ago, an actor was required to slit his own throat. It was only when he ran the blade across his throat that he discovered the knife he was using was not one of the props, but real and razor sharp. Apparently the audience were impressed by the reality of the blood, which they mistook for one of the stage props. Thankfully the actor survived.
Actors also have to be careful when they are using guns as stage props. Last year, rehearsals for an amateur production of Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’ in Florida ended when an actor shot off the ear of another actor. It seems that the director had assumed the gun used was one of the many stage props on the set. So be careful when using stage props in your production.
Tags: authentic props, Props, Stage Props, Theatrical Props
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November 8th, 2010
If you are involved with a local theatre and intend to put on a production, you will have probably chosen the cast and decided on the play’s staging and arrangements. If it is a period play, you will have to select the costumes for the actors. If you don’t have these outfits already, you can get them from a prop hire store. In fact, these hire companies will be able to help you find whatever stage props you need.
You can visit them yourself but if there isn’t a prop hire company near you, it’s easy to go online to find the stage props you need. Directors have different ideas about which props to use in their productions. Some like to keep them to a minimum, while others prefer to use as many as possible, believing that this enhances the look of the play, both for the audience and the actors.
Whichever option you decide to go for, it’s important to have the props available during rehearsals as this will allow the actors to get used to them. Of course, all of this is dependent upon your budget. Most amateur dramatics companies face this problem, but with a little bit of research they are able to find the best deals in prop hire and other areas which allows them to stage their production. If this sounds like your situation, have a look at the wide range of props available from Keeley Hire and you’re sure to find exactly what you need.
Tags: Props, props supplier, Stage Props, Theatrical Props
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November 2nd, 2010
You’ll have seen them in every film, television and stage show you have ever watched, but the chances are you won’t really notice them. Stage props are intended to get a particular point across to the audience, without the viewer realising that they aren’t actually real. If you don’t notice them, they are doing their job.
Although some props are complicated and sophisticated these days, they have been used by actors for more than a thousand years. In fact, the history of these items dates back to the early Greek dramas, which were performed by actors wearing masks. However, it wasn’t until the 17th century that acting troupes began to use bigger and more realistic props regularly. The term ‘props’ derives from property, and originally referred to items which belonged to the company. So why are they used? Well, they help create the alternate reality of the production and convey meaning to the audience. For example, if a stage production is not using many of them, and a cup suddenly appears, the audience will realise there is something significant about the cup.
There are several different types of props. Hand props are those that are small enough to be held by the actor, such as a pen. Dress props are those that are not worn but add to the costume, such as a briefcase, a brolly or a hat. All of these items help the actors to make a particular point as they tell their story to the audience.
Tags: organising props, Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props, Theatrical Props
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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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October 8th, 2010
Even with the advent of film and tv, the theatre has remained popular. This may be for a several factors. Perhaps it is because there is nothing quite like a live performance, or that plays can be put on with relative ease, even on little or no budget. With this in mind, how do you give an amateur play a touch of theatre magic, without a Hollywood budget?
All staging needs a stage, and therefore it is fundamental that you seek out a suitable venue for your budding production. This could be as sophisticated or as basic as you like. However, there is nothing like a real stage. Therefore, if your budget allows it look to hire out a local venue which is likely to have the perfect stage.
Just as important as the stage are the stage props. Whilst a lot of the costumes and other props can be homemade, there is nothing quite like authentic props to elevate an amateur production. Keely Hire prop hire have a wealth of props available, you’re likely to exactly the kinds of props that will really enhance your production, without breaking the bank.
Just as important as stage props and staging will be your choice of play. Certain modern plays will require permission before you host them publicly, but older plays such as Shakespeare’s works can be run for free. These are still incredibly popular nowadays, and draw in large crowds. They can also be staged with few props, as the stories and dialogue are the focus.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Theatre Sets, Theatrical Props
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September 30th, 2010
While they may have got more elaborate and technologically advanced, theatrical props are by no means a modern phenomenon. Creative individuals throughout the ages have utilised such pieces of equipment in order to bring more reality to the worlds they are creating.
So if you are trying to source the right items for theatre sets or a film you are making, you are in involved in a process that has tested men and women over the centuries. The name props is shortened from theatrical or company property, and was originally used to refer to an object held or used on stage by an actor. These days, however, their use is much broader and applies to movies, radio sets and many other disciplines.
Examples of popular items used by performers over the years, and which fall into this category, are many and varied. These include weapons, tools, masks and everyday objects like newspapers. Those working in theatre in Ancient Greece may have been among the first to use theatre sets that incorporated props to be wielded by people on stage.
Although the nature of such items may have changed over time, the way in which they enhance audience enjoyment and understanding has remained the same. Indeed, it is hard to imagine productions being staged without them. Professionals involved in the making of films and other performance art forms often have very large budgets dedicated to making the most of the objects available to them.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props, Theatre Sets, Theatrical Props
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September 11th, 2010
Searching for those specific stage props for your production could not be easier than it is with Keeley Hire. It is actually a very enjoyable and rewarding process, which sadly cannot be said of other prop hire firms. Simply enter your search terms in the box on our website, enter a reference number if you have one at hand, and pick an item from our extensive A to Z of stage props.
For example, by simply typing in the word military, in an instant, you are offered an amazing selection of authentic and historically accurate, bicycles, ammunition crates, and so much more. Then just click on the item which catches your eye for a detailed description, and add your selection to your list for later. When you have completed your prop hire list, fill in our simple online form and submit your enquiry. We will reply to you almost immediately and provide details of availability and a price quotation. Alternatively, you can search directly through our A to Z list of stage props.
For example, a quick click on the fairground and seaside props reveals a plethora of traditional fairground games, deck chairs, child’s carousel animals, fortune teller’s tents, lucky dip barrels, seaside telescopes and tombolas. Therefore, it is easy to see that you can easily plan your seaside drama in confidence, as we have every prop required in order to provide authenticity. Keeley Hire can give any size or genre of production that professional touch: the best names in the film and television production business trust us as the premier provider of props, so we are confident that we will meet your every requirement.
Tags: Prop Hire, Props, Stage Props, Theatre Sets, Theatrical Props
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