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Prop

May 14, 2023

For other uses, see Prop (disambiguation).

A prop, formally known as (theatrical) property,[1] is an object used on stage or screen by actors during a performance or screen production.[2] In practical terms, a prop is considered to be anything movable or portable on a stage or a set, distinct from the actors, scenery, costumes, and electrical equipment.[3][4][5]

A prop table backstage for the musical number "Food, Glorious Food" in the musical production, Oliver!

Term

The earliest known use of the term "properties" in English to refer to stage accessories is in the 1425 CE morality play, The Castle of Perseverance.[6][7]

The Oxford English Dictionary finds the first usage of "props" in 1841, while the singular form of "prop" appeared in 1911.[8]

During the Renaissance in Europe, small acting troupes functioned as cooperatives, pooling resources and dividing any income. Many performers provided their own costumes, but other items such as stage weapons or furniture may have been acquired specially and considered "company property".[9][10]

Some suggest the term comes from the idea that stage or screen objects "belong" to whoever uses them on stage.[5]

There is no difference between props used in theatre, film, or television. Properties director Bland Wade said "A coffee cup onstage is a coffee cup on television, is a coffee cup on the big screen." adding "There are definitely different responsibilities and different vocabulary."[11]

Backstage and on stage

 
Props storage room of the Mannheim National Theatre, Germany

During a performance props are set up in order, off stage on a table in an easily accessed area or pre-set on-stage before the performance begins by the assistant stage manager (ASM). The person in charge of preparing, maintaining and acquiring props is generally called the property master.[12]

Types

Most props are ordinary objects. Some may require modification, such as rewiring of lamps to be compatible with dimmers or painting to make an object look used or be more visible from front of house under bright or dim lighting.

Props may also be manufactured specially for the production. This may be for reasons of weight, durability and safety or the item may be unique in appearance and/or function.

Weapons

"Prop weapon" redirects here. For weapons used for simulated combat in LARPs, see Foam weapon.

A prop weapon, such as a gun or sword, can be a replica, a real weapon or a real weapon which has been modified to be non-functional.

To make melee weapons non-functional, swords often have their edges and points dulled. Knives are often made of plastic or rubber or have retractable blades.

Rubber bladed swords and guns may be used by stuntmen or actors where the action does not require detailed or functional weapons, in order to minimise risk.[13]

Use of firearms as props

Main article: Weapons master
Main article: Prop gun

It is common for functioning firearms to be used in film and television productions usually firing blanks.

Due to the increased level of risk it is standard practice for the safe and proper handling and use of firearms as props to be overseen by a specifically trained and licensed professional, usually called the weapons master or armourer.[14]

Although blank cartridges do not fire projectiles, they still have an explosive charge and can cause fatal injury.

Dummy bullets are used if the prop is in closeup and chambered rounds in the cylinder of a revolver are visible to camera. They contain no primer or charge and are only "bullet shaped objects"[15]

Although rare, fatal firearm related incidents have occurred, notably Jon-Erik Hexum on October 18, 1984, Brandon Lee on March 31, 1993, and Halyna Hutchins on October 21, 2021.

Breakaway

Breakaway props are designed to be destroyed or break in use, such as furniture made from balsa-wood or cardboard and windows, bottles and glassware made from sugar glass or resin.[16] Cups, plates or vases may be made from bisque or wax.[17]

Although these are relatively safe a stunt double may replace the main actor for scenes involving their use.

Hero

Hero props are the more detailed pieces intended for close inspection by the camera or audience. The hero prop may have legible writing, lights, moving parts, or other attributes or functions missing from a standard prop.

A hero prop phaser from the Star Trek franchise, for example, might include a depressible trigger and a light-up muzzle and display panel (all of which would make the hero prop more expensive and less durable).

The term is also used to describe items used by the main character.

Money

Although real money can be used,[18] when large quantities are required or the money is to be destroyed, it is usually more practical for facsimiles to be used, which are made to not only look realistic but also comply with counterfeiting laws.[19]

Collecting

In recent years, the increasing popularity of movie memorabilia has elevated many props to the status of prized collectors items. "Screen-used" props can fetch vast sums at auctions and charity benefits.[20][21]

There is also a growing industry in the making of replicas of well known hero props for home display, cosplay or LARP use.

See also

  • Stembridge Gun Rentals, a major supplier of prop firearms to the US movie and television industry from 1920 to 2007

References

  1. ^ Oxford Dictionaries Online 2016-08-17 at the Wayback Machine "old-fashioned term for prop"
  2. ^ Roth, Emily (2017). Stage management basics : a primer for performing arts stage managers. Allender-Zivic, Jonathan, McGlaughlin, Katy. New York. ISBN 978-1-138-96055-8. OCLC 940795601.
  3. ^ Nesfield-Cookson, Mary (1934). Small Stage Properties and Furniture. London: G. Allen & Unwin. p. 11.
  4. ^ Govier, Jacquie (1984). Create Your Own Stage Props. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall. p. 8. ISBN 0-13-189044-1.
  5. ^ a b Harris, Margaret (1975). "Introduction". In Motley (ed.). Theatre Props. New York: Drama Book Specialists/Publishers. p. 7. ISBN 0-910482-66-7.
  6. ^ Hart, Eric (19 October 2009). "First use of "Property" in the theatrical sense". Prop Agenda. from the original on 22 February 2014. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  7. ^ Cook, Dutton (1878). "Stage Properties". Belgravia. Vol. 35. pp. 282–284.
  8. ^ prop, n./6; Third edition, September 2009; online version November 2010. <http://www.oed.com:80/Entry/152851>; accessed 13 January 2011. An entry for this word was first included in New English Dictionary, 1908.
  9. ^ Eric Partridge Origins: A Short Etymological Dictionary of Modern English: Second Edition. Random House 1959
  10. ^ Kenneth Macgowan and William Melnitz The Living Stage. Prentice-Hall 1955.
  11. ^ Wade, Blande (2010). "Through the Eyes of the Property Director". Theatre Symposium. 18: 8. ISBN 978-0-8173-7005-3. ISSN 1065-4917.
  12. ^ Primrose, Jon. "Theatre props table". theatrecrafts,com. Retrieved 28 October 2021.
  13. ^ Coyle, Richard. "A Collector's Guide To Hand Props". RACprops. from the original on 3 June 2009. Retrieved 9 July 2009.
  14. ^ Brown, Dave (18 July 2019). "Filming with Firearms". American Society of Cinematographers. Retrieved 27 October 2021.
  15. ^ Savage, Adam (25 November 2020). "Adam Savage's One Day Builds: Hellboy Samaritan Bandolier!". You Tube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  16. ^ "How breakable props are made for movies and TV shows". Movies Insider - You Tube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21.
  17. ^ "Biscuit pottery/Bisque pottery". theatrecrafts.com.
  18. ^ Molloy, Tim (22 May 2021). "Cinema Law: Can I Film U.S. Currency?". MovieMaker. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  19. ^ Prisco, Jacopo (22 February 2019). "Where does fake movie money come from?". CNN. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  20. ^ Ian Mohr Daily Variety. Reed Business Information, February 27, 2006 "Movie props on the block: Mouse to auction Miramax leftovers" 2007-10-21 at the Wayback Machine
  21. ^ Nevins, Jake (27 November 2017). "The world's most expensive film props and costumes". The Guardian. Retrieved 27 October 2021.

Further reading

External links

  • The Society Of Prop Artisan Managers

May 14, 2023
prop, other, uses, disambiguation, prop, formally, known, theatrical, property, object, used, stage, screen, actors, during, performance, screen, production, practical, terms, prop, considered, anything, movable, portable, stage, distinct, from, actors, scener. For other uses see Prop disambiguation A prop formally known as theatrical property 1 is an object used on stage or screen by actors during a performance or screen production 2 In practical terms a prop is considered to be anything movable or portable on a stage or a set distinct from the actors scenery costumes and electrical equipment 3 4 5 A prop table backstage for the musical number Food Glorious Food in the musical production Oliver Contents 1 Term 2 Backstage and on stage 3 Types 3 1 Weapons 3 1 1 Use of firearms as props 3 2 Breakaway 3 3 Hero 3 4 Money 4 Collecting 5 See also 6 References 7 Further reading 8 External linksTerm EditThe earliest known use of the term properties in English to refer to stage accessories is in the 1425 CE morality play The Castle of Perseverance 6 7 The Oxford English Dictionary finds the first usage of props in 1841 while the singular form of prop appeared in 1911 8 During the Renaissance in Europe small acting troupes functioned as cooperatives pooling resources and dividing any income Many performers provided their own costumes but other items such as stage weapons or furniture may have been acquired specially and considered company property 9 10 Some suggest the term comes from the idea that stage or screen objects belong to whoever uses them on stage 5 There is no difference between props used in theatre film or television Properties director Bland Wade said A coffee cup onstage is a coffee cup on television is a coffee cup on the big screen adding There are definitely different responsibilities and different vocabulary 11 Backstage and on stage Edit Props storage room of the Mannheim National Theatre Germany During a performance props are set up in order off stage on a table in an easily accessed area or pre set on stage before the performance begins by the assistant stage manager ASM The person in charge of preparing maintaining and acquiring props is generally called the property master 12 Types EditMost props are ordinary objects Some may require modification such as rewiring of lamps to be compatible with dimmers or painting to make an object look used or be more visible from front of house under bright or dim lighting Props may also be manufactured specially for the production This may be for reasons of weight durability and safety or the item may be unique in appearance and or function Weapons Edit Prop weapon redirects here For weapons used for simulated combat in LARPs see Foam weapon A prop weapon such as a gun or sword can be a replica a real weapon or a real weapon which has been modified to be non functional To make melee weapons non functional swords often have their edges and points dulled Knives are often made of plastic or rubber or have retractable blades Rubber bladed swords and guns may be used by stuntmen or actors where the action does not require detailed or functional weapons in order to minimise risk 13 Use of firearms as props Edit Main article Weapons master Main article Prop gun It is common for functioning firearms to be used in film and television productions usually firing blanks Due to the increased level of risk it is standard practice for the safe and proper handling and use of firearms as props to be overseen by a specifically trained and licensed professional usually called the weapons master or armourer 14 Although blank cartridges do not fire projectiles they still have an explosive charge and can cause fatal injury Dummy bullets are used if the prop is in closeup and chambered rounds in the cylinder of a revolver are visible to camera They contain no primer or charge and are only bullet shaped objects 15 Although rare fatal firearm related incidents have occurred notably Jon Erik Hexum on October 18 1984 Brandon Lee on March 31 1993 and Halyna Hutchins on October 21 2021 Breakaway Edit Breakaway props are designed to be destroyed or break in use such as furniture made from balsa wood or cardboard and windows bottles and glassware made from sugar glass or resin 16 Cups plates or vases may be made from bisque or wax 17 Although these are relatively safe a stunt double may replace the main actor for scenes involving their use Hero Edit Hero props are the more detailed pieces intended for close inspection by the camera or audience The hero prop may have legible writing lights moving parts or other attributes or functions missing from a standard prop A hero prop phaser from the Star Trek franchise for example might include a depressible trigger and a light up muzzle and display panel all of which would make the hero prop more expensive and less durable The term is also used to describe items used by the main character Money Edit Although real money can be used 18 when large quantities are required or the money is to be destroyed it is usually more practical for facsimiles to be used which are made to not only look realistic but also comply with counterfeiting laws 19 Collecting EditIn recent years the increasing popularity of movie memorabilia has elevated many props to the status of prized collectors items Screen used props can fetch vast sums at auctions and charity benefits 20 21 There is also a growing industry in the making of replicas of well known hero props for home display cosplay or LARP use See also EditStembridge Gun Rentals a major supplier of prop firearms to the US movie and television industry from 1920 to 2007References Edit Oxford Dictionaries Online Archived 2016 08 17 at the Wayback Machine old fashioned term for prop Roth Emily 2017 Stage management basics a primer for performing arts stage managers Allender Zivic Jonathan McGlaughlin Katy New York ISBN 978 1 138 96055 8 OCLC 940795601 Nesfield Cookson Mary 1934 Small Stage Properties and Furniture London G Allen amp Unwin p 11 Govier Jacquie 1984 Create Your Own Stage Props Englewood Cliffs NJ Prentice Hall p 8 ISBN 0 13 189044 1 a b Harris Margaret 1975 Introduction In Motley ed Theatre Props New York Drama Book Specialists Publishers p 7 ISBN 0 910482 66 7 Hart Eric 19 October 2009 First use of Property in the theatrical sense Prop Agenda Archived from the original on 22 February 2014 Retrieved 7 April 2013 Cook Dutton 1878 Stage Properties Belgravia Vol 35 pp 282 284 prop n 6 Third edition September 2009 online version November 2010 lt http www oed com 80 Entry 152851 gt accessed 13 January 2011 An entry for this word was first included in New English Dictionary 1908 Eric Partridge Origins A Short Etymological Dictionary of Modern English Second Edition Random House 1959 Kenneth Macgowan and William Melnitz The Living Stage Prentice Hall 1955 Wade Blande 2010 Through the Eyes of the Property Director Theatre Symposium 18 8 ISBN 978 0 8173 7005 3 ISSN 1065 4917 Primrose Jon Theatre props table theatrecrafts com Retrieved 28 October 2021 Coyle Richard A Collector s Guide To Hand Props RACprops Archived from the original on 3 June 2009 Retrieved 9 July 2009 Brown Dave 18 July 2019 Filming with Firearms American Society of Cinematographers Retrieved 27 October 2021 Savage Adam 25 November 2020 Adam Savage s One Day Builds Hellboy Samaritan Bandolier You Tube Archived from the original on 2021 12 21 Retrieved 2 November 2021 How breakable props are made for movies and TV shows Movies Insider You Tube Archived from the original on 2021 12 21 Biscuit pottery Bisque pottery theatrecrafts com Molloy Tim 22 May 2021 Cinema Law Can I Film U S Currency MovieMaker Retrieved 23 October 2021 Prisco Jacopo 22 February 2019 Where does fake movie money come from CNN Retrieved 1 March 2019 Ian Mohr Daily Variety Reed Business Information February 27 2006 Movie props on the block Mouse to auction Miramax leftovers Archived 2007 10 21 at the Wayback Machine Nevins Jake 27 November 2017 The world s most expensive film props and costumes The Guardian Retrieved 27 October 2021 Further reading EditSofer Andrew 2003 The Stage Life of Props illust ed University of Michigan Press ISBN 0 472 06839 3 Retrieved 2009 01 30 External links EditThe Society Of Prop Artisan Managers Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Prop amp oldid 1104153393, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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