Prop Master

Job Duties

The Property Master, more commonly known as the Prop Master, is in charge of all the properties before, during, and after a production. The Prop Master reports to the Prop Director or is the Prop Director and reports to the Scenic Designer or Technical Director. They find, modify, or create props for a production.

Props are defined as all the items on the stage that actors hold or use in a production and often includes the set dressings. This includes things like furniture, plants, paintings, rugs, etc. When it comes to some props there is much debate about whether particular items are props or costumes. A hat for example could be a prop or a costume and many times is designed by both departments. Say the hat needs to light up and fly away. The hat would be designed by the costume department initially and then modified by props to give it lighting capability and the ability to fly. The Prop Master works with all the departments to make the hat fit the costume and fit the prop of the flying hat.

The Prop Master will first read the script and take notes about the various props needed for the performance. They will talk to the other designers about the artistic goals of the productions and find out the Time and Place where the show is set. It is the goal of the Prop Master to design and produce props that are not noticed. What that means is that they fall into the world of the production in a way that does not highlight the prop, and adds to the story of the production.

Working with the Scenic Director, Director, and Stage Manager to create and maintain a prop list is critical. The prop list helps the Prop Master to see what they need. They will use the list to determine the following:

• What props they have in house
• What props they need to borrow
• What props they will need to modify
• What props they will need to build from scratch

The process of gathering props takes up most of the pre-production time for a prop monster often borrowing from local theatres or renting from prop companies. This can become very expensive so most of the props are created for the specific show. Items are modified, painted, cut, or glued to one another to create a prop that fits the needs of the production.

Some props need to be built from scratch to meet the needs of the production. This is where the Prop Master shines. They will design and eventually build the props with the skills that they have.

Prop Masters are also in charge of storage of the props during the run of the show and long-term storage after the show. During the run of the show they work with Scenic Designers to determine the space available for props to be stored. This is usually some place backstage like on a prop table that will give the actors/stage hands the ability to get them on and off the stage with ease. Some props are set in specific spots for the actors to grab, and it is the job of the Prop Master to ensure they are where they need to be.

Actors are very hard on the props and without fail many props are broken. In a professional theatre the Prop Master knows this, and is prepared with several copies of the props ready in reserve to go on. They will then spend the time they have to the next show to fix and repair the prop that was broken.

Many shows use props that can be dangerous and it is up the Prop Master to maintain safety while the props are in use. Many shows use guns, swords, and knives for shows and in stage combat. The Prop Master needs to train each actor on the proper treatment of these dangerous props. Open flames such as candles and torches on stage are a serious matter and the Prop Master needs to ensure a fire extinguisher is nearby.

Once a run has ended, it is up to the Prop Master to return borrowed props and to inventory and store the props that belong to the theatre. When the theatre is in between shows managing the rental and storage of the props is the primary job of the Prop Master. Managing the inventory is a crucial part of being the Prop Master. They must know every prop that the company has on hand. Knowing what your company has will help save time and money.