Technical Theatre: Props

Show Process for Props

Read the script for props, make a props list, research, meet with the director, attend production meetings, gather and deliver rehearsal props, figure out plan of action: BUY, BORROW, PULL, BUILD, watch the budget!, pay attention to rehearsal reports, Load in/Tech, Consumable schedule, Load in the show, Strike!

Building Props: Pros

You can get very specific on a build, Less time "finding" a unique item, Gives you flexibility to make changes on the spot, verses being stuck with a set item that you cannot alter

Building Props: Cons

Can be time consuming, The price of labor is high and needs to be considered, Requires certain skills sets to accomplish an item, Materials cost can be high, Requires a lot more research and planning to achieve

Borrowing Props: Pros

You can reach out to someone who has done the production before and get that "weird" item. Saves tons of time, Creates a connection with another company and fosters more community, Can really make things easier to just "Shop" at another companies props stock, You never know what you are going to find, which can be really fun!

Borrowing Props: Cons

Having to pick up and return, Often items cannot be altered. If you can, they usually must be returned to their original state. (More cost and more time), You are responsible for replacing the item if it is damaged or stolen, You need to have connections at a bunch of places for borrowing to be a viable option

Pulling Props: Pros

Anything in "stock" belongs to the company and is typically free range to use however you need, Easy shopping for basic items you need, ESPECIALLY great for rehearsal props, An easy resource for last minute adds and changes

Pulling Props: Cons

They may not have a good stock so this is useless for you

Buying Props: Pros

Depending on what the item is, buying can often be the cheaper option, Sometimes is faster, both to find and acquire, Less overall headache, You can take a fully made item and just alter it some to match what is needed, You can easily shop around and find the cheapest option online

Buying Props: Cons

Requires a lot of researching and hunting to locate stuff sometimes, Costs can be higher than building (because shipping must be included and considered), Shipping time has to be considered. (Items may arrive way too late, broken, coming from overseas), The item may not be what it appears (for online purchasing) and it will arrive wrong and now time and money have been lost, Untrusted/sketchy websites, Travel time to go and get purchased items