The term 'Props' (short for properties) comes from items being 'the property of the theatre' to be used in performances.
Props are any items that are used during a performance - either placed on stage or used by characters.
Why use props?
Helps to establish location - Where is the drama set? What would be found there? E.g. A scene set in a kitchen might have a kettle, mugs, dishcloth etc on the side
To establish time period - When is the drama set? Props need to be authentic to the time period that a drama is set in. E.g. The type of phone used in a scene can show when the drama is set (I-phone for modern day or a corded landline for 90's)
Give information about a character - status, wealth, occupation, age, interests etc. For example a policeman carrying a baton, a student carrying a folder, a celebrity carrying a designer handbag.
Make the action more realistic or enhance a naturalistic style - E.g. food in a scene, family photos in a living room, bookshelf with books and ornaments rather than a painted flat.
Help to enhance themes within a drama - E.g. A drama that explores a Christian based faith with a family heavily influenced by their faith might have a cross and a statue of Mary on the sideboard. A drama that explores the theme of war might have barbed wire, ammunition, armour and weapons in a scene.
Types of Props
Theatre props can be separated into 3 categories. When describing props in a written exam you must specify which category the prop falls into. There can sometimes be a cross over between the categories, when a prop could be classed as more than one. In that instance you should choose which category you feel it is most suited to.
Set Props
These are props that are positioned on the stage by the stage crew and are designed to 'dress' the set.
These can create setting, relate to theme and enhance the style of the scene (is the drama naturalistic or stylised?)
When describing set props you must give a full description of the actual prop in order for the examiner to picture it. Include any relevant information - colour, size, what it is made out of, from a specific time period?
You must also specify where it is on the stage. Remember your areas of the stage!!!
Personal Props
These are props that are carried and used by a specific character
Personal Props generally give information about that character or a central to the action taking place.
When describing personal props you must give as much detail as possible and describe how it is used or carried by the character.
Costume Props
Costume props are items that enhance the costume of the character. These are items that can sometimes be provided by the costume department OR the props department. In a performance this depends entirely on the demand on each department, if one of the department already has an appropriate item or who is best suited to provide the item.
Costume props can include - Jewellery, watches, walking stick, hats, umbrellas, handbags, armour for example.
When describing costume props you must give full description including where/how it is worn, the quality, time period, colour, etc