Props: Head of Department

This document details some of the work generally performed by the Head of Props on major shows. It is not a definitive document as the duties of the Head of Props will always be influenced by the needs of the production and the assigned crew.

Job description

Responsible for sourcing, constructing and organising props for a show. They will often work in collaboration with the stage management team. Specific duties include:

Creating a props list and breakdown of props required in each scene.
Sourcing standby (temporary) props for rehearsal.
Sourcing or creating all show props.
Pre-setting props for performance.
Replacing consumable props.
Carrying out repairs or maintenance as required.
Bumping out all props after the season.

As soon as you are assigned to a production

Get a copy of the script. Read it at least twice, once to just get a sense of it, and again to make an extracted props list. Pay attention to anything referenced directly in the dialogue or stage directions, but also keep a list of props you think could be used. Note down the first and last use of the item, and who uses it.
Meet with the stage manager to discuss the props list. Determine if there are any props of a particularly high priority to rehearsals. Set deadlines for rehearsal props and final props.
Meet with the designer or director to discuss details of the props, such as size, weight, era, and overall style.
Start sourcing props immediately for rehearsals. These may be “stand-by” or rehearsal props only, or they may be the final item. For sourced or borrowed props, make sure you note down exactly where each item came from and the condition it was in, so it can be returned after use.

For each rehearsal session

Every time you bring in a new prop, ensure the stage manager knows about it so it can be used in rehearsals.
Read the stage manager’s rehearsal report to check for any relevant information, and respond to it.

Two to three weeks prior to first performance

Attend any full runs of the show in rehearsal, to see how your props are working. Make any necessary changes.
Create a props plot, detailing where props need to be preset, the first and last use of each prop in the show, who uses each prop, and any changes required during the show (for example, a prop needs to be moved from stage left to stage right during a scene change, or a bottle needs to be emptied at interval).
Create a plan for replenishing any consumable props.
Keep sourcing any props needed.

Two weeks prior to first performance

All props should be finalised and being used in rehearsal by this time.

One week prior to first performance (production week)

Bump in the props. Use your props plot to determine where each item needs to be preset and what is needed in terms of props tables, racks etc.
Mark up the props table/s, by covering the table with butcher’s paper, drawing a box where each item should be placed, and writing in the box what item belongs there. This will greatly assist the preset.
Attend all technical and dress rehearsals, and make any last minute changes. If you will be show crew, you may be required to do things backstage or during scene changes.
Refresh consumable props as required.

For each performance

If you are show crew, arrive at the specified call time and preset all the props. Use a checklist to ensure that everything is preset correctly. If you are not show crew, you may have designated this work to another crew member. Ensure that person knows exactly what to do and is using a checklist.
Carry out any rehearsed backstage or scene change work.
After each performance, ensure the props are stored appropriately. Re-set the props in their preset, knowing that you will need to check them again prior to the next performance.
Follow up with any required repairs or replacements.
Refresh consumable props as required.

After the season (bump out)

Store all props appropriately, or return them to where they were borrowed. Make sure everything is clean and dry before storage.
Production notes archived for future reference
Evaluations and feedback