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Sourcing Props:
With Apologies to Will Shakespeare, "All
the world's a stage and everything’s a prop…”
Well if you look at it that way, props should be easy
to find (if you know where to look). Some of the usual sources include prop
shops, thrift stores and your neighbors’ closet. Sourcing props for theatres
is as much an exercise in resourcefulness as it is artistic design.
Start Locally
Not every village and city has a prop shop but most have a collection of independent
retailers that may recognize the potential revenue stream from “Rentals”.
Especially true in antique stores, a merchant may buy a piece, rent it 3 times
then sell it. It’s become a lucrative investment. Ask. “Hi, I was
interested in that 1930’s radio…do you offer rentals for theatre?”
This is an especially useful way to obtain props, as storage of props can
be a daunting, organizational time-suck.
Some bigger cities may have actual prop shops, hard to find in the yellow
pages, but easy to find on the web, use a keyword search that asks for a broad
item and a region (San Francisco). Some cities have privately owned directories
for production. Los Angeles has Debbie’s Book; San Francisco has (www.)The
Propville Directory and New York has Resource Advantage.
Also in your neighborhood are community, school and non-profit theatrical
groups. Some cities have a network or central portal with a list of these.
One way to access props, even costumes and scenery is to trade, borrow or
rent from one of these groups. It’s always been puzzling that we reinvent
the same set piece over and over. Although it’s true that the making
of the item is art in itself, balancing time, budget and quality can easily
be supplemented with rentals or barter.
(As a side bar: production is production and although film, event and theatre
may have slightly different needs, many overlap, be sure to consult other
sources. For example, some local film office or film commissions offer resource
books or list production links on their websites. Make full use of these,
in most cases, the film offices are part of state government and your tax
dollars help fund them)*
Cataloging, space and repair can drain a threatre budget in short order. Use
it, send it back. Neatly Done. Rental from shops like this usually run about
10-25% of the retail price. Longer term rentals can be negotiated; most shop
keepers will work with your budget.
Recycling Props: Good for You. Good for the Environment
One of the realizations acknowledged during the green movement is the observation
by business that they may actuality save money while doing a “right deed”.
Lots of props, materials and supplies can be gathered from local recycling
sources. A longtime favorite of teachers, sources that collect then redistribute
material exist in most mid to large cities. Depots with names like S.C.R.AP.,
house collections from industry. The stock changes constantly, based in donations
but can include anything from carpet to Popsicle sticks; miles of fabric to
egg crate foam. Build the relationship. Something located near a recycling
center; these groups of green minded foot soldiers are sorting, culling and
collecting for your perusal.
In addition, many corporate institutions have opened their doors to the recycling
concept. Imagine if you will, a hotel chain that had an entire division working
hand-in-hand with department heads. As a hotel is remodeled, or restyled (new
doorman uniforms, new dishes for food service, news linens for room) the discard
must go somewhere. How about to your stage? Hilton Hotels is actively practicing
this policy. In one California city, staff offers its remodel discards to
local charities, theatre and event markets. Need 25 Christmas trees, ask someone
in the hotel and restaurant industry.
A different way to look at it- we live in a county of extreme abundance and
often times waste. The easiest way to be ecologically astute, budget conscious
and creative is to use what already exists. All the worlds a stage; and props
are everywhere.
For more information visit www.propville.com
*Some film offices are a subdivision of the CVB’s (convention & visitor’s
bureau) and are funded in varying ways.
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©2008 Dramabiz Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
