Using Props 8 th Grade English Drama Unit

Over the past couple of days… We have been learning about improvisational theatre. We have been learning about improvisational theatre. We have learned that you cant always be prepared for what is going to be thrown at you. We have learned that you cant always be prepared for what is going to be thrown at you. In improvisational theatre you have to learn to pretend stuff is there and that you are actually using it. In improvisational theatre you have to learn to pretend stuff is there and that you are actually using it. However, sometimes an actor does and will have something to use. However, sometimes an actor does and will have something to use.

Props The word props is short for properties. The word props is short for properties. This word includes anything brought onto the stage or into the scene, and used by actors. This word includes anything brought onto the stage or into the scene, and used by actors.

The possibilities are endless… Anything, including people, can be used as props. Anything, including people, can be used as props. Lamps, chairs, phones, books, baseballs, dollhouses, food, drinks, decorations, televisions, pool floaties, marbles, duffle bag, weights, fishbowl, water bottle, booties, baby toys, rugs, paintings, curtain cords, board games, salad tongs, DVDs, sword, plaque, goats, other animals, bale of hay, gasoline container, tshirt from AE, dinosaur bones, jars, fake guns, umbrellas…. Lamps, chairs, phones, books, baseballs, dollhouses, food, drinks, decorations, televisions, pool floaties, marbles, duffle bag, weights, fishbowl, water bottle, booties, baby toys, rugs, paintings, curtain cords, board games, salad tongs, DVDs, sword, plaque, goats, other animals, bale of hay, gasoline container, tshirt from AE, dinosaur bones, jars, fake guns, umbrellas….

Set Props Anything that the actor uses that stays on a set is called a stage prop. Anything that the actor uses that stays on a set is called a stage prop. Stage props (sofas, stairs, etc…) do not leave the stage and are visible throughout the scene. Stage props (sofas, stairs, etc…) do not leave the stage and are visible throughout the scene.

Prop Crew A good production will have a prop crew. A good production will have a prop crew. A prop crew is in charge of: A prop crew is in charge of: Organizing a list of needed items. Organizing a list of needed items. Finding, buying, borrowing, etc… those items. Finding, buying, borrowing, etc… those items. Making sure that those items are where they need to be at the beginning of the production. Making sure that those items are where they need to be at the beginning of the production. Making sure that those items are available when the actor needs them. Making sure that those items are available when the actor needs them. Resetting the props after the performance. Resetting the props after the performance. Striking the set when the play is over. Striking the set when the play is over.

Striking a Set Striking a set is basically tearing it down. Striking a set is basically tearing it down. A set crew is responsible for dismantling the set, storing the props, and cleaning up the stage. A set crew is responsible for dismantling the set, storing the props, and cleaning up the stage.

So… What have we learned? What have we learned?

Exercise A: Prop freeze Step one: you will divide into groups of your choosing. (Make sure to include everyone!) Step one: you will divide into groups of your choosing. (Make sure to include everyone!) Decide which persons prop you want to use in the scene. Decide which persons prop you want to use in the scene.

Exercise A: Prop Freeze You will have three minutes to plan three different frozen pictures using the prop as a different object in each. You will have three minutes to plan three different frozen pictures using the prop as a different object in each. For example: For example: A floppy hat may be a dead animal, a present, or a new baby. A floppy hat may be a dead animal, a present, or a new baby. A cell phone could be a candy bar, an object of worship, or a bomb. A cell phone could be a candy bar, an object of worship, or a bomb.

Exercise A: Prop Freeze Was it clear what the prop was supposed to be? Was it clear what the prop was supposed to be? Was the prop the focus of the freeze? Was the prop the focus of the freeze? Did the freeze show action? Did the freeze show action?

Exercise A: Props