Here is a theatre props glossary with 140 terms and definitions that will prove valuable for drama students and teachers.
Prop Design
Prop design and construction in theatre is an art form that combines creativity with practical skill, which is crucial in bringing a theatrical production to life. Props, short for ‘properties’, are used by actors or placed on the stage to contribute to the storytelling and create a believable world within a play. These range from simple everyday objects, like a letter or a teacup, to elaborate and technically complex pieces, such as a magical artifact or a detailed period-specific piece of furniture. Prop design and construction is a collaborative discipline requiring an understanding of history, art, and technology alongside a strong sense of creativity and problem-solving skills.
Prop Creation
The process of prop creation begins with the interpretation of a script, where the prop designer works closely with the director and other design team members to understand the plot, themes, and artistic vision of the production. This collaborative discussion helps determine the required props’ style, period, and functionality. Research is a key element at this stage, involving the study of historical periods, artistic styles, and technical requirements. Once the concept is finalised, the prop designer sketches and sometimes creates detailed models or maquettes, which serve as blueprints for the construction phase.
Prop Construction
Construction of props can involve a diverse range of skills and materials, depending on the production requirements. Prop makers may work with wood, metal, fabric, foam, and an array of other materials to craft items that are not only visually accurate but also durable and safe for stage use. Modern prop-making often incorporates advanced technologies such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and sophisticated mechanical systems, allowing for more intricate and interactive props. The final stage is the finishing process, where props are painted, aged, and detailed to match the artistic vision.
Theatre Props Glossary
Armature: A framework used to support the structure of a prop, especially when modelling or sculpting.
Aging: The process of making a prop look older or worn through various techniques such as distressing, staining, or painting.
Acrylic Paint: A type of fast-drying paint made of pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion, widely used in prop making for its versatility and durability.
Adhesive: A substance used for sticking objects or materials together; in prop making, common adhesives include hot glue, PVA glue, epoxy, and contact cement.
Appliqué: A decorative design made of one material sewn over another, used in prop design for detailing.
Armoury: A collection or supply of weapons or armour, often replicated as props in theatrical productions.
Articulation: The method or manner of connecting parts in such a way that motion is possible, important in creating movable or functional props.
Aerograph: Another term for an airbrush, a small, air-operated tool that sprays various media, often used for detailed painting on props.
Alloy: A metal made by combining two or more metallic elements, especially to give greater strength or resistance to corrosion, used in metal prop construction.
Balsa Wood: A lightweight wood often used in model-making and lightweight prop construction due to its ease of cutting and shaping.
Batten: A long, flat strip of wood or metal used to provide structural support in set and prop construction.
Bevel: To cut the edge of a material, such as wood or foam, at an angle other than 90 degrees, often for aesthetic or fitting purposes in prop making.
Bonding Agent: A substance used to create a bond between different materials, crucial in prop construction for adhering different types of surfaces.
Breakaway: A prop designed to break easily, often used in action scenes or stunts for safety and dramatic effect.
Buckram: A stiff cloth, made of cotton, and often used for shaping or reinforcing parts of props, especially in costume-related props.
Burnishing: A finishing technique that involves polishing a surface to a high shine, often used in metal and leather prop work.
Butt Joint: A simple joint where two pieces of material are joined at their ends without any special shaping, commonly used in basic wood prop construction.
Bulkhead: A structure mimicking a wall, often used on stage to represent rooms or enclosures, and constructed as part of the set design.
Camber: A slight convexity, arching, or curvature (as of a beam, deck, or road).
Canvas: A strong, durable, closely woven cloth used as a surface for painting and in prop-making for backdrops and set pieces.
Carpentry: The art or trade of cutting, shaping, and assembling wood, fundamental in prop and set construction.
Casting: The process of shaping material by pouring it into a mould where it solidifies into a specific shape, used in creating identical props or detailed pieces.
Clay: A natural, earthly material that can be moulded when wet and is used in sculpting original prop designs.
Cleat: A piece of wood or metal attached to a surface as a brace or support, often used in set construction.
Colour Mixing: The process of combining colours to achieve desired hues, especially important in prop painting and finishing.
Consumables: Props that are consumed or destroyed during a performance, such as food, drinks, or paper that is torn or burned.
Cutaway: A prop or part of a set that is cut out or removed to show the inside view or workings.
Dado Joint: A joint where one piece is grooved to receive the piece that forms the other part of the joint, common in woodworking for props.
Decoupage: The art of decorating objects with paper cut-outs, often used in prop making for detailed and intricate designs.
Dowel: A cylindrical rod, usually made from wood, plastic, or metal, used as a structural element in prop and set construction.
Dummy: Non-functional replica of a real object, often used for safety or convenience.
Elasticity: The ability of a material to return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed, important in prop materials like rubber or foam.
Enamel: A type of paint that air-dries to a hard, usually glossy finish, used in prop painting for a durable finish.
Epoxy: A class of synthetic thermosetting polymers used as adhesives, coatings, and for composite materials in prop making.
Etching: The process of using strong acid or mordant to cut into unprotected parts of a material surface to create a design, used in detailed prop work.
Faux Finish: Painting or finishing techniques that replicate the appearance of materials such as marble, wood, or stone.
Fibreglass: A material consisting of extremely fine glass fibres used in prop making for its strength and lightweight properties.
Flame Retardant: A substance that is applied to materials to make them resistant to catching fire, often used in theatre props and set pieces for safety.
Foam: A lightweight material that can be shaped and carved, widely used in prop making for its versatility.
Fret Saw: A tool similar to a coping saw but with a longer frame, used for intricate cutting work in prop making.
Gaffer Tape: A strong, tough, cotton cloth pressure-sensitive tape with strong adhesive properties, commonly used in theatre for a variety of purposes, including securing cables and temporary repairs.
Gauze: A thin, translucent fabric used in theatre for effects like scrims, which can appear opaque or transparent depending on lighting.
Gesso: A white paint mixture consisting of a binder mixed with chalk, gypsum, pigment, or any combination thereof, used as a primer for painting props.
Glaze: A coating of a glossy, semi-transparent substance applied to a prop, often used to enhance its appearance or to protect the underlying paint.
Greens: Natural or artificial plants, flowers, or foliage used as props to enhance the setting or atmosphere of a scene.
Grinder: A power tool used for grinding, polishing, or cutting materials used in prop construction, such as metal or wood.
Groove: A long, narrow cut or depression in a hard material, often created in woodworking or metalworking for prop construction.
Gusset: A piece of material sewn into a garment or used in prop-making to strengthen or enlarge a part, or to distribute a load.
Hammer: A tool with a heavy head and a handle, used for driving nails, breaking objects, and other tasks in prop construction.
Hand props: Small, portable objects handled by actors during a performance, such as books, glasses, or weapons.
Handling: The proper techniques for handling, moving, and storing props to ensure their longevity and functionality.
Hardware: Metal tools, fasteners, and other metal items used in constructing and assembling props.
Hero Prop: Prominent, highly detailed, or important props that are featured prominently in a production or used in close-up shots.
Hessian: A strong, coarse fabric made from hemp or jute, often used in creating rustic or period-specific props.
Hinge: A mechanical bearing that connects two solid objects, typically allowing only a limited angle of rotation between them, used in props that require movement.
Hot Glue Gun: A tool that heats and dispenses a polymer adhesive for quick, strong bonding in prop making.
Hot Wire Cutter: A tool used to cut polystyrene foam and similar materials, commonly used in sculptural prop work.
Hydraulic: Relating to the movement of water or other fluids, used in some advanced prop mechanisms to simulate movement.
Inlay: A decorative technique that involves inserting pieces of contrasting material into depressions in a base object, often used in detailed prop and set design.
Ironmongery: The manufacture and distribution of iron goods, referring to the use of metal components in prop construction.
Ivory: Traditionally, a material derived from elephant tusks, but in modern prop making, often replicated using synthetic materials for ethical reasons.
Jig: A custom-made tool used to control the location and motion of another tool, facilitating accuracy and repeatability in prop construction.
Joint Compound: A material used to finish and smooth seams and corners in drywall, which can also be used in prop construction for similar finishing purposes.
Joinery: The art or craft of connecting and securing the joints in wood or metal, a fundamental skill in prop making.
Kerf: The cut or channel made by a saw or other cutting tool in a piece of wood, important in understanding the material removal process in prop construction.
Kiln: A furnace or oven for burning, baking, or drying materials, used in prop making for processes like pottery, ceramics, or treating wood.
Knurling: A manufacturing process, typically conducted on a lathe, whereby a pattern is cut or rolled into the material, often used for detailing in metal props.
Lacquer: A liquid made of shellac dissolved in alcohol, or of synthetic substances, used to varnish wood or metal props.
Latex: A rubbery material used in mould making and casting for creating flexible props or prop components.
Lath: Thin strips of wood or metal used as a backing for plaster or to construct lightweight frameworks in prop making.
Lathe: A machine for shaping wood, metal, or other materials by means of a rotating drive which turns the piece being worked on against changeable cutting tools.
LED (Light Emitting Diode): A semiconductor light source used in props requiring illumination due to their efficiency, compact size, and durability.
Lubricant: A substance used to reduce friction between surfaces in mutual contact, which can extend the life of tools and machinery used in prop making.
Maquette: A small scale model or rough draft of an unfinished sculpture or prop, used for planning and design purposes.
Matte Paint: A type of paint with a non-glossy finish, often used in props to reduce glare under stage lighting.
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard): An engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers, often used in prop and set construction.
Miter Joint: A joint made by beveling each of two parts to be joined, typically at a 45° angle, to form a corner, commonly used in frame or box-like prop constructions.
Modelling Clay: A pliable material used in building and sculpting prop prototypes or components.
Nail Gun: A tool used to drive nails into wood or other materials, frequently used in theatrical prop and set construction.
Neoprene: A synthetic rubber, resistant to oil, heat, and weathering, used in prop making for flexible, durable components.
Notching: The process of cutting out a section from a prop component, often for the purpose of joining pieces or fitting parts together.
Oscillating Tool: A multi-functional tool used for cutting, sanding, scraping, and grinding, useful in detailed and intricate prop making.
Overlay: A layer of material or decoration applied over another for aesthetic or functional purposes in prop making.
Oxidation: The chemical process by which a material combines with oxygen, often used intentionally in prop making to create aged or weathered metal effects.
Papier-Mâché: A material made of paper pulp or strips and a sticky binder like glue, used in prop making for creating lightweight and moldable forms.
Period Props: Props that are historically accurate to the time period in which a production is set.
Personal Props: Props that are carried or used by a specific character throughout a production, often reflecting their personality or backstory.
Plywood: A type of strong wooden board consisting of two or more layers glued and pressed together with the direction of the grain alternating, widely used in prop construction.
Polystyrene: A lightweight, plastic material often used in prop making for sculpting and model-making due to its easy-to-shape nature.
Practical: Functional object used in a theatre production, such as working lamps, clocks, or appliances.
Primer: An undercoat paint or substance applied to materials before painting, enhancing the adhesion, durability, and appearance of the final paint layer on props.
Prop Budget: The allocated funds for acquiring, constructing, and maintaining props for a specific production.
Prop Coordinator: The person responsible for overseeing the acquisition, organization, and maintenance of props for multiple productions within a theatre company.
Prop Dressing: The process of adding smaller, detailed props to a larger prop or set piece to enhance its realism and visual interest.
Prop Furniture: Furniture items used as props on stage, such as chairs, tables, or beds, which may be built specifically for a production or sourced from existing stock.
Prop Handoff: The moment when an actor passes a prop to another actor during a scene.
Prop Inventory: A comprehensive list of all props owned by a theatre company or used in a specific production.
Prop Maker: A skilled artisan who specializes in creating custom props for theatre productions.
Prop Maintenance: Regular upkeep and repair of props to ensure they remain in good condition throughout a production run.
Prop Malfunctions: Instances where a prop fails to work as intended during a performance, requiring quick thinking and improvisation from the actors.
Prop Master: The person responsible for managing and overseeing the props department in a theatrical production.
Prop Restoration: The process of repairing or refurbishing old or damaged props to make them usable for a production.
Prop Shop: A workspace where props are constructed, modified, and stored.
Prop Sourcing: Finding and acquiring props from various sources, such as thrift stores, antique shops, or online marketplaces.
Prop Strike: The process of removing and storing props after a production has ended.
Prop Swap: The act of quickly exchanging one prop for another during a scene change or between performances.
Prop Table: A designated offstage area where props are placed for easy access during a performance.
Prop Pulling: The process of selecting and gathering props for a specific scene or performance.
Prop Preset: The arrangement of props on stage or in the prop table before a scene begins.
Prop Plot: A detailed document that lists all the props needed for each scene of a production, including their placement and use.
Prop Rehearsal: A dedicated rehearsal session focused on the use and handling of props.
Prop Storage: The designated area where props are kept when not in use, often organized by type or production.
Prop Weapons: Realistic-looking weapon props, such as swords, guns, or knives, which require special handling and safety precautions.
Prop Wrangling: The act of managing and organizing props during a performance, ensuring they are in the correct place and ready for use.
PVA Glue (Polyvinyl Acetate): A rubbery synthetic polymer used as an adhesive in prop making, particularly effective with porous materials.
Rasps: A coarse form of file, particularly used for coarsely shaping wood or other soft materials in prop making.
Rental: Rented or borrowed props from another theatre company or specialised prop rental businesses.
Resin: A solid or highly viscous substance of plant or synthetic origin, often used in prop making for casting and coating to create detailed and durable pieces.
Rigging: The process of attaching or suspending props using ropes, cables, or other rigging equipment.
Router: A power tool used to hollow out an area in hard materials such as wood or plastic, widely used in prop construction for creating intricate designs and shapes.
Scenic Paint: Paint specifically formulated for use in theatre, including on props and sets, known for its versatility and durability under stage lighting and conditions.
Sculpting: The art of carving or shaping materials like clay, foam, or wood to create three-dimensional props.
Silicone: A flexible, rubber-like material used in mould making and casting, beneficial for its non-stick properties and high fidelity in capturing details.
Spray Paint: A type of paint that comes in a sealed pressurized container and is released in a fine spray mist when depressing a valve button, used for even and quick coverage in prop painting.
Staple Gun: A hand-held machine used to drive heavy metal staples into wood, plastic, or masonry, commonly used in prop construction for fastening materials together.
Tech Props: Props that incorporate technology, such as functioning screens, lights, or sound effects.
Texture Coating: A substance applied to surfaces to give them a specific texture, used in prop making to create realistic surfaces like stone, wood, or brick.
Thermoforming: A manufacturing process where a plastic sheet is heated to a pliable forming temperature, formed to a specific shape, and then trimmed, used in prop making for creating custom shapes.
Timber: Wood that has been prepared for use in building or carpentry, essential in traditional prop and set construction.
Upholstery: The work of providing furniture, especially seats, with padding, springs, webbing, and fabric or leather covers, also applicable in prop making for furniture pieces.
Vacuum Forming: A simplified version of thermoforming, where a sheet of plastic is heated, stretched onto a single-surface mould, and forced against the mould by a vacuum, used for creating lightweight, detailed prop components.
Varnish: A transparent, hard, protective finish or film primarily used in wood finishing but also for other materials, including props.
Velour: A plush, knitted fabric or textile, similar to velvet, often used in theatrical curtains and for costume props.
Veneer: A thin layer of superior wood or material glued to a base of inferior wood, used in prop making to give the appearance of better or different materials without the cost or weight.
Vinyl: A synthetic resin or plastic consisting of polyvinyl chloride or a related polymer, used for a wide range of applications in prop making, from flexible coverings to durable surfaces.
Warping: The bending or twisting of materials, particularly wood, due to moisture or temperature changes, a factor to consider in prop construction and storage.
Welding: The process of joining materials, typically metals, by causing coalescence, which is often done by melting the workpieces and adding a filler material to form a strong joint.
Wire Frame: A skeletal structure made from wire, used as a base for sculpting or constructing lightweight yet sturdy props.
Wood Stain: A type of paint used to colour wood by absorption, often used in prop making to achieve a specific look or match historical periods.
Worbla: A brand of thermoplastic modelling materials popular in prop making for its ease of shaping and strength after cooling.
X-Acto Knife: A precision cutting tool with a sharp blade, commonly used in prop making for detailed cutting work, especially in materials like foam or thin wood.
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