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Module 5: Stage Properties (Core)

Suggested time: 10-20 hours

Foundational Objectives

Common Essential Learnings Foundational Objectives

Note: Other CELs may be emphasized.

Learning Objectives

Notes
5.1   To understand and apply the principles of the acquisition and management of stage properties. (TL, CCT)

Define three stage properties:

  • hand properties
  • dress properties
  • rehearsal properties
  • set properties.

Discuss the methods of acquisition:

  • borrow
  • adapt/transform
  • create.

From a given script, students indicate which props could be borrowed, how some might be adapted from other items, and which ones would have to be made from scratch.
5.2   To create stage properties. (CCT)

Discuss:

  • ingenuity
  • demands of the script
  • limitation of resources
  • construction and fabrication of props e.g., paper maché, plaster, styrofoam, laminated felt.

Students may create armour for King Arthur from Camelot (or other task of similar challenge). They should spend no more than $20 and should try to spend nothing at all. Students list their materials and methods of acquisition.
5.3   To create a three-dimensional plaster character mask.

Discuss:

  • mask as prop
  • plaster mask: making, fitting and finishing
  • other mask types (paper maché, celastic).

Students make, fit, and finish plaster half-masks of a given commedia dell'arte character.

5.4   To practise the principles of theatre safety.

Discuss the importance of theatre safety and alert students to the safety issues associated with particular props (e.g., guns, cigarettes, flash paper, candles, etc.) and the safety measures working with certain materials (e.g., styrofoam, plaster).
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