The properties director's toolkit : creativity, collaboration, and communication for prop shop management in the theatre and performing arts

This book explains and provides templates for organizing and managing a prop shop, from pre-production organization to production processes, budgeting, and collaborations with other production areas. It explores how to plan, organize, and maintain a prop shop for safe and efficient production work. Cover Title Copyright Contents List of Figures Introduction Acknowledgments Chapter 1: Sense and Sensibility Chapter 2: Job Titles and Duties Skills and Duties: The Prop Shop The Prop Staff Titles in Related Disciplines 2.5: Working in Film Chapter 3: What Is a Prop? Hand Props Set Props Stage Dressing Chapter 4: Pre-Production and Planning Preliminary Prop List Research Finding Images and Doing Research Online Prop Library Chapter 5: Getting Started Initial Production Design Meeting The Prop List Formatting the List Using Column Headers Using a Tracking Numbers System Making a Plan Show Bible 5.5: Working in Regional Theatre Chapter 6: Budgeting Preliminary Show Budget Spreadsheet Tracking Kinds of Budgets Bookkeeping and Reporting Chapter 7: The Build Process The Juggle Pulling from Stock Borrow Buy Build 7.5: Working with Scenic Designers Chapter 8: The Rehearsal and Production Process Working with Stage Management Production Meetings Rehearsal Props Stage Weapons Production Collaboration Scenery Scenic Art Costumes Electrics Sound 8.5: Working with Stage Management Chapter 9: The Production/Tech Process Load-in Technical and Dress Rehearsals Opening Night/Run Weapons Consumables Personals Run Storage Performance Reports Strike Chapter 10: Co-Productions and Rentals Prop Rentals Co-Productions Packing and Shipping Receiving Company Budget/Planning After Original Run 10.5: Working in Children’s Theatre Chapter 11: Having a Career in Props Finding Work Contracts and Salaries Freelance Work Apprenticeships and Internships Training and Education 11.5: Working as a Freelance Prop Maker Chapter 12: The Prop Shop Space, Tools, Supplies, Storage The Multiple Space Shop The Single Space Prop Shop Renovating or Planning a Prop Shop Appendix Index "The Properties Director's Toolkit is a concise guide to managing a prop shop and show build. Sandra Strawn and Lisa Schlenker skilfully explain and provide templates for organizing and managing a prop shop, from pre-production organization to production processes, budgeting and collaborations with other production areas. The Toolkit also explores how to plan, organize and maintain a prop shop for safe and efficient production work. This thoroughly revised second edition includes two additional chapters on the role of the Props Director and co-productions, along with expanding information in each chapter, including artisan responsibilities, union information, digital collaboration, prop shop organization and construction, and projections."--Provided by publisher "Regardless of your profession, whether you're a Stage Manager or Stagehand, The Focal Press Toolkit Series has you covered. With all the insider secrets, paperwork, and day-to-day details that you could ever need for your chosen profession or specialty, these books provide you with a one-stop-shop to ensure a smooth production process." -- Publisher's description