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The most active amateur company in Cheltenham with 4 shows a year
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THE
PLAYHOUSE THEATRE, BATH ROAD, CHELTENHAM, GL53 7HG PROPERTIES
MANAGER BRIEF
DESCRIPTION Works with the Director and Set Designer to
establish and organise all the props that are required for the production e.g.
Furniture and Set Dressing and Personal Props. Assistants It is usual to have some assistants to help obtain
the props and to assist during the run as there might be scene changes and props
to get ready in the wings for cast to take on stage with them. Specifically:
Read
the script thoroughly making notes of specific references to props.
Before rehearsals begin, meet with the Director and Designer to discuss
requirements, period, placement of furniture and size (this is very important as
space on stage is at a premium) etc.
When rehearsals begin, take careful note of what the cast are using and
where it is being placed. Get
familiar with Stage Left & Stage Right.
Make a thorough list of all properties required. Obtaining
props:
First establish if the cast can provide anything.
The Companys Newsletter can also be used to ask for specific items.
Second, Deep End are willing to lend props from their extensive props
room at the theatre. There is also a loft space above the Box Office (it is
accessible via a drop-down ladder) which houses various props. There is a wealth of furniture kept under the stage and can
be accessed through the auditorium (speak to the shows Stage Manager about
organising a look around).
Third, businesses/shops might be willing to lend items.
We can put an acknowledgement of thanks in the programme, and organise
complimentary tickets for them.
There are also internet newsgroups you can find for advice and ideas
about props.
Record any loans that you have - itemise the prop and the lender in a log
book of some sort.
Watch
rehearsals regularly. It is
beneficial for the cast to have props to practice with as early on as possible
(it does not have to be the actual prop i.e. a plastic cup can represent a wine
glass) so they get used to them and also to make sure they can work with it.
There will also be a Production Meeting set up with the Department Heads
and possibly Committee reps to discuss the budget (which will have been drawn up
by the Treasurer) where the team can agree costs and spending.
For the Tech and Dress Rehearsals, a props table is usually set up in one
of the wings. It is very useful to write out the props required for each
scene/act on large boards and have one backstage in the props room (in No.1
Dressing Room) and one in the wings above the props table.
This will help you and your assistants to be prepared for when/what props
are needed and get used to the flow of the show. You and your team will be
required to wear black if you are going to be in the wings and if you need to
assist with set changes.
Please make out a chit of your expenses and attach your receipts as proof
of purchase. This can then be given
to our Treasurer who will reimburse you - not forgetting petrol expense if you
have to travel distances to pick up props. |
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© The Playhouse Company Cheltenham, UK |
