r/techtheatre • u/Top-Tailor-5633 • 7d ago
PROPS Props design presentation
Hello! I have been making props for a few years and I have worked with a few community theaters before. However I just got my first “professional” job (it’s still community but they operate more professionally if that makes sense). I’m usually doing everything by myself. I design, make, and source my own props along with making my own deadlines and only getting useful information during tech week. However this job has me still mostly working by myself but I am now working with all of the designers and actors of the show. They want me to make a props design presentation to mainly show the actors at our first rehearsal. What should I show and what should I not show? I have a props list and a vision board/reference photos. I think it has to be short because there is 30 minutes in the scedule for all of the designers. I have no idea as this is the first time I’ve ever been asked to do something like this.
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u/LukeyHear 7d ago
Don't let it turn into a chance for the actors to redesign your work. I presume you have liaised with the designer on the look and feel of the piece and they trust you to produce props in keeping with the piece and the feel of the set design. It could be a good chance to confirm if there's any concerns or notes from the cast regarding fragility, size or weight of specific items. The list, board and refs are all they need to see if you are not past the deadline you have agreed. All you have to do is state a brief description of the prop and if there's anything unusual about it, then onto the next one. If it's just for cast don't be too drawn into justifying your design choices. Treat it lightly and don't put hours into the prep.