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What Is a Prop Master?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A prop master is a professional who supervises the use of properties, better known as props, in a theatrical production or on a film. Properties are various objects which are used by actors and actresses during their scenes. For example, in Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the title character holds up a skull in the fifth act, saying "Alas, poor Yorick," as he confronts his own mortality. This skull is considered a prop, and the prop master is responsible for procuring it, keeping track of it, and ensuring that it is placed in the correct location on stage so that the actor playing Hamlet can reach for it.

Managing props is a major task, especially on an epic stage or film production. The prop manager is sometimes called the “props God,” in a reference to the difficulty of his or her task, and on a large production, a crew of assistants typically helps the properties master. He or she must also work closely with the director and various designers such as lighting, costume, and set designers on the production to ensure that everything runs smoothly and as expected.

For "Hamlet," a prop master must come up with a skull for Hamlet to hold up.
For "Hamlet," a prop master must come up with a skull for Hamlet to hold up.

Typically, the first task is to look over a script and identify any props, from balls of yarn to couches. He or she usually makes a list of these objects, and meets with the director, costume designer, set designer, and lighting designer to discuss the vision for the finished piece to ensure that suitable props are picked out. Armed with this list, the master starts scouring for props. Most theaters and movie studios have a library of props to start with, but the props manager can also order custom-fabricated props or go hunting at thrift stores and other locations for needed objects.

Prop masters must keep track of props of all sizes.
Prop masters must keep track of props of all sizes.

As rehearsals progress, the needs for other props may be identified. As a general rule, the prop master is responsible for any object on stage which is movable and not worn. For example, an actress in a Regency drama might carry a fan as a prop, but her dress would be the responsibility of the costume designer. If the actress sits on a fixed bench, the bench is handled by the set designer, but if she uses a movable stool, the prop manager is responsible for the stool.

A prop master handles different costume pieces, such as wigs, for a production.
A prop master handles different costume pieces, such as wigs, for a production.

A prop master is also responsible for organizing and storing props when they are not needed, and for setting them on the stage or in locations just off the stage so that actors can grab props when they are needed. A master prop list is used to track all of the props used in a production, along with their locations and any special notes. On a film production, the prop manager may also assist the continuity crew, which ensures that objects in a scene do not move around between takes so that a scene appears consistent and even when it is included in the final cut of the film.

Prop masters of a production may be involved with wardrobe, too.
Prop masters of a production may be involved with wardrobe, too.

Someone who is interested in becoming a prop master should start by apprenticing at a local theater or film studio. It helps to have a very precise eye for detail, along with an ability to organize extremely effectively and efficiently. Those who are skilled at obtaining unusual objects are also an asset to their parent organizations; if you can find the single excellent thing at a junky garage sale, you might make a great prop master.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseTour researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseTour researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

DentalFloss

@stolaf23, I could believe that. High school students definitely have no concept of the amount of effort that goes into that skull before Hamlet uses it.

stolaf23

@DentalFloss, I agree. I majored in the theatre in college, and the college-level props were almost as difficult, though the difference was that college theatre departments generally have more time and resources to gather props than high school theatres do, and college actors (usually) have a better grasp of actors' ethics, like not moving someone else's props, not touching props if you don't use them, et cetera.

DentalFloss

I worked in props for four years in high school, mainly because our director didn't trust me as much as his favorites to act. From that experience I can say that in the prop master's job description, the gathering of props is far more difficult than the actual managing of them once you reach the advanced rehearsal process and performances.

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    • For "Hamlet," a prop master must come up with a skull for Hamlet to hold up.
      By: davehanlon
      For "Hamlet," a prop master must come up with a skull for Hamlet to hold up.
    • Prop masters must keep track of props of all sizes.
      By: stockbp
      Prop masters must keep track of props of all sizes.
    • A prop master handles different costume pieces, such as wigs, for a production.
      By: Felix Mizioznikov
      A prop master handles different costume pieces, such as wigs, for a production.
    • Prop masters of a production may be involved with wardrobe, too.
      By: Cheyenne
      Prop masters of a production may be involved with wardrobe, too.
    • A prop master may provide a crown for a theater production involving kingly characters.
      By: Sashkin
      A prop master may provide a crown for a theater production involving kingly characters.