THEA 406 Properties
Studio 12:35-1:50
WF
Ron Naversen Comm 2030 453-3076 rnav@siu.edu
Bob Holcombe Comm 2034 453-7593 holcombe@siu.edu
Objectives
To introduce the
student to the basic materials, techniques, and creative processes used in the
research, design and construction of stage properties. The class will help the student achieve a
basic competence and appreciation by working on specific properties problems.
The class is repeatable so students with a special interest in props can
progress with increasingly difficult projects, materials and processes.
Requirements
1) Attendance is
mandatory (see Departmental Attendance
Policy in student handbooks). You cannot learn if you are not here and your
fellow students are deprived of your insights and contributions.
2) Readings and
research as assigned
3) The Departmental
Attendance Policy will be followed (see Student Handbook). Attendance at McLeod
& C. H. Moe Theater productions as
we will discuss the properties aspects of each show.
4) A laboratory fee
has been accessed to purchase materials and supplies. Advanced projects may
require purchasing other materials dependent on your project selection and
design.
5) You are
responsible for taking notes in class.
6) Quizzes will be
given if we see that you are not paying attention & learning.
7) The Department is increasing its safety instruction and
at some time in the semester students may be required to take a pulmonary test
at Health Services to determine if they can use a respirator. The cost of this
test is $5.00.
Assignments
10% Prop List/Research Book
The student will
select a play with significant properties, develop a props list research the
period providing pictures/ sketches, and determining what should be bought
(listing approximate price), built, pulled from stock (providing sketch or
picture), to create a props portfolio.
15% Research Project/Presentation
The student will
research a particular problem related to stage properties and present a
demonstration of this solution to the class (approx. 20 minutes). A handout
documenting the materials, sources, etc. is required for each member of the
class. Suggestions: Jewelry, Stage Weaponry, Pyrotechnics, Advanced Techniques
& Materials, Printing, Basket Weaving, Electric Props, Book Binding, etc.
15% Mask Project
Each student will
design and construct a mask. Several
techniques and materials will be demonstrated and the student may use any of
these processes or experiment with other materials and techniques. The mask must be wearable, comfortable,
allow the wearer to see clearly and well constructed.
60% Prop Projects
Students will select
3 projects (20% each) from the list below
and create these
props. Students must submit pictures of
their projects and have them approved by the instructors before beginning the
project. Closeness to these pictures along
with construction integrity will be used as the basis for evaluating the
projects. Projects may include:
Furniture Construction/Alteration.
Upholstery
Electric props (wiring of practical lighting, & sound props)
Food Props
Weapons & armor
Puppetry
Casting and Molding
Floral props and arrangements
Special Effects (breakaways, electronics, motorized props)
Evaluation:
Students will be
evaluated on their growing craftsmanship in the construction of their various
prop projects, the thoroughness of their research, and the creativity that they
bring to the completion of their prop projects. Students must submit pictures of their projects and have them
approved by the instructors before beginning the project. The pictures will serve as the basis for
evaluation the projects in conjunction with the construction integrity of the
finished prop.
Lecture Topics:
What is a Prop?
Types of Properties
& Prop Organization
Soft Hard Hand Costume Dressing Food
Property Research
and Resource Materials
History of Stage
Properties
The Working
Professional Prop Master
Job Markets,
Portfolios, Duties and Responsibilities
Materials including
Papers & Fabrics Wood Plastics Metals
Masks
Puppetry
Paper Props &
Documents
Floral Arrangements
and Materials
Furniture Repair
& Construction
Wood Turning
Upholstery
Weaponry care and
construction
Special effects,
inc: Pyro-Techniques, Breakaways, Breakaway Glass
Suggested
Bibliography:
Stage Properties.
Warren Kenton
Theatre Props.
Motley
The Theatre Props
Handbook. Thurston James
The Prop
Builder's Molding and Casting Handbook. Thurston James
The Who, What,
When, Where, and Why of Stage Properties. Thurston James
Scene Design
& Construction. Welby
Woolfe
Individuals who have any disability, either permanent or temporary,
which might affect their ability to execute projects in this class are
encouraged to inform the instructors at the beginning of the semester. The instructors will adapt the class for
these individuals as necessary. The
instructors reserve the right to alter the course content to benefit the class.