Catalog Description

Hours: 90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Description: Covers basic skills to create stage properties through a variety of construction and acquisition methods including locating, procuring, and fabricating specialized props for main stage productions. Students examine ways to utilize common, unusual and specialized materials. Includes period research for prop implementation and identification. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Explain how to acquire appropriate props for a production.
  • CSLO #2: Build an effective prop for a theatrical production.
  • CSLO #3: Read a play and identify appropriate props for a production by creating a properties list.

Effective Term

Fall 2026

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

90

Outside of Class Hours

72

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Students will through oral, written and practical application:

Lecture Objectives:
1. Read plays and describe possibilities for prop utilization
2. Identify appropriate props for the production
3. Create or modify existing objects to create a unique prop suitable for a theater production
4. Discuss ways to analyze budget restrictions and apply these limitations to overall prop needs
5. Identify best methods to obtain props appropriately for an entire production
6. Review methods to research for a specific historical play to determine the appropriate props of the period and artistic style of the production
7. Discuss creative acquisition techniques and define prop construction resources.

Activity Objectives:
1. Identify and procure appropriate props for the production
2. Develop and assess available budget resources for a production, and select appropriate props within these limitations
3. Build or modify props to meet the specific needs for a production
4. Discuss creative acquisition techniques and determine prop construction resources.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

          • CSU Transferable
          • UC Transferable

          Methods of Evaluation

          • Problem Solving Examinations
            • Example: Students will apply what they've studied in prop source books to research a prop with an eye toward balancing cost, materials and appropriate purpose. They will be graded based on authenticity, adherence to period, and ability to be used on stage.
          • Projects
            • Example: Students will find or acquire parts to build a working lamp. Instructor will evaluate based on the success of function, safety of electrical wiring, completeness, and creative style.
          • Skill Demonstrations
            • Example: Students will construct an assigned prop for the current production. Instructor will grade on types of materials choses, construction techniques and the quality of the execution.

          Repeatable

          No

          Methods of Instruction

          • Activity
          • Lecture/Discussion
          • Distance Learning

          Activity:

          1. Instructor will provide demonstration and supplemental videos on how to use a variety of materials to create prop food. Students will then research the type of food they will create, focusing on texture, color, size, and shape. They will research further techniques to recreate the look of the object. Then, use their creative problem solving skills as well as the cumulative prop making skills, they will make a realistic piece of food using inorganic materials.

          Lecture:

          1. Instructor will lecture to students about safety and will demonstrate and guide the students in the correct usage of power tools: the table saw, the band saw, the radial arm saw, and the chop saw. Students are expected to participate in the lecture and describe safety measures and usage of each tool.
          2. Instructor will demonstrate techniques used to carve blue foam. Students will then demonstrate how to carve blue foam.

          Distance Learning

          1. Instructor will provide video lecture demonstrating wire wrapping techniques for jewelry making including the types of tools and materials used. Students will use the required tools to follow along, practicing making open loops, closed loops, French earring hooks, and necklace fasteners. Students will then upload pictures of their work in a group discussion for instructor and peer feedback.

          Typical Out of Class Assignments

          Reading Assignments

          1. Students will read assigned articles and be able to identify five main methods to acquire properties, as well as the appropriate time and situation for each method. 2. Students will regularly read selected plays and be able to compare and contrast building techniques used for special effects.

          Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

          1. Students are assigned to see two plays and write a formal/technical critique specific to the use of props within those plays. 2. Problem Solving--Given a specific prop within the context of a specific play, students must determine appropriate materials and construction techniques for creating this prop with special attention given to cost of creation and technical limitations in the scene shop.

          Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

          1. Sculpt a small, (2"x3") 3-dimensional, recognizable shape out of sculpy. Duplicate the object by carving and shaping the same, but larger (4"x6"), image out of blue rigid foam. Experiment with different "paint on foam" applications. 2. Without a preconceived design in mind, create and assemble a piece of jewelry (any style) from the jewelry findings, beads, and various decorative parts provided. 3. Bring to class a "found" bottle or jar. By using the glass texturing techniques demonstrated in class, create a completely different, ancient use vessel. 4. Design a moderately small box for a particular use. Be specific about the type of joints and the assembly techniques to be used. Construct it from scratch using available wood and finish the exterior according to each student's design. 5. Read an assigned play. Create a professional props list in the form of a spread sheet including what the prop is, its description, how many are needed, how the prop is used, when it is used, any special care they need, and if it is consumable. 6. Students are assigned one set prop from the current semester play, for example a fire hydrant. Students must work with available materials and within the size, look, monetary, and time limitations. Students will build or acquire the item from scratch to the designer's specifications, and paint and finish the item as needed. Students will be expected to provide the ideas to solve construction problems.

          Required Materials

          • The Props Building Guidebook: For Theater, Film, and TV
            • Author: Eric Hart
            • Publisher: Routledge
            • Publication Date: 2023
            • Text Edition: 3rd
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • Making Stage Props: A Practical Guide
            • Author: Andy Wilson
            • Publisher: Crowood Press
            • Publication Date: 2003
            • Text Edition:
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:
          • The Prop Master
            • Author: Amy Mussman
            • Publisher: Meriwether Publishing
            • Publication Date: 2008
            • Text Edition: 1st
            • Classic Textbook?:
            • OER Link:
            • OER:

          Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.