How to Make Film and Camera Props for an Acting Classroom

Add a touch of realism to the acting classroom using well-crafted props.

While the best actors can put on a breathtaking performance with no props or stage decoration at all, an amateur acting classroom can benefit from a few visual elements. For instance, to mimic the filming of a movie scene within a theatrical production, a spool of film and a camera may be used. However, getting access to an actual camera and film may be outside an acting school's budget. With some cardboard, crafting foam and a few basic tools, you can build your own, inexpensive, cinema-styled props.

Things You'll Need

• Rectangular cardboard box (whatever size you want your prop camera to be)
• Masking tape
• Old newspaper
• Cardboard tubes
• Plastic lids
• Black spray paint
• Hot glue
• Tripod
• Utility knife
• Black crafting foam -- about 2 inches thick and at least 1 foot square
• Silver spray paint

Instructions

Making a Prop Camera

1. Tape the top and bottom flaps of your rectangular cardboard box closed with masking tape.

2. Spread a layer of old newspaper over the floor of your work area, to protect it from paint overspray. Arrange the cardboard box, cardboard tubes and plastic lids on the newspaper.

3. Spray a liberal coat of black paint over the cardboard box, tubes and lids. The rectangular box will serve as the camera body, the tube will be the lens barrel and the lid will be the lens cap or front nameplate of the lens. Allow the spray paint to fully dry overnight.

4. Plug in your hot glue gun and insert a fresh stick of glue. Apply a thick bead of glue to the rim of the cardboard tube. Push the tube onto the small side of the box, and hold it in place for 3 to 5 minutes.

5. Apply a circular bead of glue around the inside of the plastic lid. Place the lid onto the open end of the cardboard tube, again holding it in place for 3 to 5 minutes.

6. Place the prop camera on top of your tripod, and push the mounting screw up through the bottom of the box to hold it in place.

Making a Prop Film Spool

1. Cut a circle out of your black craft foam using your utility knife. For best results, ensure that the circle has a diameter of at least 1 foot.

2. Spray the outside edge of the circle with silver spray paint. Then spray three to four straight lines -- from the outside edge to the center point of the circle. Allow the paint to dry.

3. Flip over the circle and repeat the paint application as in Step 2 of this section. The silver replicates the steel reels that hold the film spools.

4. Repeat Steps 1 to 3 of this section to create as many film spools as you need.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure that all glue and paint is dry, prior to using or storing the props.

• Cardboard tubes can be found at your local craft or art supply store. Toilet paper or paper towel rolls may also be used.

• Work in a well-ventilated area while applying the paint.

• Do not allow children or pets near your work area as you paint.

References

• Arts Alive: Building and Designing Props
• University of Indianapolis: Theatre Student Handbook