How to Buy Props for a School Play
In many plays, props are vital to the story line. A piece of jewelry might be stolen or a character might have a favorite baseball. To perform your school play, you need to have these items. Most props are simply ordinary items that you can buy or borrow. In some cases, like jewelry, you may need to make a fake version of the item.
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Instructions
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Determine your budget for props. You may be able to afford to buy all the props you need, but many school plays have very small budgets.
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Make a list of the props that you need. Mark any items that you would like to have but are not necessary. If you have a small budget, you may not be able to buy all the props that you would like and may have to stick only to those that are necessary.
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Contact local businesses to see if they will donate any of the items on your list. Since a school play is typically a "not-for-profit," their donations may be tax deductible.
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Ask for loans of any items that you will be able to return in good condition. Consider asking the parents of your actors, as well as local theater groups. You may even be able to borrow props from the school hosting the play.
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Make props that you cannot afford or borrow. In most cases, you will only need a mock up of the actual item, which will be easier to make. Your stage crew should be able to help make props.
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Tips & Warnings
During rehearsals and performances of the play, put a member of the stage crew in charge of props. He or she is in charge of keeping track of all props, so that they are available for use at the next rehearsal or performance.
Many props can be reused for different plays.
Many props can be bought from thrift shops, second-hand stores or dollar stores.
Any props that will be ingested should be refrigerated or otherwise preserved between performances. In some cases, you may have to replace them. In the case of most drinks, you can use water with food coloring as a replacement.
