How to Make Foam Props

Use foam to create props for any stage performance.

When it comes to a stage performance, the most important elements of the entire set are the props. Props are used to create a realistic appearance on the stage, without actually using heavy and expensive materials. Building details such as stones and brick walls allow a performance to appearance instantly life-like. To create these stage props, you can use a sheet of polystyrene and a little creativity.

Things You'll Need

• Polystyrene sheets, 2 inches thick
• Hot glue
• Hot glue gun
• Craft knife
• Straight edge
• Tape measure
• Fine tip marker
• Acrylic paints
• Paint brushes
• Flat head screwdriver

Instructions

Rocks

1. Cut six sections of polystyrene into 12-inch-by-12-inch squares. Six sections stacked on top of each other will create a 12-inch cube.

2. Place one 2-inch-thick ,12-inch-by-12-inch section of polystyrene on a flat surface. Apply a thick layer of hot glue on top of the polystyrene and stack a second piece of polystyrene on top. Continue this process until all six sections are stacked on top of each other. Press down firmly for one to two minutes.

3. Carve away at the 12-inch cube stack of polystyrene. Use a rock as a guide to carve away pits and grooves into the polystyrene to create a rock-like appearance. Use the craft knife to achieve fine details on the rock.

4. Paint the polystyrene group gray. Allow the gray paint to set for one to two hours, and then dry brush white detailing onto the rock.

Brick Wall

1. Place one sheet of polystyrene on a flat surface. The polystyrene should run vertically to create a higher brick wall.

2. Mark every 8 inches along the left side of the polystyrene with a fine tip marker. Repeat the 8-inch marks along the right side of the polystyrene.

3. Mark every 12 inches along the top and bottom edges of the polystyrene. Polystyrene sheets are typically 4-feet by 8-feet in size, meaning you will create four separate areas across the bottom of the sheet.

4. Place the straight edge across the polystyrene, using the 8-inch marks along both sides to keep the straight edge completely horizontal, without slanting. Cut along the edge of the straight edge to create a groove in the polystyrene. Avoid pressing too hard as you do not want to go the entire way through the polystyrene. Repeat this at all 8-inch marks along the polystyrene.

5. Place the straight edge vertically running up from each 12-inch mark along the bottom. Cut along the edge of the straight edge to create a groove in the polystyrene. Avoid pressing too hard as you do not want to go the entire way through the polystyrene. Repeat this process with all 12-inch marks along the top and bottom of the sheet.

6. Run a flat head screwdriver through the cut lines along the polystyrene. Create a 1/4-inch space between each box section on the polyurethane to act as grout on the brick wall.

7. Paint all 1/4-inch gaps with white paint. Cover all block sections with a deep red or gray paint. Allow paint to dry for one to two hours, and then dry brush white paint to create fine details.

References

• "Costumes, Accessories, Props, and Stage Illusions Made Easy"; by Barb Rogers; 2005