Making and Attaining School Stage Props

School plays are fun for the students, teachers and parents. The hard work during the preparation phase falls not only on the actors and teacher but on the students who are designing and building the stage props. It is not uncommon for the drama teacher or play coordinator to seek out the assistance of the Art teacher, Shop teacher and students to help create the props.

Painting backgrounds is a relatively simple task. A canvas backdrop is used that hangs from the crows nest on stage. Free hand drawings are completed or an enlarging projector is used to cast the shapes onto the canvas. Tempera paint is the best to use basically because it cleans up easily if spilled or dripped onto the stage floor. The art students enjoy being out of the classroom and helping with such an endeavor.

Costumes are generally rented by the Drama Department. Many schools are fortunate enough to have a collection of costumes that are available for use. Other costumes are found by the students or made by members of the community.

Rocks, mountains and other scenery is painted on cardboard cutouts. Stands are sometimes made from 2 by 4’s enlisting the shop students in the prop making. Large sheets of cardboard create excellent forms but they are not always easy to find. Stacking and cutting cardboard boxes to make the desired shapes is a fairly simple task. Cardboard boxes that are stacked use pieces of rolled paper over their front to cover any seams. The paper is then painted to look like the desired objects. Rocks and mountains are created very easily using this process.

Furniture used as stage props is borrowed from the families of many of the student participants. Teachers and administrators alike are always more than willing to contribute any props they may have at home. A simple e-mail or note in the school mailboxes will help to acquire the needed items.

More complicated building projects enlist the help of the students in shop or the students and teachers who have the background in building. Again, the Art teacher may be a good source for finding the talent needed for the construction process.

Do not forget about the businesses within the community for stage prop help. Businesses are more than willing to donate supplies or items to make the stage props. It is not unusual for business owners to volunteer their services or ask for their employees help when special talents are needed to create stage props. It is the responsibility of the drama teacher or play coordinator to inform the business owners of what type of help is needed.

The best tip in creating and attaining stage props is keep it simple. The point of the play is to give the students the opportunity to perform for their fellow classmates, teachers and community. The props are not as important as the chance to perform.

References:

How to Make Stage Props
How to Build School Play Props on a Budget
Making Stage Props

Reference:

• www.associatedcontent.com/article/6080566/how_to_put_on_a_holiday_play_on_a_budget.ht
• www.associatedcontent.com/article/5918824/props_for_bible_character_costumes.html?cat
• www.associatedcontent.com/article/1523200/dramatic_play_and_preschoolers_fantasy.html