A prop is a thing you hold onstage.Props define and enhance the story better than just the actor alone.
Of course, props can simply be beautiful, and not necessary… if you take them away, thinking they were truly unnecessary, you will miss them. Necessary isn’t just useful.
A prop is useful. When a young actor is timid, it feels better having something to hold on to.
The right prop can help you understand your character. The wrong prop, well, it’s just wrong. It won’t help anybody understand anything.
If a young actor is irresponsible, assign them a prop. (The right prop, preferably.) Force the issue; they can’t remember to bring home their jacket but they won’t forget that prop. Maybe they’ll make the connection to the jacket when they’re in high school. Probably not.
Props can be fun to make. More fun than staging 4th graders. More fun than transcribing that picture book into dialogue. More fun than trying to get funding for another year. More fun than a bake sale. Could we fund the program by selling props?
Some young actors love to procure props. These actors can also be overzealous in their offerings. They bring everything. Sometimes props break during a performance and you wish little Susi hadn’t borrowed her great aunt’s antique telephone. But sometimes Susi saved your skin after you forgot about the coconuts for Python’s King Arthur sketch.
Sometimes props are so simple. A sock becomes a leaf. Many socks on young hands become a tree in full glory.
Of course, someone has to dye the socks.
