My favorite place in the theatre is the prop closet. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, it’s a quiet space where I can focus on thinking and creating. It’s also rarely organized, so I often find peace in sorting and reorganizing everything. Speaking of props, they play an important role in storytelling. While they may not always take center stage, props help clarify the plot, add context to scenes, and offer insight into the characters. For instance, a wand immediately signals a magical character, while a simple hairbrush might suggest someone who values their appearance. Props can also set the scene—a modern backpack might belong to a student, while a canvas one could conjure images of a traveler embarking on an adventure. These small details enrich the narrative, revealing more about the world, its time period, and its people.
Since my sophomore year, I’ve been designing props for Nathan Hale Theatre’s productions, but I’ve been involved with the props department since I was a freshman. Through years of working with props, I’ve learned the importance of creativity and resourcefulness. I often try to find items that can be reused in future productions, saving us from having to buy duplicates of the same thing. It’s all about finding that balance between imagination and practicality.
I also want to give a special shoutout to Andrew, who was a huge help with the props for this show. I’m incredibly grateful for his help—thank you, Andrew!
Come see our show Midsummer Nights Dream at Nathan Hale Theatre to see the story our props tell!
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