Overview 

This standard is about sourcing props materials and equipment for theatre and live productions.

You will need to agree what props, materials and equipment are required and confirm the creative requirements and practical constraints that they must meet with appropriate members of the artistic and technical team.

You must agree which props are to be sourced readymade, which are to be bought, hired or borrowed, and which are to be constructed.

You will also need to plan how the necessary items, materials and equipment will be acquired and negotiate the most cost effective terms.

You will need to be able to record all information accurately and ensure that it is available to all relevant personnel.

You need to be able to arrange the safe handling and storage of props until they are returned or stored. Props may include food items, drinks, greenery, small furniture, replica firearms, etc.

 

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. keep records to monitor your expenditure and budget use providing personnel with information as required
  2. recognise and anticipate budget overspend and take action
  3. liaise with other departments and personnel about props requirements
  4. confirm sources of hire and supply and brief them on the requirements for props and production schedules
  5. ensure delivery schedules, and deadlines and locations meet production demands and are agreed with hirers/suppliers
  6. arrange transport facilities as required
  7. record and update agreements and respond to changes from rehearsal notes
  8. make sure that departments are aware of borrowing and hire arrangements, including programme credit requirements
  9. confirm that items 'look' and 'feel' right with the production team and performers and replace them if necessary
  10. check and confirm that approvals have been acquired for equipment used under licence or special permissions or suggest alternatives
  11. agree arrangements with the hirer or supplier for the safe handling and storage of props and communicate to personnel
  12. test props for ease of use and durability during rehearsals
  13. confirm how consumable items will be replaced and/or spares obtained and stored
  14. identify and note any special requirements for the safe handling and storage of specific props
  15. oversee the safe return of all props after use to the supplier or hire company

 

Knowledge and understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. the requirements for different types of props and their uses
  2. the importance of acquiring props which suit the style of the production
  3. the importance of agreeing specifications for props
  4. how to choose sources of props using your specifications
  5. the basis for decisions about whether to make items, buy them in, borrow or hire them
  6. consumable props that need replacing during the run for example drinks, food, candles, etc.
  7. the importance of checking deliveries against what has been ordered
  8. how to track and reduce the number of deliveries to meet sustainability requirements
  9. the problems with props supplies and how to deal with these
  10. organisational procedures for sourcing, receiving and storing
  11. the range of making techniques used for constructing, adapting and finishing props
  12. the range of materials and components used on props and sets to ensure safety and sustainability standards are met
  13. the range of equipment and machinery used for constructing, adapting and finishing props
  14. methods to record and store research information for future reference
  15. the criteria used for evaluating suppliers and hirers
  16. what sources of supply to use including prop hire companies
  17. how to negotiate and agree terms and conditions with suppliers for the supply or hire of materials and
  18. how to do deal with purchases of items beyond budget limits and who to obtain purchasing authority from
  19. how to check that any required clearances and permissions have been obtained for example copyrighted labels, currency
  20. how to monitor and keep records of expenditure and deal with budget over-spending
  21. the legislation, regulations and production requirements that apply to your work