Prop Making Basics Workshop

From script analysis to material selection, repurposing to building, learn what it takes to make a ‘proper’ prop in this intensive, one-week workshop. Starting from a script provided, discover how to break down scenes, listing props to be built from scratch, modified from thrift-store finds, or purchased. Gain hands-on experience fabricating and decorating props using a variety of methods and materials.

Practice the following behind-the-scenes skills in this one-week, intensive Prop Making Workshop:

• Paper to Practical – Practice interpreting design sketches, images and written descriptions; then figure out how to render them into real-world items
• So Many Choices – Explore the range of materials, tools and techniques used in fabricating props
• Old, New, Borrowed, Blue – New build or alteration? What to take into account as you make props lists and decide what can be bought, borrowed, altered or built.
• Oops … Fixed! – Learn some basic ‘tricks’ of specialty stage props; Jars that break, books that rip, magic wands that snap in half, only to be reconstructed in time for the next performance.
• RESEARCH! (It’s fun, we promise!) – What do you need? Script analysis, scene breakdowns. Explore the period, location and setting for a play and how that affects what you build
• Sturdy, Yet Stunning – Create a variety of props that have the resilience to last a production run and the appearance to fool any audience member

As you build projects to take home:

• Learn from demonstrations using a variety of materials and techniques;
• Train in the safe and effective use of power tools and equipment;
• Learn to create props in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

This course is intended as an introductory program, geared towards those who wish to become a bit more professional in their building. Whether you are exploring the world of theatre production, preparing for post-secondary education, training yourself for community theatre or expanding your knowledge for cosplay construction, this course will offer tips and tricks and hands-on experience.

Instructors: Emily Dyck