KRISTA D. PRICE
Stagecraft Week 7: What's BACK there?
(Stage Managers & Props)
October 2-6, 2022
Important terms are in RED.
Google Classroom assignments are in BLUE.
If ABSENT, you are REQUIRED to read / understand / do all activities posted for that day, even if it's not an "assignment".
DAY 1: Props / Design Plates
1.) Chose: Students chose an area (from the IB Learner Profile) to individually focus on this week. (If Absent, be sure to choose your individual "focus" for the week, and write it down under Week 7 in your REFLECTION JOURNAL in Google Classroom. (Also be sure you answered the "End of the Week" question for LAST week.)
2.) Introduced this week's CLASS focus: Problem Solving
3.) Started new unit: WHAT'S BACK THERE?
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If you went backstage during a production, what might you see? What types of people would you see doing what types of jobs?
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running/deck crew helping to "power" all the scene changes and "magic" that happens during a show;
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props hand-offs and preparation;
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the "coordination" of entire crews following a stage manager's cues
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4.) Watched a video (Props with Austin - Phantom of the Opera) and discussed all the tasks and skills of a props master that were highlighted in the video. (Also, what all is considered a prop on stage?) (If absent, be sure to watch on your own.) Note: Austin is a former student of Ms. Price! :)
5.) Discussed: WHO is in charge of acquiring or making all the props & set pieces for a show? (Props Master)
6.) Discussed: If you had to gather or make props for a show, what is the FIRST thing you'd probably need to do? (Read the script)
(1/2 class went to scene shop to learn about design plates / 1/2 class went to props room with KP)
7.) Received a props list with various props listed that you and your group must either make or acquire from the props room.
8.) Learned about the organization of the OHS props room worked to find your needed props - in order to (in groups) create a show-worthy props table for those props.
9.) Reviewed & started the props table (if absent be sure to read)
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Project: Create a PROPS TABLE from a teacher-assigned props list, in order to learn about...
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props room
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how to gather props
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how to organize props in show order
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how to make an original prop (problem-solving)
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DAY 2: Props / Design Plates
1.) Reviewed new unit: WHAT'S BACK THERE?
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If you went backstage during a production, what might you see? What types of people would you see doing what types of jobs?
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This week: Props, Stage Manager, Crew
2.) Watched a video (Working in the Theatre: Prop Masters from 2:10-10:26) and responded in Google Classroom REFLECTION Journal (Journal Title: Finding & Gathering Props) about 3 things you learned about the role of a props master from this video. (If absent, be sure to complete this on your own.)
(1/2 class went to scene shop to learn about design plates / 1/2 class went to props room with KP)
3.) See #7-9 under Day 1.
DAY 3: Stage Managers / Start Building Set
1.) Learned about and discussed the role of a Stage Manager. Watched a video (Working in Theatre: Stage Manager) and responded in Google Classroom REFLECTION Journal about 3 things you learned about what Stage Managers DO from this video. (If absent, be sure to complete this on your own.)
(1/2 class went to scene shop to begin building set / 1/2 class stayed to make props table)
2.) Created/finished props tables in groups.
3.) Received Props Table "Tips" (if absent be sure to read)
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Be sure it's ORDERLY
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Arrange props in show order (in a show you'd may also have SL & SR tables)
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Put very bulky/large items under the table (such as suitcases, if there is not enough space)
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if using paper over the tables (instead of spike tape on the tables), be sure to tape down the paper edges
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Be sure to maximize space (keep things compact, and don't leave any large blank spaces)
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Be sure it's VISIBLE to actors
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install back stage blue lights
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put taller items at the back of the table so they don't block view
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Be sure it's SAFE
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put breakable items near the back so an actor reaching for a prop doesn't knock over
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don't lean items that could fall
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others? (discussed)
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prop weapons? (discussed)
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DAY 4: Stage Managers / Start Building Set
1.) Reviewed what we've learned about the role of SM's before and during rehearsals.
2.) Watched a teaching video that discussed additional roles of a Stage Manager & also introduced types of Props. (If absent, be sure to complete this on your own.)
3.) Watch two videos of SM's "calling cues" DURING a show (if absent, watch at least 90 seconds of each).
Discussed as a class the following:
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What, specifically, do you notice about HOW each SM calls cues during a production?
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What do you notice about WHAT each SM was watching while calling the show?
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What SKILLS do you think are needed to "call" a show well?
(1/2 class went to scene shop to begin building set / 1/2 class stayed to make props table)
4.) See #2-3 under Day 3
5.) Completed final question for Week 7 in Google Classroom REFLECTION Journal and then went down to the scene shop
Explore More (Optional):
Additional Videos on Stage Management:
Additional Videos on Props:
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Props in Hamilton (Role of Props Master)
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Why Props Matter (Props in Film)