Sourcing props for a show
Each show has a Prop Supervisor who works between the designer and the prop makers. Before rehearsals begin, the Prop Supervisor meets the designer to see the model box for the first time – a 1:25 scale model of the set and major props (pictured).
The supervisor finds out what props are needed for the show and has detailed discussions with the designer about durability, materials, how props will be used, what the actors will need to do with them and how they will be stored.
Then they begin sourcing the props, looking in the Prop Store for anything that can be reused; buying in items, such as furniture to adapt; or making things from scratch where needed.