Prop Hunt Slides Technical Theater Series
PROP
HUNT
Distinguishing between Hand Props, Set Props, and Set Dressing.
Lesson 01
What is a Prop?
The Definition
Short for "Properties."
"Any object used on stage that is not part of the scenery or costumes."
Props help actors tell the story.
Props make the world feel real.
The Three Categories
Hand Props
Items handled by actors during a performance.
Set Props
Larger items used by actors but not usually moved.
Set Dressing
Items that decorate the set but are NEVER touched by actors.
Script Detective
Scene Extract
"TOM walks into the room, holding a dusty old book. He sits in the large armchair and picks up a magnifying glass from the coffee table. Above him, a faded portrait stares down."
Hand Props Book, Magnifying Glass
Set Props Armchair, Coffee Table
Set Dressing Portrait
Prop Sort Worksheet Prop Sort Challenge
Lesson 1: Technical Theater Fundamentals
Student Name:
Date:
The Mission
The stage crew needs your help! Read the script extract below. Your job is to identify every object mentioned and decide if it's a Hand Prop (carried), a Set Prop (large furniture used by actors), or Set Dressing (only for decoration).
Script: The Attic Mystery
(The stage is filled with dusty items. A tall grandfather clock stands in the corner. Against the back wall is an old bookcase filled with cobwebs.)
LUCY enters carrying a small flashlight. She walks over to a wooden trunk in the center of the room. She pulls out a rusted key and uses it to open the lock. Inside, she finds a map. On the wall above the trunk hangs a cracked mirror that Lucy doesn't even notice as she studies the map.
Categorization Table
Hand Props Set Props Set Dressing
Crew Reasoning
Why is the wooden trunk considered a "Set Prop" and not just "Set Dressing"?
Tech Director Guide Tech Director Guide
Lesson 1: Props vs Decor
Teacher Resource
Lesson Hook: Prop Hunt
Tell students the classroom is now a stage set for a play about a school. Give them 3 minutes to find examples of Hand Props, Set Props, and Set Dressing within the room.
Hand: Pencil, notebook, eraser.Set Prop: Student desk, chair, teacher's podium.Set Dressing: Posters on the wall, calendar, decorative plants.
The "Usage" Rule
The biggest point of confusion for students is often usage . Explain that an item's category can change based on the script:
Example: A Table
If it just sits there with a lamp on it: Set Prop .
If an actor flips it over for cover during a fight: Hand Prop (or potentially a specialized stunt prop).
Example: A Book
If it sits on a shelf and is never touched: Set Dressing .
If the actor takes it down to read: Hand Prop .
Worksheet Answer Key
Hand Props
Set Props
Grandfather Clock
Wooden Trunk
Set Dressing
Bookcase
Cobwebs
Mirror (cracked)
Reasoning Answer:
The wooden trunk is a Set Prop because Lucy interacts with it (walks over to it, opens it) and it serves as a piece of furniture/storage in the scene, rather than just being a decoration on a shelf or wall.
Color Cues Slides Technical Theater Series
COLOR
CUES
The Psychology of Costume Design.
Lesson 02
Who Wears This?
Character A
Character B
Character C
What is their job? How do they feel today? Are they rich or poor?
Color Speaks
Red
Passion, anger, danger, power.
Blue
Calm, cold, sadness, loyalty.
Green
Nature, envy, luck, growth.
Design Tip
Villains often wear dark colors or sharp contrasts (black/white) to look "hard" or "cold."
Heroes often wear bright or "warm" tones.
More Than Color
Texture
Silk = Wealthy, Royal
Condition
Pristine/Ironed = Orderly, Rich
"If a character just survived a shipwreck, their costume shouldn't look like it just came from the laundry!"
- The Golden Rule of Costuming
Wardrobe Wizard Worksheet Wardrobe Wizard
Stage Costume Analysis
Lesson 2
Costume Designer:
Production Date:
"A character's clothing tells their story before they even say a word." Read the character profiles below and use your knowledge of Costume Psychology to design their look.
01
Character: Captain Grime
Description:
A former sky-pirate who has been lost in the metallic desert for five years. They are tough, slightly angry at the world, and very resourceful. They once had a high rank but now struggle to find food.
Primary Color Choice & Why:
Fabric Texture (Silk, Burlap, Leather, etc):
Clothing Condition (New, Tattered, Dirty):
02
Character: Princess Solara
Description:
The young, calm ruler of the Sun Kingdom. She is deeply loyal to her people and never gets angry. She lives in a crystal palace and spends most of her time reading ancient scrolls.
Primary Color Choice & Why:
Fabric Texture (Silk, Burlap, Leather, etc):
Clothing Condition (New, Tattered, Dirty):
Designer's Reflection
How does a costume help an actor "feel" like their character during a performance?
Costume Closet Teacher Guide Costume Closet Guide
Lesson 2: Costume Psychology
Teacher Resource
Lesson Hook: The Hat Guess
Teacher Prep: Bring in three physically different hats (or use the slides if props are unavailable).
Place each hat on a desk. Ask students to describe the "owner" without using the word "hat."
Goal: Move from physical description ("It's yellow") to psychological/narrative description ("This person works hard and needs to be safe").
Key Question: "What does this hat tell us about their bank account? Their mood? Their secrets?"
Tracking Transformation
Explain that costumes often change with the character.
Example: Cinderella
Start: Tattered, gray/brown, dirty (low status, sadness).
End: Pristine, silver/blue, glowing (high status, hope, magical transformation).
Discussion Points for Worksheet
01 Captain Grime
Colors: Rust, sandy browns, deep reds (anger/danger/survival).Texture: Leather (toughness), Burlap (roughness).Condition: Tattered and dirty (desert life).
02 Princess Solara
Colors: Light yellow, white, soft blue (loyalty/calm/sun).Texture: Silk, velvet, or something that catches the light.Condition: Perfectly pristine (crystal palace).
Extension Idea:
Have students find a piece of fabric in their backpack or clothing and describe what "Character Type" that fabric suggests.
Build It Slides Technical Theater Series
BUILD IT
Safe Fabrication and Prop Magic.
Lesson 03
Looks Heavy, Feels Light
That "Heavy Iron Skillet" an actor is swinging around?
IT'S JUST FOAM!
Why do we use lightweight materials?
SAFETY
ENERGY
TRANSPORT
COST
The Golden Safety Rules
01 CUT AWAY
Never pull a blade or tool towards your body or fingers.
02 CLEAN ZONE
Keep your area tidy. Scraps on the floor are a trip hazard!
03 TOOL TALK
If you don't know how it works, ASK! Tools are not toys.
The Magic of Cardboard
Internal Ribs
Adding "ribs" or cross-beams inside a prop makes it much stronger without adding weight.
Layering
Glue three layers together to create a rigid piece that won't bend or snap.
Painting for "Weight"
Gray Base Coat
Silver "Dry Brush" (Edges only)
Result: Rusty Heavy Metal!
Prop Blueprint Worksheet Prop Blueprint
Master Carpenter Planning
Name:
Date:
01 The Concept
What object are you building?
(e.g., Hero's Shield, Magic Staff, Old Skillet)
Who uses this prop in the play?
02 Materials Check
Check off what you will need for your construction.
Corrugated Cardboard
Masking Tape
Recycled Paper Tubes
Acrylic Paint
Safe Glue/Adhesive
Safety Scissors
03 Visual Blueprint
Sketch your prop from two angles. Mark where you will use "Internal Ribs" or extra layers for strength.
Front View
Side View / Interior
I have reviewed the Workshop Safety Rules and agree to build safely.
Signature:
Workshop Safety Teacher Guide Shop Foreman Guide
Lesson 3: Safe Fabrication
Teacher Resource
Lesson Hook: The Fake Weight
Demonstrate how a "heavy iron skillet" (made of foam or cardboard) can be tossed lightly across the room (SAFELY).
Why do we fake the weight?
Prevents injury to actors during fight scenes.
Allows for multiple "takes" or performances without tiring the cast.
It’s cheaper and easier to store!
Managing the Workshop
Fifth graders are capable but require strict structural boundaries during build days.
The Tool Check
Before starting, do a "Show of Tools." Have everyone hold up their scissors/tape. This ensures focus and readiness.
"Tools down, eyes up" should be your default command for transitions.
The "Scrap" Bin
Designate a central "Scrap Yard" for leftover cardboard. Often, one student's trash is another student's structural rib!
Saves materials and encourages collaborative resourcefulness.
Mastering Cardboard Engineering
Scoring
Pressing a line into cardboard without cutting through makes it fold perfectly straight.
Internal Ribs
Explain that corrugated cardboard is strongest when "the grain" (tubes) runs vertically.
Taping
Use masking tape for joints. If painting, masking tape takes paint much better than shiny plastic tape.
Suggested Prop List:
Sword, Shield, Book, Mirror, Telescope, Magic Wand, Crown, Plate/Skillet.
Build Time:
40-60 MIN
Runway Ready Slides Technical Theater Series
RUNWAY
READY
The Art of the Costume Rendering.
Lesson 04
The Power of the Suit
"The Before and After"
Actors use costumes to find their character's walk, voice, and attitude.
Think of a superhero putting on their cape. How does their posture change?
The Costume is the Character's 2nd Skin.
What is a Rendering?
01 The Sketch
A visual drawing of the costume on a body.
02 Swatches
Small pieces of fabric (or color blobs) showing the textures.
03 Annotations
Notes explaining WHY you chose certain details.
"Renderings help the Shop Manager know exactly how to build the costume."
Don't just draw it. EXPLAIN IT.
?
Age & Status
How do we know if they are old or rich?
?
The Environment
Is it raining? Is it hot? Is there space-dust?
?
The Action
Can the actor run in this? Can they hide a prop?
Bad Note vs Good Note
"Red Cape"
"Velvet cape, dyed dark red to show the character's royal but angry personality."
Design Detailer Worksheet Costume Canvas
Lesson 4: Rendering & Annotation
Designer:
Production:
Character Bio
Character Name:
Key Trait (e.g. Greedy, Brave):
Design Notes
Head / Hair Details:
Torso / Layers:
Feet / Footwear:
Swatches
Glue fabric scraps or color in the texture below:
Primary Rendering Area
Draw your costume design here
Fashion Feedback Teacher Guide Design Mentor Guide
Lesson 4: Costume Rendering
Teacher Resource
Lesson Hook: The Transformation
Show "Before and After" photos of famous actors in and out of costume (e.g., actors from The Lion King musical or Harry Potter ).
The Designer's Challenge:
"Your drawing isn't just a pretty picture. It's an instruction manual for the person who has to sew the clothes and the actor who has to wear them."
Supporting All Artists
Not every student is an illustrator. Remind them that theater is about communication , not just fine art.
The Collage Option
Encourage students to cut out textures or colors from magazines to glue onto their rendering if they aren't confident with pencils.
Annotation is Key
If a drawing is unclear, a great annotation (e.g., "This should look like scaly dragon skin") makes the design successful.
Feedback Framework
Use these prompts when circulating around the room:
"I see you chose [color]. How does that reflect [character trait]?"
"Is this costume for a character who is moving a lot on stage? How did you account for that?"
"What part of their history is visible in this costume? (A scar, a stain, a trophy?)"
Design Presentation:
Have students "Pitch" their design in 30 seconds.
Master Map Slides Technical Theater Series
MASTER
MAP
Stage Management & The Prop Table.
Lesson 05
Backstage in the Dark
The Actor's Problem
It's pitch black. You have 10 seconds to find your lantern, your hat, and a secret letter before your next scene.
Where are they?!
The Stage Manager makes sure everything has a "Home."
The Prop Table
The "Outline"
Every prop has its shape traced on the table with masking tape.
The Label
The name of the prop and the actor who uses it are clearly written.
The "Why"
Easy to see what is missing.
Actors can find things without looking.
Keeps the "Wings" (backstage area) safe.
Systems Thinking
Spiking
Marking the exact spot on the floor where furniture (Set Props) should sit.
The Reset
Putting everything back in its home immediately after a scene or show.
"Stage Management is about preventing problems before they happen."
- Stage Manager's Motto
Stage Manager Worksheet Prop Table Map
Stage Manager's Protocol
Stage Manager:
Date:
The Scenario
The play is a fast-paced mystery. In Act 1, Scene 2, four actors need their props immediately upon entering from the stage-left wing. You must organize the Prop Table so they can find their items without looking.
Inventory List
Prop 1
Old Lantern
(Actor: Jack)
Prop 2
Silver Dagger
(Actor: Sarah)
Prop 3
Heavy Keyring
(Actor: Guard)
Prop 4
Secret Letter
(Actor: Messenger)
The Prop Table Map
Zone A
Outline & Label Prop 1 here
Zone B
Outline & Label Prop 2 here
Zone C
Outline & Label Prop 3 here
Zone D
Outline & Label Prop 4 here
Stage Manager Reasoning
Why is it important to outline the exact shape of the prop rather than just writing the name on the table?
Backstage Blitz Teacher Guide Stage Manager Mentor
Lesson 5: Backstage Organization
Teacher Resource
Lesson Hook: Backstage Blitz
Setup: Place four random objects on a table. Trace their outlines on a sheet of butcher paper taped to the table. Label them.
The Relay:
Team A members take turns running to the table, picking up an object, and bringing it back.
Once all objects are removed, Team B must run and "Reset" the table.
Each object must be placed exactly inside its outline. Time the reset!
The Stage Manager Role
During the worksheet activity, designate one student per group as the Head Stage Manager (HSM) . Their job is to ensure the map is clear enough for someone who has never seen the set to use it.
The "Darkness" Test
Challenge students: "If I turn out the lights and you only have a tiny blue flashlight, could you find Sarah's dagger without knocking over the lantern?"
Encourages spacing and logical grouping (e.g., all of Sarah's items in Zone B).
The "Spike" Concept
Explain that Stage Managers use colored tape (Gaff tape) to mark floor spots. Mention that Set Props (furniture) are spiked so they end up in the same place every night.
Wrap-Up Questions
"Why do we trace the shape of the prop?"
Answer: So you can instantly see if something is missing. An empty label might be ignored, but an empty outline is a huge red flag!
"What happens if a Stage Manager isn't organized?"
Answer: Actors miss their cues, scenes are ruined, and it can actually be dangerous (e.g., tripping on a prop left in the wrong place).
Unit Final Reflection:
Ask: "How does organization help the storytelling?"
