If you're looking for props that can be easily used in different plays, then you may want to consider items that are not period-specific. For instance, what would look approximately the same all the way from ancient Egypt to today? Sure, some types of weapons, some types of glassware, some types of boxes. Remember that something as simple as a dial phone has lots of variations from the early 1930s to today. But if you want to narrow the periods from, say, the early 1900s to today, you have a lot more choices in the type of props that can be used in different shows.. There is lots of information on period styles online.
You may also want to check out a couple of my blog posts on period stuff:
https://setdesignandtech.wordpress.com/2024/11/27/keep-it-in-context/
https://setdesignandtech.wordpress.com/2016/05/13/what-period-is-it/
https://setdesignandtech.wordpress.com/2016/08/21/lets-make-it-victorian/
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George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-27-2025 11:21
From: Josh Kauffman
Subject: What are your most commonly-used props
It might be good to come up with some ideas for props that could represent swords and firearms, without actually BEING swords and firearms.
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Josh Kauffman
Teacher, Thespian Society/Drama Club sponsor
Winfield City Schools
Winfield, AL
Original Message:
Sent: 02-26-2025 23:37
From: Bryan Lucchesi
Subject: What are your most commonly-used props
Hey all!
I'm starting to teach in the Fall, and I'm blessed to have a section of Tech Theatre. My plan is to take them through each area of backstage: lights, sound, scenic, etc.
For our props unit, I'd love for them to make some stuff we can use in shows. So I thought I'd ask a question: what are the props you use again and again and again?
Right now, my list is: old books, letters, newspaper, fake food. What else should be on there? I'm looking for stuff that can easily be used across different plays.
Thanks for letting me borrow your brains.
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Bryan Lucchesi
CO
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