What do you do if your props are too heavy and difficult to manage?

Props are essential elements of any theatrical production, but they can also pose some challenges when they are too heavy and difficult to manage. Whether you are dealing with bulky furniture, large set pieces, or heavy weapons, you need to find ways to make your props easier to handle, transport, and store. In this article, we will share some tips and tricks to help you overcome the difficulties of heavy props and make your show run smoothly.

1 Assess your prop needs

When dealing with heavy props, the first step is to assess your prop needs and see if you can reduce, replace, or modify them. Ask yourself questions such as: do you really need this prop, or can you imply it with dialogue, sound, or lighting? Can you use a smaller, lighter, or simpler version of this prop, or create an illusion with other materials? Can you make this prop more functional, durable, or versatile, or add features that make it easier to move or store? For example, if a large table is necessary, you may opt for a folding table with a tablecloth or a cardboard table with a wooden frame. If a sword is required, you could use a plastic or foam sword with a metallic finish, or a retractable sword that can be hidden in a scabbard.

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Egidio Serri

Education Manager at Magis5 | Founder of Instituto Ecommerce | Specialist in Learning, Community, and Ecommerce | Proud Father of Luiz and Chloe
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If your props are too heavy and difficult to manage, assess your prop needs. Consider the purpose and function of the props in your productions. It might be possible to redesign or simplify the props to make them lighter and easier to handle, without compromising their utility or aesthetics. Additionally, explore alternative lightweight materials that can fulfill your needs without adding excessive weight. Also, consider ergonomics and practicality during the handling and transportation of the props. Conducting tests and prototyping can help find effective solutions to reduce weight and ease the management of your props.

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Carol Rashawnna Williams

Lead Consultant Founder BIPOC Sustainable Tiny Art House Community
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Hire help or reassess your props then determine next steps. Props that are incorrectly weighted or designed must take into account...the age old verbiage, safety first

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Friedrich Haas

Artist / Author / Creator
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I don't do props, but I apply solutions from everywhere. There are any number of wheel systems for furniture. There is even a flat system to roll under cars, I believe it is used in China so it may not be available, but it is indicative that there is always a way. I watched a fellow 3D print wheels for a screw drive cycle that moves in any direction. Maccadam wheels, something like that. If you can't find what you need, it can be made. In fact, your solution can become a business opportunity as your problem is the problem of others as well.

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Fernaldy P. Wijaya

Value-Driven, Detail Oriented, Market Analyst
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When your props become a burden rather than enhancing your production, it's time for a rethink. Start by understanding the props' role—can you simplify or redesign them without losing their impact? If it's absolutely crucial towards the show, another approach is to look at the materials used. Switching to lighter materials can make a huge difference without compromising the prop's appearance. For example, you can use PVC pipes and curtain/banner for a moveable wall instead of using wooden divider. While redesigning is a viable solution, keep budget in mind. Balancing practicality, aesthetics, and budget is key to effectively managing heavy and difficult-to-handle props.

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2 Plan your prop logistics

When dealing with heavy props, it’s important to plan your prop logistics and ensure you have the necessary resources and support. You must consider how you will transport your props to and from the venue, where you will store them when not in use, how you will move them on and off stage, who will be responsible for them, how you will secure them on stage to prevent them from falling or breaking, and how you will maintain them and repair them if needed. For instance, if you have a heavy couch, you might need a truck or trailer to transport it, a backstage area or storage room to keep it, a dolly or cart to move it on and off stage, some crew members to help you, straps or hooks to secure it on stage, and tools or spare parts to fix it if it gets damaged.

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Fernaldy P. Wijaya

Value-Driven, Detail Oriented, Market Analyst
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When possible, breaking down props into smaller, manageable parts can ease handling and transportation. This approach also allows for easier assembly, streamlining your production process. Finding a reputable logistics is also very important. You don't want your props to arrive late before a show.

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3 Practice with your props

The third step to deal with heavy props is to practice with your props and make sure you and your cast are comfortable and confident with them. To do this, introduce your props as early as possible in the rehearsal process and use them in every scene that requires them. Additionally, train your cast and crew on how to handle, operate, and store your props safely and effectively. It's also important to test your props for functionality, stability, and visibility, making adjustments if needed. Finally, create a prop list and a prop plot that detail what props are needed, where they are located, and who is in charge of them. For example, if you have a heavy rifle, you should demonstrate to your cast how to hold, aim, and fire it safely; check if the rifle works properly; assess if it can be seen and heard by the audience; ascertain if it can be easily accessed and stored; note who needs the rifle when and where; and assign a crew member to monitor it.

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Fernaldy P. Wijaya

Value-Driven, Detail Oriented, Market Analyst
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Training your team in proper prop handling is essential for safety and the longevity of your props. Start by identifying potential risks like heavy weight, awkward shapes, or fragile components. For example, if you have a large, heavy prop, demonstrate the correct lifting technique: bend at the knees, not the waist, and use both hands to distribute weight evenly, reducing the risk of injury. During rehearsals, allow your team to practice handling props. This helps them become familiar with the props and the best way to handle them during production. Also don't forget to encourage feedback to improve handling techniques and safety protocols.

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4 Communicate with your team

Communicating with your team is the fourth step in dealing with heavy props. You should share your vision and goals with your director, designer, and stage manager, and coordinate with the venue manager, technician, and security staff about prop specifications and needs. Additionally, it's important to brief your cast and crew on prop rules and expectations, as well as remind them of their responsibilities and cues. Moreover, review your prop inventory regularly and report any issues or changes. For example, when using a heavy piano in a show you may want to discuss how it will be used with the director, how it will be decorated with the designer, where it can be placed on stage with the venue manager, how it should be lit with the technician, how it should be treated by the cast and crew, and if there are any problems or updates with its condition.

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5 Prepare for the unexpected

The fifth step to deal with heavy props is to prepare for the unexpected and be ready to improvise or adapt if something goes wrong. To do this, you should have a backup plan and a contingency plan for your props, as well as some spare props or alternative props. Additionally, it is important to have tools and materials that can be used to fix or modify your props on the spot. It is also useful to have some humor and creativity that can handle any prop mishaps or surprises. For example, if you have a heavy chandelier, you should have a plan B and a plan C in case it falls or fails to light up. You could also switch to a spare chandelier or substitute chandelier if needed. Have wires and bulbs on hand for repairs or adjustments. Plus, jokes or gestures can be used to cover up or acknowledge any chandelier incidents. Props are essential for any show, so they should be treated with respect and care. Following these steps will make your props more manageable and enjoyable, resulting in a successful and memorable show.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What do you do if your props are too heavy and difficult to manage?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess your prop needs

2 Plan your prop logistics

3 Practice with your props

4 Communicate with your team

5 Prepare for the unexpected

6 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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What do you do if your props are too heavy and difficult to manage?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Assess your prop needs

2 Plan your prop logistics

3 Practice with your props

4 Communicate with your team

5 Prepare for the unexpected

6 Here’s what else to consider

Theatrical Production

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