Week 12 Character Props

Character Props and Final Project Specifications:
Props live in the world of the visual design created by the scenic designer used to establish the stage setting for the play. They are the details fleshing out the architecture to define the characters in the play, set the time period, complete the action needed within the structure of the play, and complete the “bridge” between the characters on stage and the reality of life objects. A good analogy to define “what is a prop?” has been likened to the real life situation of when a person moves from one home to another. A moving van pulls up and all the contents of the home are loaded in the van and it drives off to be unloaded into the new house. The house is the scenery. The scenery includes the actual walls, floors, ceilings, doors- the architecture of the house. This does not move. It is stationary and permanent. The items boxed up, covered in pads, and carried out to the moving van when a person is changing residences would all be considered the props. Adding the furniture props and stage dressing is what brings the space to life. Props bridge the space between the actor and the setting, making it human and bringing it alive, giving it dimension, color, character and clues to the world of the play. The props are all the non-permanent items. Think of what would be put in that moving van – dishes, lamps, chairs, books, pictures, furniture, blankets, drapes, rugs, letters, office supplies, appliances, lawn tools – all the “stuff” people need in their everyday living and utilize to furnish their homes. It can be either personal (a book on Egypt) or non-specific (a pillow) but every item says something about who owns that item. Even the non-specific pillow tells us something. Is it a bed or sofa pillow? Feather or foam? In a pillowcase or ticking cover? Clean or stained? Each item is a small clue into who the owner is, giving insight into the character of the owner. Making the choices about what it all looks like and finding or building those items is what a prop person does.

Samples:

http://stevencrewniverse.tumblr.com/post/68268257663/a-selection-of-character-prop-and-effect-designs

Height Hand Size Weight Foot Size Hair Color Cleanliness Hair Texture Jewelry Hair Style Habits Eye Color General Appearance Shape of Eyes Personality Shape of Nose Intelligence Shape of Mouth Birthmarks/Freckles Shape of Face Fingernails (Appearance) Age Speech Patterns Teeth Complexion Mood Walk Posture Mannerisms Voice Dress (Wardrobe, Costume, Fit) Distinguishing

Features Personality: Background, Parents, Nationality, Education Thought Processes Beliefs Emotional Aspects, Feelings Love, Affection, Concern Considerate, Understanding, Friendly, Forgiving, Generous, Mellow, Good-humored, Humane, Sensitive, Comforting Fear, Anxiety Agitated, Jittery, Terrified, Apprehensive, On Edge, Uncomfortable, Shaky, Tense, Jealous Inabilities,

Inadequacy: Fragile, Harmless, Powerless, Vulnerable, Inept, Meek, Defective, Useless, Insufficient, Weak Anger, Hostility, Cruelty Antagonistic, Spiteful, Insensitive, Heartless, Cranky, Arrogant, Nasty, Ruthless, Rude Distress: Impatient, Anguished, Confused, Skeptical, Tormented, Pained, Touchy, Awkward, Grief, Dissatisfied Elation, Joy: Cheerful, At Ease, Turned On, Happy, Serene, Enthusiastic, Witty, Comical, Contented, Amused Influence: Effective, Intense, Powerful, Self-confident, Determined, Bold, Strong, Dynamic, Courageous, Authoritative Depression: Downtrodden, Lonesome, Defeated, Rejected, Sad, Crushed, In the Dumps, Despondent, Unloved What makes him/her tick Relationship to others in story - protagonist, villain, hero Setting

Descriptions: General Shape Temperature Height Material Used Width Arrangement of Things Outside Appearance Where the place is Colors What it is near Function of the Place What it is next to Things in the Place What it is across from Climate Scenery surrounding it Sounds in the place Mood of the place Smells in the place People in the place Script Components: Situations Wanted Obstacles, Materials to overcome Conflicts, Problems Location Setting Place Goals, Achievements Villains, Bad People, Evil Heroes, Characters Emotions Involved Audio/Visual, Special Effects, Sound, Lights Additional Characters, Parts, Ideas to Add Object/Prop Characteristics Color Shape Size Function Weight Texture Cost Temperature Smell Taste Sound it Makes State of Motion How it Works How many parts it has.