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Props

A prop is considered to be anything movable and touched by the actors - otherwise it is considered part of the set. Usually the design of props is the set designer’s responsibility, but costume designers are responsible for any props that form part of a costume, eg umbrellas and bags.

Like all design areas, props need to be in line with the design brief. The design of props, however, also has to consider durability and how easily a prop can be handled and maneuvered. When props need to be smashed on stage, they can be made out of sugar glass as a health and safety measure as it easily crumbles into small pieces rather than producing sharp shards.

Props can be symbolic. For example, a character that regularly holds a hot drink can be communicating that they need warmth and comfort. How actors interact with props can also communicate meaning - fiddling with a prop can indicate nerves or anxiety, for example.

Costumes

The designing of the clothes worn by actors on stage is called costume design. The style of the performance is one of the most important factors that influences costume design.

It is important to have all the information outlined in the brief before starting costume designs. The designs should consider:

• materials - they must be appropriate for the performance’s time period, style and character, without being too costly
• colour - this is often symbolic, eg white traditionally symbolises innocence, but can also be altered by stage lights
• texture - how the costume feels and looks
• appearance - to communicate meaning to the audience, eg clean and smartly ironed or ripped and dirty
• fit or cut - this can say a lot about a character, eg if it doesn’t fit the character’s shape it can indicate that the character is in a bad financial situation
• movement constraints - costumes that are too tight might be restricting and prevent the actor from performing properly
• adornments - the decorations or embellishments on a costume, eg jewellery and medals, are useful for indicating wealth or status

Hair, wigs, make-up and masks are also included within a costume designer’s role and need to be in line with the style of the performance and the rest of the costume design.