Activity: Sort the Props
Props (short for properties) can be categorized in three ways: scenic props, hand props, and
set dressing.
Scenic props include things that are often larger, can be sat upon or have items placed on
them. Examples include: table, chair, rock, and bench.
Hand props are smaller items that an actor uses on stage. Examples include: tea cup, pen,
gun, book, and fork.
Set dressing, as the name suggests, dresses the set and makes it look either more realistic
or helps to create the environment that the designer and director are trying to achieve.
Examples include: curtains, sofa pillows, throw rugs, books on shelves, and dishes in a
china cabinet.
Take notes - there are also things called Costume Props. These are usually hand props
that cross the areas of both costumes and props. Examples include: canes, hats or gloves
that are carried, pocket watches, and purses or handbags. The costume designer will have
say in what these items look like but the prop master or supervisor may be responsible for
getting them.
Drama Teacher Academy
© 2015 Karen Loftus
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Activity: Sort the Props
Here is a list of props. Place them in their appropriate category. While many of these
props could also be set dressing, keep the set dressing category filled with only items
that don’t fit in any other category. Also, circle the hand props that are considered
costume props.
sofa
book
table
pencil
cell phone
frying pan
dirty dishes
stool
sword
guitar
handkerchief
pocket watch
chair
picture that hangs on a wall
rock
water pitcher
tree stump
empty soda cans
bench
coffee table
knife
ottoman
spoon
tea pot
cane
curtains
rug
Drama Teacher Academy
© 2015 Karen Loftus
6