prop
prop
/prɒp/
An object used by actors in a play or film, distinct from the scenery, costumes, and electrical equipment.
Specifically refers to items that are portable and handled by actors during a performance, rather than static background furniture.
The story behind the word. The word 'prop' is a 19th-century abbreviation of 'theatrical property'. In early English theater, the company or theater owner owned the physical items used in a play, and these items were cataloged as the 'property' of the theater.
Word relationships
- theatrical property: The full, formal term for a prop, rarely used in daily production speech.
Commonly confused with
- set dressing: Set dressing includes items like rugs and paintings that decorate the background, while props are items directly handled by the actors.
Word family
- propping (verb): The act of placing or managing props on a set.
Collocations
- hand prop
- prop master
- prop department
Example sentences
- "The actor forgot to bring the letter onto the stage, leaving him without the crucial prop needed to advance the plot." A theater director reviewing the list of items needed for a play.
Memory hook
A 'prop' is a 'property' owned by the theater that 'props' up the realism of the scene. Prop: A physical property handled by an actor.
When not to use
Do not use to describe large, permanent set pieces like walls or heavy backdrops, which are part of the set design, not props.
Fun facts
- The 'prop master' is one of the most organized people on set, keeping a detailed inventory of hundreds of items, from fake food to realistic weapons.
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