Popular Perfect Props

Veteran set and prop builder Bob Peet describes some treasures, and trash that he’s converted to treasures, for community theatre stages.

During my years running the hire department at Sydney’s Miranda Musical Society, we had special props which were in high demand. The most requested was an antique looking French style telephone that was used for Daddy Warbucks’ mansion in Annie, and a lot of other classy looking shows.

Another was the magic rose from Beauty and the Beast. Our first rose was operated with fishing line attached to the petals, but this meant threading the fishing line for each use. Later we changed the operation to electromagnets attached to the petals. Press a button and the petal falls.

I have always been very particular about correct chairs for the stage. Often productions are spoiled by an ordinary chair looking so wrong. Recently in Adelaide I saw a production of a classic operetta. The beautiful period piece was ruined by the odd bentwood chair and a lounge from someone’s home, all meaning to portray the dressing of a wealthy merchant’s mansion.

Over the years I assembled a collection of chairs for all types of settings. A set of rustic timber chairs for a rough tavern scene has been used often. I picked up a set of 16 bentwood chairs in fibreglass resin from IKEA, which has become an instant café on many occasions. I made a big investment in a suite of reproduction Louis furniture. I found a supplier of reproduction furniture frames, and then I made them strong and suitable for the wear and tear of the stage. These pieces live in special road-cases and are still in excellent condition, having been used on many occasions.
It must be said, however, that the most used props, used in so many shows, are the dreaded picnic baskets. How many of the older musicals have a picnic, a market scene, or a street scene with shoppers?

Good props will continue to be used over and over again, and can make an enormous difference to a show.

I have always been a collector of roadside “treasures “, finding unwanted pieces which can be rejuvenated for a new life on stage.

I have to admit that in my recent move to South Australia, I still look for and find stuff. I needed a nice bedside table for The Hypochondriac. Then one evening after rehearsal I spotted a suitable table in a pile waiting to be taken to the tip. A bit of paint, a new shelf and wheels, and $30 later I had a faux period table.

The pictures tell the story.