Quick nerd information- the term "props" is short for proper recognition [props to you!] and the term "prop" is derived from a prop on a stage being the property of the company, recorded in inventory.
Source? Urban Dictionary :)
When composing a stage set up for a theatric act there are three major components- the set, the actors/actresses, and the props.
The set provides a setting, the actors/actresses provide the acting, and the props.... well, what is their purpose? Propping?
Yup! Props... well, prop. They provide support for a "scene" and add a direction of interest for the audience.
Now take this out of the context of a theatric act and insert this concept into a common situation. We use props in our lives every day. Not necessarily the same way one would use a prop in a play but yet quite similarly. Here's a quick list of props and how we use them as props.
Yup! Props... well, prop. They provide support for a "scene" and add a direction of interest for the audience.
Now take this out of the context of a theatric act and insert this concept into a common situation. We use props in our lives every day. Not necessarily the same way one would use a prop in a play but yet quite similarly. Here's a quick list of props and how we use them as props.
**cell phone- Whether you're avoiding eye contact walking around ASU or part of an awkward event of silence, cell phones are probably the most common form of props used nowadays. It's so easy to pull your phone out and text someone or simply pretend you're texting someone. Even if it's often excessively rude to do so.
**chapstick- boys, I'll let you in on a secret.. It's really not necessary for a girl to apply chapstick 20 times a day. Chapstick is another simple prop used to draw attention from a situation you feel uncomfortable in to something new. Ex: I'm bored...... what to do what to do... I haven't applied chapstick to my lips in the past 14 minutes. distraction!! And... back to boring. OR Hmmm another awkward pause in conversation.. *rubs lips together* yup.. dry enough that I can escape this awkward moment for a second by putting on chapstick.
**candles/straws/napkins/etc..- basically anything sitting within reach at a table that will provide something for you to be distracted by (and your audience to be distracted by!) while you compose an idea or are fighting to keep a poker face even though there are a thousand emotions and thoughts on the brink of being exposed
**magazines- these especially come in handy while you're waiting for something whether it is for a doctor's appointment or for a friend to meet you. Personally, I don't like reading magazines other than the occasional article here and there or a juicy print of Cosmopolitan but I swore off that trash a few years ago. The nice thing with using magazines as a prop is that you don't actually have to read them! Have you ever noticed that a good percentage of magazines are just pictures? I'm convinced that magazines are created for the purpose of propping. They include a few real articles for the people who pick them up that actually know how to read but most of the information magazines include is all short, low attention span, prop material.
We use all of these things along with many more to provide a slight distraction- just like on stage a prop draws a portion of the audiences attention away from the actor's face momentarily. Whether it is to avoid someone.. or break up a dull moment... or to aid you in keeping a poker face so your audience won't notice your sudden change in attitude.... or to provide an object of attention instead of awkwardly staring at the wall.... or a million other things, you've used props before in your life. Most likely multiple times a day!
Interesting aspect of how we act, right?
Bwahaha... act.
**magazines- these especially come in handy while you're waiting for something whether it is for a doctor's appointment or for a friend to meet you. Personally, I don't like reading magazines other than the occasional article here and there or a juicy print of Cosmopolitan but I swore off that trash a few years ago. The nice thing with using magazines as a prop is that you don't actually have to read them! Have you ever noticed that a good percentage of magazines are just pictures? I'm convinced that magazines are created for the purpose of propping. They include a few real articles for the people who pick them up that actually know how to read but most of the information magazines include is all short, low attention span, prop material.
We use all of these things along with many more to provide a slight distraction- just like on stage a prop draws a portion of the audiences attention away from the actor's face momentarily. Whether it is to avoid someone.. or break up a dull moment... or to aid you in keeping a poker face so your audience won't notice your sudden change in attitude.... or to provide an object of attention instead of awkwardly staring at the wall.... or a million other things, you've used props before in your life. Most likely multiple times a day!
Interesting aspect of how we act, right?
Bwahaha... act.
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