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4) During put-in, set up a table in the dressing room with labels indicating which props go where. Tape off a square for each prop and tell actors which props are theirs. Make sure the Props Manager (runtime job) knows what props go where and how to reset props, if necessary. Put weapon props in the weapons chest (if applicable, see below). At some point give the genitals speech:
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5) During tech week, listen for notes and adjust props accordingly.
Getting Props
(1) Ensemble Stock
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A couple general notes about renting weapons:
Keep the packing material around so you can pack them up neatly for the return trip.
Take care of them. They aren't ours and we don't want to be on the hook if they break.
Keep them safe. Make sure they stay in the office and people don't play with them. This can't be emphasised enough.
Make sure to rent one more than you need. Weapons do have a way of breaking we you least want them to.
If you're renting them for spring semester, the buffer for returning them can creep up fast. Either do it before leaving for spring break or right after you get back.
Weapons/Weapons chest
Shakespeare Ensemble has a weapons chest (in our office) which we use to store weapon props during and outside of shows. The chest has a number lock (ask officers if you don't know the password); CAC wants us to keep it locked between performances so make sure the Props Manager for the show is aware of this and does this.
Timing
Start gathering props as early as possible in the production. If there is a complicated prop you want to start working on it as early as possible in order to have it ready for the actors. If there are props that the actors need to practice with that aren't ready, rehearsal props, which are similar to the real props in structure and use, but not as detailed, are a great idea.
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