(Other types of design are inferior because) "Props actually serve a purpose."
~Victor Gutierrez, Ensemble props designer
Preparation
1) Read the final version of the script and take notes.
a) Make a list, by scene, of each prop
b) Keep an eye on the rehearsal report for props you might have missed
2) Collecting props will be an ongoing process. See below for details.
3) In the week before tech week, you should show ALL the props you have to the director.
4) During put-in, set up a table in the dressing room with labels indicating which props go where.
5) During tech week, listen for notes and adjust props accordingly.
Direction
You will be required to attend weekly production meetings. Get a sense of the general feel of the show. When meeting with the director, ask questions about specifics.
Getting Props
(1) Ensemble Stock
All the props we have are in the office on the shelves. This should always be the first place you look. We only keep costumes and set pieces in Walker, not props.
(2) Rinaldi
Rinaldi has a massive supply of props. The personal responsible for it keeps changing, so ask an upperclassman familiar with Rinaldi who to get in touch with. Set up a meeting and you will get access to their stock.
(3) Borrowing
We can borrow some things from MTG or GNS. Email their officer lists once you know what you are looking for.
(4) Buying
If all else fails, try to construct your prop out of the materials available to you. You may need to buy some material or, in the worst case, you may need to buy the whole prop. Look for good prices.
Timing
Begin this and start gathering props as early as possible in the production. If there is a complicated prop you want it as early as possible in order to give the actor time to practice. This involved pulling rehearsal props, which are similar to the real props in structure and use, but not as detailed.
Being props designer may take several hours per week, depending on the complexity of the show. Be prepared to spend a lot of time doing this job.
When getting consumable supplies for the show (drinks, food), get a set of supplies during tech week so you can experiment, and then again right before the show (so you will have the best estimate of how much you will need for the run).
Notes on Props (alphabetical order)
Glasses (particularly champagne flutes) that are poured offstage may look surprisingly less full onstage; make sure you experiment beforehand with how much is needed to make the glass look full.
Tele-Q (telephone ringer) button is easy to 'slip' on; tell run crew to hold it down firmly if you do use this.