Preparation
Read the final version of the script. Make notes about where props are used, reused, etc. Make a list, by scene, of each prop. Write down when it is reused, but make not of when it originally appears.
Direction
You will be required to attend weekly production meetings. When meeting with the director, ask the following questions about specifics:
1. What kind of dagger or sword?
2. How big do you want something, what color, etc.?
Getting Props
Ensemble Stock
See what we have.
Rinaldi
See what you can get. Contact the props person.
Borrowing
Can borrow from MTG or GNS. Email their officers.
Buying
If all else fails, see if you can afford it in your budget.
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.
Props is a very time consuming job. Props takes several hours per week for the entire production. Be prepared to spend a lot of time doing this job.