Give specific examples of some of the items needed to move forward with the set design for the production. This will make people think about specific items they might have to donate or lend rather than them having to think and come up with their own. [2] X Research source If your school has a newsletter that is mailed or emailed out to parents, ask if the newsletter could include your flyer. Consider including the flyer on other social media sites as well. [3] X Research source
If that standard plastic or metal chair does not fit the decor for the scene, try covering it with a large piece of extra fabric or a blanket to create a stylish covering.
Make sure to also have flyers to hand out to people at the event. If the flyer lists specific items you need for the production, you may even get some people interested in lending furniture or clothing to the production. [7] X Research source
It is important to get a variety of colors and shades. Paint is a simple way to change the look of an item without having to hunt for something specific. Try and get the primary colors of red, blue, and yellow, along with white and black paint. This combination will allow you to create a wide variety of other colors and shades. [10] X Research source
Take some old white sheets or white canvas drop cloths, and pull them taut over wooden or PVC pipe frames. Make enough backdrops to cover the back of the stage. Then enlist help from some good artists at your school to paint the needed designs on the backdrops.
For example, a generic backdrop that is painted with bricks on it could be a city scene, a castle, or an apartment. What will help distinguish the scene is what items you place around the generic backdrop.
Remember that objects just need to look like and suggest what they are, and not necessarily be a three-dimensional representation of what they are. [14] X Research source
Ask if your local thrift store will consider loaning items from their store. This would be especially helpful if your school is planning on having more productions in the future. The thrift store may just ask for any borrowed items to be returned in good condition, and recognition in the program pamphlet for the donation. [16] X Research source
Check out the plastic tableware and tablecloths to spruce up a kitchen scene, or peruse through the plastic greenery to assemble fake potted plants and bouquets to liven up a garden scene. Don’t be afraid to use your imagination and get crafty with some hot glue. For example, if you combine some white round gift boxes, ribbon, and some fake flowers, you can create a layered wedding cake prop.
Get creative with reusing big props as well as small props. A fake pine tree could serve as a holiday tree, or it could represent a tree in a park scene that the actors have a picnic under. A stack of books can sit on a desk to portray an office space, or actors can place the books on a shelf to represent a library. It is never too late or too early to start a prop collection. This will make planning your next production easier. Make a catalogue or a list of what is available in storage to avoid purchasing or creating duplicate props.
