Are Props Getting the Recognition They Deserve in the Entertainment Industry?

In the Entertainment Industry, props designers often go unnoticed despite being essential to bringing stories to life. These creative individuals add magic and detail to performances, seamlessly blending reality with fantasy on stage or screen. They are multitasking wizards who infuse productions with depth and authenticity.

Props are the unsung heroes of the stage, overshadowed by flashy set designs and costumes. However, behind each prop lies a world of research, creativity, and technical skill that deserves recognition. Props designers are like creative ninjas, skillfully balancing various talents to enhance storytelling through intricate details and innovative solutions.

In productions, budget constraints and hierarchical structures tend to prioritize costumes and set designs over props. This undervalues the significant role props play in engaging audiences and enriching narratives. A well-crafted prop can convey character traits, historical contexts, or key storylines subtly and effectively, enhancing the overall storytelling experience.

The power of storytelling lies in the smallest details, such as iconic props that become symbols of the narratives they inhabit. These objects transform stories into tangible experiences, making them memorable for audiences.

Imagine Beauty and The Beast without The Rose or Damn Yankees without Baseball gloves. Props are essential in storytelling, acting as the connective tissue. The props designer must conduct thorough research to ensure props are historically accurate, functional, seamless, and adding the magic that the scene requires.

For example, in "Seussical" the fluffy pink clover embodies hope and faith that Horton and The Whos share throughout the story, while in "Matilda," Bruce's cake symbolizes resilience and unity against the tyranny of Ms. Trunchbull.

In movies, props such as "Wilson" in "Castaway" and the pumpkin in "Cinderella" play pivotal roles in expressing themes like loneliness, companionship, transformation, and hope. These props take on character-like qualities, enhancing the storytelling experience and leaving a memorable impression on the audience.

Through these examples, it becomes evident that props are not mere objects but essential storytellers in their own way. They demonstrate that even the smallest details can carry profound meaning and contribute significantly to the narrative, creating unforgettable moments in the realms of theater and film.

I'm wondering why, then, is it that the props department receives the smallest portion of the budget compared to other departments? Props designers, as myself, love what we do, but the feeling of being under appreciated and under valuated is hard to keep ignoring.

To rectify this disparity, the industry must recognize the artistic skill and expertise of props designers as essential to the success of any production. By increasing awareness and admiration for their contributions, industry conversations, and educational programs can enhance the recognition of props designers and advocate for fair budget allocation.