Editing Prop (section)

{{Short description|Movable object used by actors on a stage or set}}
{{Other uses}}
[[File:Theatrical props from "Oliver".jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|A prop table backstage for the musical number "[[Food, Glorious Food]]" in the musical production, ''[[Oliver!]]'']]

A '''prop''', formally known as a ('''theatrical''') '''property''',<ref>[http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/english/property Oxford Dictionaries Online] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817070616/http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/english/property |date=2016-08-17 }} "old-fashioned term for prop"</ref> is an object  [[actor]]s use on stage or screen during a [[performance]] or [[Filmmaking#Production|screen production]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Roth, Emily|url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/940795601|title=Stage management basics : a primer for performing arts stage managers|others=Allender-Zivic, Jonathan, McGlaughlin, Katy.|year=2017|isbn=978-1-138-96055-8|location=New York|oclc=940795601}}</ref> In practical terms, a prop is considered to be anything movable or portable on a stage or a set, distinct from the actors, scenery, costumes, and electrical equipment. This includes handheld items such as books, cups, weapons, and tools that actors interact with during a performance. Props help to create a realistic setting, convey information, or add to the storytelling by showing details about the characters or the environment.<ref name="Nesfield-Cookson">{{cite book |last=Nesfield-Cookson |first=Mary |title=Small Stage Properties and Furniture |url=https://archive.org/details/smallstageproper00nesf |url-access=registration |year=1934 |publisher=G. Allen & Unwin |location=London |page=[https://archive.org/details/smallstageproper00nesf/page/11 11]}}</ref><ref name="Govier">{{cite book |last=Govier |first=Jacquie |title=Create Your Own Stage Props |year=1984 |publisher=Prentice-Hall |location=Englewood Cliffs, NJ |page=[https://archive.org/details/createyourownsta00govi/page/8 8] |isbn=0-13-189044-1 |url=https://archive.org/details/createyourownsta00govi/page/8 }}</ref><ref name="Harris">{{cite book |last=Harris |first=Margaret |editor=Motley |title=Theatre Props |year=1975 |publisher=Drama Book Specialists/Publishers |location=New York |page=[https://archive.org/details/theatreprops0000motl/page/7 7] |chapter=Introduction |isbn=0-910482-66-7 |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/theatreprops0000motl/page/7 }}</ref>