Prop shop organization and functionings

A show's prop list is the ever changing center the world.  
    At the Rep the lists are created in a two part fashion.  Jim Guy creates an initial list for each show a year in advance when budgeting out shows.  Stage Management creates a list in the first week before rehearsal. They then meet up and create a master list combining the two.  Everyone in the shop get's emailed or linked to the master list.  From there it is broken out into everyone's respective area's.  As props get cut or changed the list is updated by both Jim and Stage Management.  Props and stage management, for each show in rehearsal, meet every morning going over all notes and changes.  This is after the prop shop morning meeting when we go over whats been gotten done. Give an update on process of projects being worked on, re-prioritize projects if need be, and go over the evening rehearsal notes and discuss changes. That way, if we have any questions on a note, or about how an item is used, Jim can bring it up with stage management.
    This shop has specialized artisans.  Katie handles all paper goods and painting.  Anything dealing with soft goods is Margaret.  Any furniture or construction is Eric.  Casting goes to Anna, and Sarah and Anna divy up all the crafting.  The team is well oiled enough to know what things they are responsible for.   Anna takes lead Props Directing on any show in the Cabaret space. I'm aware that this team runs a bit differently and smoothly than other shops.  I've talked with them about how tasks and projects are divided up at other houses.  Usually a team would go through the list under direction of the props master/director and get assigned projects. Most shops don't have such strongly delineated specialists.

                                                                                       "Angie's List"                                                                                           I often have a list of projects to work on and check off.  I'm overseen by whoever is the specialist in the type of work the project requires.  If there isn't a process to be followed already, I come up with ideas  and talk through it with one of the artisans.   

  

 When it comes to tech load in, Jim and Anna work with the stage managers and union crew to place items.  Prop team cannot place items onstage.  Jim can only point and the union member places it.  We take props down to backstage ramps and the dressing room area.  SM places them on tables.  At this time we also bring down props from the rehearsal rooms because as props are finished being built by the prop team during the rehersal weeks, they are brought up and integrated in.  If too fragile, or consumable, we hold onto it until prop check in.

   If props were unfinished at tech and load-in time, we still send them up if we can for placement.  Then we grab them after they have worked through the section it is used and bring it back to the shop to be worked on or tweeked.