Dramatic Arts 12/13

DRAMATIC ARTS 12/13

(ELEMENTARY)

SELECTIVE UNIT 6 (S06)

(Property Design)

(July 2012)

Unit Statement: The student will construct or select properties or props for the purpose of a class or school production. A property designer creates and executes all props (Wilson & Goldfarb, 2010). This can be done with a team as well. Property or props are defined as “any object that will be used onstage, but is not a permanent part of the scenery or costumes.” (e.g. The Tin Man’s ax). Props, like sets and costumes, must fit the tone and style of the play.

Essential Outcomes: (assessed for mastery)

1. The Student Will draft and select props particular to a production and with the actors use in mind.

2. TSW review the script and record all props necessary for the production.

3. TSW design props which meet the tone and style of the production.

4. TSW record props and store them safely, and in an organized manner.

5. TSW explain the design, construction and use of the prop to the actor or actors using it.

6. TSW create one or more aesthetically pleasing props.

Suggested Materials:

1. Wilson, Edwin, and Alvin Goldfarb. Theatre: The Lively Art. 7th. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2010. 177-179. Print.

2. Sachteleben, Marilisa. "How to Make Stage Props." How to do Things. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Mar 2012. <ttp://www.howtodothings.com/hobbies/a4229-how-to-make-stage-props.html>.

Suggested Assessment Tool and Strategies:

1. Design a prop using paper-mâché, or any other simple construction material, to look like metal or stone.

2. Design a piece that is exaggerated for visual effect, yet safe and light for the actor to use (e.g. removing the heavy bit of the Tin Man’s ax and replacing it with a painted cardboard equivalent of exaggerated size for safety and to fit the fantasy tone, respectively).

3. Some props should be made to replicate their actual, real-life weight; it would be difficult to use an extremely light-weight broadsword convincingly. Be careful not to compromise safety, though, when you make props (www.howtodothings.com).

4. If appropriate to the play, make them brightly colored for better visibility. Use glue-on gems, metallic spray paint, tissue paper and tinsel to make eye-catching props (www.howtodothings.com).

RUBRIC FOUND ON FOLLOWING PAGE…………………….
DRAMATIC ARTS 12/13

Suggested Rubric (S06):

Student name ______Class ______Date______

A grade = both A level and no P level.

B grade = at least all B level and no P level.

TSW / ‘A’
“Exceptional” / ‘B’
“Great” / ‘P’
“Not Yet.”
TSW 1 / Student drafts and selects props particular to a production and with the actors use in mind. / Student has not drafted or selected a prop. Creates a prop without a draft.
TSW 2 / Student reviews the script and records all props necessary for the production. / Student has not or has incorrectly reviewed script.
TSW 3 / Student designs props which perfectly fit the tone and style of the production. / Student designs props which meet the tone and style of the production. / Student’s prop does not match tone or style of production.
TSW 4 / Student records props and store them safely, and in an organized manner. / Student does not handle or care for props appropriately.
TSW 5 / Student explains the design, construction and use of the prop to the actor or actors using it. / Student has not explained prop use or design to actors.
TSW 6 / Student creates one or more aesthetically pleasing props of high quality. / Student creates one or more aesthetically pleasing props. / Student must rework prop.

QSI DRAMATIC ARTS 12/13 (ELEM) S06