Hunting for Props For My Play
In this newsletter, I describe my hunt for the perfect props for my play.
As I prepare for my 2023 shows, I've a challenge ahead of me – finding props that will make a splash on the stage. If I don't want to be dwarfed by a huge, bare stage, I will need props to fill it.
A Chair With Arms
I've told you before that I'm looking for an armchair. Well, the armchair wars continue. Usually, you'd pack a chair into your car or van, but for a variety of reasons, that's not an option for me.
So, I will have to fall on my sword and ask the venues I'm performing at for chairs. In previous posts, I have asked them for an armchair. But a chair with arms will do. A sturdy chair that won't sink or move when I sit in it.
Photo Description: This is a yellow armchair with a cushion on it, and the cushion has yellow and grey leaves.
This chair will give the audience a focal point for my words, and changes the pace of the play, making it more reflective at times.
Beating A Different Drum
I also need to swap out the props I already have. My trusty red drum will need to be replaced with a bigger drum that can be heard in a bigger space. Toy shops only sell drum kits, not individual toy drums, so I will scour the charity shops and online stores for a bigger drum.
And my trusty tie-died T-shirt, which I wore for my five summer shows, will look bleached out under the stage lights. So, I will be on the hunt for a T-shirt with splashes of luminous, clashing colour. Or even a bright orange or pink T-shirt will do.
Where I will Get My Prompts
Charity shops no longer sell T-shirts like that. They offer elegant, classy clothes more suitable for a night out. I sense a large department store beginning with P will be my best bet for this T-shirt.
I am going to have a fun time in the coming weeks hunting down these prompts. I sense online bargain stores will become my best friends.
Whether you want to give a standing ovation or not, you can buy tickets for my show at Source in Thurles on 2 February, and I'll have news soon about tickets for my show at Wexford Arts Centre on Thursday 19 January.