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How Can I Make a Scene & Props for a Play?

Creating theater can be an enjoyable process that allows for personal growth and even entertains those not involved in the creative process. It is often time-consuming, however, and requires several days or weeks of preparation. Fully staged plays and musicals often have sets (or scenes), costumes, lights and props that must be gathered or assembled. Sets must be constructed to match the confines of the performance space. Props can be constructed, purchased or rented for the duration of the run of the show. Following a few guidelines helps with construction of sets and props for theatrical productions.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Plywood or thick corrugated cardboard
  • 2-inch-by-4-inch lumber
  • Safety goggles
  • Saw
  • Box cutter
  • Level
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Drill
  • Drill bits
  • Screws
  • Sandpaper
  • Large canvas flies
  • Paint
  • Paint rollers or paintbrushes
  • Drop cloth
  • Door frame and door
  • Window frame and window
  • Wire in sheets
  • Wire cutters
  • Flour
  • Newspaper
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Instructions

  1. Sets

    • 1
      Budget your set and prop funds appropriately.

      Design the set. Begin by measuring the performance space to ensure the design is appropriate. Calculating the budget for the production will help determine how much money should be used for sets. Do not budget inappropriately for your space.

    • 2

      Build the outer walls of the set. Brace the walls with triangular frames made from 2-inch-by-4-inch lumber whether you build with plywood or cardboard. Ensure the walls are level as you brace them. If multiple sets are needed, it is simpler to paint the backdrops on your canvas flies and bring out minor set pieces such as tables and chairs to imply specific spaces.

    • 3
      Painting with a paint roller is quicker than using brushes.

      Paint the walls of the sets to reflect what they represent. An example is tile walls to represent a bathroom set. For more realistic sets in which tile or wallpaper is wanted, use real materials instead of painting, attach light fixtures and install working doors and windows into plywood walls.

      If painting canvas backdrops, use forced perspective and paint more details onto the backdrops, such as sinks, lighting fixtures and other elements that cannot be mounted onto the walls directly.

    • 4

      Create platforms to serve as levels and steps. Make them with plywood or cardboard, and then paint the platforms to match the set.

    • 5

      Add appropriate furniture to your set. It can be rented or purchased. If the budget for the show is limited, use websites to learn what furniture people are giving away for free in your region.

    Props

    • 6

      Determine which props are essential. That will help you plan the prop budget for the show accordingly.

    • 7

      Determine which props to construct, buy or rent.

    • 8

      Purchase or rent props. Allow actors time to become used to them prior to opening night.

    • 9

      Create props from papier mache. To begin, mold wire sheets into the shape of the prop. Trim them with wire cutters, keeping edges clean. Sand any rough edges, and ensure the shapes are secure. Mix flour and boiling water to create a paste. Tear newspaper into strips, and dip strips in the paste. Layer the strips onto wire structures, and allow them to dry. Paint the prop a base color. After the paint dries, add secondary colors and paint shadows.

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