Cal Arts Props Blog: Props Protocols

Curricular Shows:

Curricular shows are those with full props support. Props will be provided according to the needs of each production.

Each show has access to a locking box in which to store their props. Due to the overlapping nature of production schedules, props boxes are supplied as soon as they are made available. The props area in the scene shop may be used temporarily for props storage. Managers should contact Christian to understand where show props are temporarily stored and how they can be accessed.

For details on props procedures for designers and managers, see the Props/Designers Expectations form.

Smaller Productions (School supported workshops, BB2 showings, etc.):

Smaller productions are those with limited props support. A smaller show has access to CalArts stored props once curricular shows’ needs are filled. Often curricular shows take full props department attention and smaller productions can not get much dedicated attention.

Each show must assign a student liaison to pull props. When a show is finished, this same person must schedule a time with Christian to return all props to storage. Do not return props to the scene shop.

We do not lend easily sourced items such as silverware, dishware, chairs, books etc. We do not lend large props such as sofas, tables, and beds.

Christian is happy to discuss options with students about more challenging props needs if his schedule allows. To schedule a meeting with Christian, a sign up sheet is posted on his door.

For Personal and Inter-School Projects (New Works Festival, Coffee House shows, etc):

These projects are those with no official props support. We like to support student projects when possible, however, sometimes this is not possible.

Our ability to assist with personal projects is dependent on our curricular and smaller production schedule.
To schedule a meeting with Christian, a sign up sheet is posted on his door.

We do not provide props support for off campus projects.

For Non-Theater School Productions:
The Theater school does not provide props support for non-Theater school productions.

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For Designers

Please read the following list detailing cal arts props expectations for designers. If there are any questions, needs, or concerns, you may contact Christian and the production manager(s) for your current production.

List: Designer(s) must have a preliminary props list for Christian one week prior to the Preliminary Budget meeting. This can be a physical or digital copy.
Research and Final Design Requirements: All research, props designs, and related details must be given to Christian prior to Preliminary Budget meeting. This should include potential secondary options when necessary. Context for specific items and descriptions are also very helpful.
Scheduling Props Pulls & Meetings: To see or pull props from storage, designer(s) must schedule an appointment with Christian during his office hours (10:30 am - 6:30 pm Wednesday-Friday). The sign up sheet is posted on his door every Monday. For time outside of regularly scheduled office hours, designer(s) must contact him directly (626) 319-7803.
Emails: Designer(s) must copy production and stage managers on emails to/from Christian about props, and include their mentor(s) on emails regarding props design requirements, changes, etc.
Budget Limitations: If we reach a ceiling number during the budgeting process, the designer(s) and director must make necessary changes or cuts to the props list to accommodate this challenge. All affected departments, managers, and mentors must be copied on email correspondences regarding these changes. Christian cannot move forward on shows whose props don’t conform to budget limitations.
In-Process Changes: When new prop(s) are added or significantly altered (from the initial design), designer(s) are expected to have a conversation with Christian about feasibility and implications. This way, all parties can assess their options to make a measured decision.
Rehearsals: designer(s) and director are encouraged to personally invite Christian to specific rehearsals they feel his presence will be useful to them. Otherwise, he will attend according to his schedule.
Weapons: If there are weapons (including, but not limited: guns, knives, whips, etc.) management must coordinate with Christian to fill out a weapons release form in order to retrieve this prop. Once this occurs, management is solely responsible for getting this prop into rehearsal. All weapons must be approved by Tom Walsh, (Cal Arts head of security). Check out for blank-firing and realistic firearms is a slightly more complicated process. Please refer to the Firearm Check Out form (see below).
Prioritization: The designer(s) and director are responsible for giving Christian a props priorities list. Without a list detailing build, buy, and pull priorities, Christian will prioritize according to the schedule of his work-study crew, in no particular order.
Designer Labor & Labor Limitations: Each production is limited in labor hours. Sometimes props cannot accommodate all changes made to a show after budgeting. If a designer wishes to assist with late changes or to be involved in the props-build process, they must notify their mentor outlining their desired level of involvement. If approved, designers are welcome to assist. Otherwise we will work within the limits of our allotted labor budget.
Christian is not responsible for props made on a designer’s own time and dime. Ones personal involvement in a show outside official props procedures is against the rules.

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WEAPON PROTOCOL FORM DATE: __________________________

PRODUCTION: ________________________________________________________________________________________

PERIOD OF USE: FROM ___________________________________ TO _______________________________________

DESIRED WEAPONS: (If more weapons are being requested, you can add on the back of this page).

1. ____________________________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________________________

3. ____________________________________________________________

4. ____________________________________________________________

5. ____________________________________________________________

VENUES THAT WEAPONS WILL BE USED IN: ______________________________________________________

REQUEST BY: ___________________________________________________

POSITION: __________________________________________________

CONTACT INFO: (M)____________________________EMAIL ______________________________________

NOTES: __________________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

ITEMS THAT ARE CONSIDERED FOR THIS WEAPONS (including, but not limited to):

GUNS AND FIREARMS
PISTOLS, RIFLES. WORKING AND NON WORKING
Working guns require the guidance of an approved fight choreographer.

KNIVES
FIXED BLADE OR FOLDING KNIFE OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING KITCHEN KNIVES.
Knives used for stage combat or in proximity to aggressive action must be dulled and blunted and require the guidance of an approved fight choreographer.

SCISSORS and SHEARS
Large 6” or longer heavy steel with dagger point. (Not general purpose safety scissors)

SWORDS
including, foil, epée, saber or broad sword all must be dulled and blunted or have protective tips (epée or foil) approved for stage combat.

MACHETTES, HATCHETS, AXE OR TOMAHAWK
all must be dulled and blunted

GARDEN IMPLIMENTS
Such as Scythe, sickles, picks etc.

PIKE, STAFF OR SPEAR

MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONS
Nunchaku, throwing star, spikes

BOW, ANY (with arrows)

TAZER

GARROTE, NOOSE, ROPE
Rope, string, wire etc for use as a binding or the act of strangling

BASEBALL BAT, NIGHTSTICK
(based on intended use in the action)

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