When directing a new play with children, I always have a huge debate with myself about whether or not using props is a good idea. Let’s weigh up some pros and cons…
Pro: it adds dimension to the production.
Using props can help to visually create the environment for both the actors and the audience. With young actors, fully immersing them in the world of their characters can really help the performance and give them something to play off.
Con: they limit the scope of your imagination.
Although clarifying the environment can be useful, it can also be limiting. You may be stuck trying to change the location of scenes and over-complicate transitions. Keeping things simple and allowing the characters to create the environment through their performance can give you more potential to play and be ambitious.
Pro: you can get creative with your use of objects.
If you’re going to use props, you can really get creative with what you use and how. In this way the props can become an extra character. One example of this was at Prague Youth Theatre when we performed Alan Ayckbourn’s ‘The Boy Who Fell Into A Book’. In this show we made all of the props, costumes and set from paper to represent the pages of the book. This really challenged the students to think outside the box.
Con: it can limit your potential for physical theatre.
If you work too literally with props and set, you’re limiting your actors’ ability to be creative and show the action using just themselves. This can make energy low and rehearsals less engaging. Always give your student the possibility to think creatively.
Pro: nobody likes bad miming.
If a prop is essential to the action and you don’t have it, it’s unusual that you’ll find a child who can mime it convincingly. This can make your production look amateur and while you are working with children, there’s no reason a production can’t be of a high standard. Don’t settle for ease if it doesn’t look good. If you need a prop and can’t have it, at least try to be creative about how you show it.
Con: they’re incredibly distracting.
Very rarely do I decide that a prop is really essential. Last year when we performed our original pirate musical, ‘The Blue and Doubloons’, I had to confiscate SO MANY SWORDS. While I appreciate that my actors brought their own props to really support their character, watching them wave their swords around was distracting and meant that actors kept missing lines. If they don’t need it, don’t give them it!
Pro: personal props encourage responsibility.
If it is something that they need, asking young actors to be responsible for their own props can help them feel trusted and behave accordingly. Let the actors make choices about their character and what they need but let them know it’s their responsibility. If they want a prop they must take care of it and ensure it’s not interfering with their performance or it will be taken away.
Con: you’re going to lose and break a lot of stuff!
If you’re have too many props, things will get lost and broken. Encourage your actors to make smart decisions about their props. If they feel they need something they must take care of it and know where it is. If they have too many things they’re more likely to lose track of them.
In conclusion… be very, VERY selective and creative with your props when working with children.
