Running Props
Props must be well organized for the show performances (run of the show).
The key to this is to give every single prop a home where it is stored when not in use. By giving them a place that they belong, it is easily checked to make sure nothing is missing.
The most common means of doing this is to use one or several props tables. A props table is simply a large table in the wings where props are laid out for use. Usually the table is divided into sections with spike tape for each prop and labeled to indicate what prop belongs in that section. The props are sometimes outlined to follow their unique shape and make their proper place immediately obvious. Doing this method can make it very easy to look over the props table to see if anything is missing.
Seeing that props are in place on the props tables or at their appropriate place onstage, is the responsibility of both the props run crew and the actor who uses the prop. The crew should do preshow checks AND each actor should check his own personal props before the show. Ideally props should always be in their place on the table when not in use. Actors can pick them up before their entrance and should replace props on the table when they exit.
The key to any system is that there IS a system and that it is easy to check and maintain so that the props are always available and easily found when needed.
And most importantly - NEVER touch a prop that isn't yours. Both the actors and the crew are expecting the props to be in a specific place and to function a specific way. Touching other people's props (including furniture) is often how things get broken or lost.
Other tasks traditionally assigned to props include:
Setting up the chairs and stands in the orchestra pit for a musical.
Setting stands and chairs onstage for an orchestra concert.
Placing a piano for a recital or concert.
Placing the lectern for a speaker.
Laying and taping down the marley dance floor (the plastic-like material that is placed overtop of the stage deck to allow dancers to move and turn easily, but not slip).
Sweeping the floor before and after load-in and mopping the stage floor before each performance. Options for mopping include a traditional string mop, or a "French" mop, consisting of a damp or wet towel wrapped around the head of a push broom. French mopping is less likely to leave visible swirls and is often preferred for dance floors and smooth, untextured floors.