There are properties in every play

unless you work with mimes

Sometimes hired to create a single prop because it wasn't available for purchase, loan or rental. Sometimes when I was the scenic designer and there was no one else hired to do props so I helped to make sure my scenery was supported by decent properties. Also, hired full time for a season, or two, to be the person who sees that all props for all shows are as good as they can be.

Creating a special prop from scratch can be an extremely satisfying occupation if it is compensated for and there is enough time to do a good job. Of major importance to the overall effect of a play, props are often dealt with or added at the last minute. In one scenic design, the entire set was made of piles of carefully collected and arranged props, "The Price", which won an award for best scenic design for The Banyan Theatre 2003, because the amount of props was overwhelming, and arranged so well.

Above is a prop portrait painted by Karle for the Secret Garden at the Venice Theater 1996, another design credit. The mother had to resemble the son, be of the period, be very pretty and kind and all of the things a mother as well as the love of the young father's life is supposed to be, a romantic icon. This was painted using the actor, the boy, as the basis for her face.

Click on photo to see more examples of props by Karle H. Murdock.