What Does a Props Construction Thespy Entry Involve?
For a Props Construction entry, the Thespian must present and discuss one (1) completed prop they constructed for use in a published theatrical work. Props for performances of original works, poetry, fiction, screenplays, television, concerts, and/or any other medium are not permitted.
For the purposes of the Thespy Awards, a “prop” is defined as any object used by an actor in a performance that isn’t part of the set or worn as a costume piece or accessory.
The Thespian must be able to articulate the purpose of the prop in the show as well as their process in creating the prop.
Only one (1) Thespian may be involved in the construction; collaborations are not permitted. Props for theoretical or realized productions are acceptable.
Showcasing Your Work for the Adjudicators
The Thespian must prepare a five- to eight-minute (5-8-minute) presentation showcasing and summarizing their work. The presentation should walk the adjudicators through the process of conceptualization, collaboration, and design/construction decision-making using the specific items listed under “Required Materials” below.
In addition, the Thespian should address the the general presentation prompts below as well as the functional purpose and visual aesthetic of the prop, their design and building process, and how the prop supports the production’s overall concept.
Presentations may be verbal or visual in format (the Thespian may speak, display a video that presents their material, or let their support materials describe their process fully; in the latter case, the support materials would need to be thorough enough to allow the adjudicators to understand all required components of the category).
Required Materials
(Expand each item for details.)
1. A fully constructed prop that reflects the Thespian's capabilities and strengths, created to be used in a play or musical.
- The prop must be fully built/constructed by the Thespian. Purchased items that are finished or decorated are not allowed.
- The prop can be built using any materials or tools needed.
- The prop should be finished and ready for use by an actor on stage.
- The materials and supplies used to create the prop must not exceed $100 in value. (An itemized expense sheet should be included in the support materials. See #2.)
Note: Prop weapons are allowed for Thespy adjudication but undergo additional clearances on the Indiana University campus. Therefore, any student submitting a prop weapon as an entry for the final round of in-person adjudication during ITF must submit a photo of the final prop in their Thespy adjudication form prior to the festival. Items that do not meet university weapons policies may need to be adjudicated virtually.
2. Additional support materials presented in a binder or digitally.
Additional support materials presented in a binder or digitally (the Thespian must provide their own equipment for viewing). Any digital presentation must display the work so that the adjudicators can see details during the presentation. These materials must include:
- Research, including:
- Play synopsis
- Complete props list for the production
- Summary of given circumstances that include what the prop is and how it is used in the play
- Visual research that supports historical, cultural, or stylistic accuracy (especially important for period pieces or stylized worlds)
- List of materials used to create the prop and step-by-step explanation of construction methods and the reasoning behind those choices.
- Itemized expense sheet with accompanying receipts for all materials used to construct the prop.
- Prop construction photo series that focuses on the process of building the prop (e.g., measuring, cutting, assembling, decorating, finishing) and at least one photo of the final prop.
Optional Materials
The Thespian may bring in photo boards or other visual aids to display along with the prop and support materials. The Thespian may also provide an optional written response to share additional information about the prop with the adjudicators.
Question & Answer Session
Following the presentation, a 4-minute Q&A session will commence in which the adjudicators may ask any questions about the construction process or the additional support materials included.
Skills Measured
The skills measured by the adjudicators during the presentation are:
- Construction and craftsmanship skills, including the application of techniques specific to the chosen materials (e.g., woodworking, painting, or mold casting).
- Attention to detail.
- Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the artistic, functional, and practical constraints that impact construction choices.
- Ability to research and understand the connection between style, period, locale, genre, and other historical and cultural influences and construction choices.
- Ability to budget appropriately for the prop’s construction.
- Ability to document, present, and clearly explain and justify the process of constructing the prop and the prop’s functionality.
