Prop

PROP can stand for: * 6-N-Propylthiouracil (or PROP), a thionamide either tasting very bitter or tasteless depending on genetic makeup * PROP (category theory), a certain symmetric strict monoidal category, in category theory * Propulsion Engineer (PROP), space shuttle flight control position * Preservation of the Rights of Prisoners (PROP), a UK prisoner's rights organisation set up in the early 1970s * People's Republic of Poland, the Polish People's Republic. The Warsaw Pact state in Poland existing from 1947 to 1949.

" in the musical production, Oliver!]] A prop, formally known as a theatrical property, is an object an actor uses on stage or screen during a performance or screen production. In practical terms, a prop is considered to be anything movable or portable on a stage or a set, distinct from the actors, scenery, costumes, and electrical equipment. This includes handheld items such as books, cups, weapons, and tools that actors interact with during a performance. Props help to create a realistic setting, convey information, or add to the storytelling by showing details about the characters or the environment. ==Term== The earliest known use of the term "properties" in English to refer to stage accessories is in the 1425 CE morality play, The Castle of Perseverance. During the Renaissance in Europe, small acting troupes functioned as cooperatives, pooling resources and dividing any income. Many performers provided their own costumes and small objects needed for performance, hence the term "property" suggesting these items belonged to the people on stage. Conversely, items such as stage weapons or furniture may have been acquired specially and considered "company property". The Oxford English Dictionary finds the first usage of "props" in its shortened form in 1841, while the singular form "prop" appeared in 1911. "Property" and "prop" apply not only to props used in theatre, but also to props used in film and television. Properties director Bland Wade said "A coffee cup onstage is a coffee cup on television, is a coffee cup on the big screen," adding "There are definitely different responsibilities and different vocabulary." ==Backstage and on stage== , Germany]] During a performance props are set up in order, off stage on a table in an easily accessed area or pre-set on-stage before the performance begins by the assistant stage manager (ASM). The person in charge of preparing, maintaining and acquiring props is generally called the property master. ==Types== Most props are ordinary objects. Some may require modification, such as rewiring of lamps to be compatible with dimmers or painting to make an object look used or be more visible from front of house under bright or dim lighting. Props may also be manufactured specially for the production. This may be for reasons of weight, durability and safety or the item may be unique in appearance and/or function. ====Firearms==== It is common for functioning firearms to be used in film and television productions usually firing blanks. Due to the increased level of risk it is standard practice for the safe and proper handling and use of firearms as props to be overseen by a specifically trained and licensed professional, usually called the weapons master or armourer. Although blank cartridges do not fire projectiles, they still have an explosive charge and can cause fatal injury. Dummy bullets are used if the prop is in closeup and chambered rounds in the cylinder of a revolver are visible to camera. They can also be used in shots of the actor loading a weapon or merely handling ammunition. Dummy bullets contain no primer or charge and are only "bullet shaped objects" Although rare, fatal firearm related incidents have occurred, notably Jon-Erik Hexum on October 18, 1984, Brandon Lee on March 31, 1993, and Halyna Hutchins on October 21, 2021. ==References== ==Further reading==

Text derived from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=1360429598 under CC BY-SA 4.0; modifications have been made.