Sourcing

  • Sourcing used props is of course already a very common practice. By recognizing the value of and forefronting this practice, especially by setting targets for reuse, you can reduce your impact significantly. 
    • Pull from stock, buy used, or rent.
    • Track reuse.
    • When you have to buy or build new, prioritize sustainable sources and local sources.
  • This requires allowing a little more lead time.
  • Cultivate sharing relationships with other theatres, and if possible, digitize stock and use a platform like Costume Inventory, Propcart or Rheaply to share more efficiently with local partners. 

Valuation of Stock & Storage

  • PLACE A MONETARY VALUE ON STOCK:
    Your stock represents thousands of dollars of value. By placing a monetary value on stock when you budget your show, you can track reuse, and also advocate for more storage space and more labor to maintain this resource.
  • HOW TO ESTIMATE:
    A simple way to come up with an average price per item in stock is to average all of the props purchased or rented for one season. This will give you a rough figure that you can apply to your budgets to create a line for “free” or stock items.

Making

  • Commit to a “non-toxic” studio:
    • Stop using toxic glues and paints – period.
    • If you absolutely have to use something that is potentially harmful, be sure to have adequate protective gear like spray booths, masks, and ventilation.
  • Build from sustainable, recyclable materials. Here’s a cheat sheet to responsible purchasing.
  • Build props that can either go into stock, or can be dismantled for components.
  • Consider partnerships with a local school or community centers for donating new pieces to ‘close green’
  • Buy-in from directors and designers is crucial, especially when the props person is playing a facilitating role versus that of a designer. Make sure they are aware of your sustainable goals at the beginning of the design process. Sustainable acquisition and creation can be severely limited otherwise.