Prop Cage (Vilas 2091)
The Department of Communication Arts Scene Storage contains a variety of props and furniture to flesh out your set or location. Smaller items such as paintings, appliances, and curtains are in the Prop Cage, while larger furniture is outside. Students are expected to maintain the cage and surrounding space following the rules below.
The space is shared with the theater department, and there are yellow lines painted on the floor indicating what Comm Arts students can take. Everything else is owned by the theater department and is not available for use.
All furniture items (and their proper locations) accessible to production students are available for reference here.
General Rules of the Prop Cage
- The Cage is to be locked AT ALL TIMES unless actively in use.
- If an item breaks or is found damaged, notify staff during studio check-ins.
- Utilize EXTREME CARE when accessing the topmost shelf in the back of the cage, as there are exposed pipes and overhead lights nearby.
- USE STEP LADDER when reaching at or above head level.
- USE TWO PEOPLE at least when lifting TV’s & heavy equipment to ensure safety.
- Please leave the cage as you found it, with rolling shelves back within their proper tape markings.
- No food or drink is allowed inside the cage.
Using the Cage
The step ladder is housed directly to the left of the cage door when entering. Please use it when reaching at or above head height.
The rolling shelves in the cage can be moved for better access but please relocate them after you are finished.
Using a cart to shuttle things between the cage and the studio are highly recommended. Students have found it helpful to take entire bins to the studio when using multiple items from the same category.
Resetting The Cage
The Prop Cage is designated into 3 large sections
- Small Prop Bins
- Small Prop Bins & Large Props
- Electronic Props
Small Prop Bins
Each small prop bin is labeled with its contents. There is no limit to the number of props that can be used, however it is expected that all props return to their properly labeled bins.
At the end of wrap, all props should be returned to their bins and re-shelved in a neat and orderly fashion. Under no circumstances should there be props outside of bins, bins unshelved or general untidiness.
Please reference the below pictures to ensure everything is properly re-shelved.
Dishware/ Kitchenware/ Glassware should be shelved on the far left, as a general rule. The bins do not have to go back in the exact same spots.
Small Prop Bins & Large Props
Each small prop bin is labeled with its contents. There is no limit to the number of props that can be used, however it is expected that all props return to their properly labeled bins.
Large Props contain
- Lamps, Mirrors & Standing Mannequins
- Weaved Baskets
- Pillows
- Medium-Sized Artwork
- Books
- Suitcases
- Misc. Large Props
Lamps, Mirrors & Standing Mannequins
Please ensure that all props are tucked neatly onto the shelf and the cords are all lamps are orderly. Mirrors fit the best when shelved off at either end. (You might have to overlap the lamp bottoms to fit everything on.)
Weaved Baskets*
Make sure each basket is shelved properly. Put smaller baskets inside larger ones to save space.
Pillows
Pillows should be on their side and not hanging over the shelf.
Medium Sized Artwork
There are slots for each piece of work. Please do not try to squeeze multiple pieces into one slot. If a piece is too big and blocks the walkway, please remove it and place it with the large artwork on the wooden rolling shelf.
Books
Books should be shelved horizontally and neatly.
Suitcases
Suitcases should be shelved on their sides. (Sometimes it takes a bit of wiggling to get them all to fit!)
Misc. Large Props
The dollhouse, laundry basket, hamster cage & dart board should all fit neatly and out of the walkway.
At the end of wrap, all small props should be returned to their bins and re-shelved in a neat and orderly fashion. Large Props should be returned to their proper homes and shelved based on the above guidelines. Under no circumstances should there be props outside of bins, props unshelved or general untidiness.
****Please use EXTREME CARE when using items from the topmost shelf! Avoid any contact with overhead lights & pipes. The metal sharp corners of the shelves are taped off but please be careful****
Electronic Props
Please ensure that all electronic props used are returned to the proper shelf. Light items on top, heavy items on the bottom. Please keep in mind most electronics are not fully functioning and for prop usage only.
When using TV’s or heavy equipment, please lift with at least TWO PEOPLE for proper safety.
FAQ's
Who can use the Prop Cage & Scene Storage?
Only students currently enrolled in CA467, CA659, or granted explicit permission from faculty are authorized to use the Prop Cage & Scene Storage.
What if someone else left the Prop Cage messy before I arrived?
Students are responsible for the condition of the cage when they leave. Please notify instructors and staff at the IMC before usage.
Can I modify, paint, tape, or alter props?
No alterations may be made to props unless explicit permission is given by faculty or staff.
Can props leave the building or be taken off-campus for shoots?
Props are not permitted to leave the building, even for on-location shooting.
Who is responsible if a prop goes missing?
The production using the prop at the time is responsible. Always double-check that all items are returned before leaving.
Who do I contact if I have questions outside of studio check-ins?
Direct all questions to designated Comm Arts staff or faculty.