prop department

Meaning

The 'prop department' (short for property department) is the team in a theater, film, or television production responsible for finding, making, and managing all the physical objects (props) handled by actors. This includes everything from letters and phones to weapons and fake food. It ensures that every object fits the period and style of the production.

Examples

• The prop department did an amazing job finding authentic 1920s rotary phones for the movie.

  The prop department did an amazing job finding authentic 1920s rotary phones for the movie.

• If you need a realistic-looking fake sword for the battle scene, ask the prop department.

  If you need a realistic-looking fake sword for the battle scene, ask the prop department.

• She got a job in the prop department because she loves crafting and history.

  She got a job in the prop department because she loves crafting and history.

• The actor accidentally broke the wine glass, so we had to get a replacement from the prop department.

  The actor accidentally broke the wine glass, so we had to get a replacement from the prop department.

• We need to return all these vintage suitcases to the prop department before we wrap.

  We need to return all these vintage suitcases to the prop department before we wrap.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The actor wore a beautiful dress from the prop department.

  ✓ The actor wore a beautiful dress from the wardrobe department.

  Clothing worn by actors is managed by the wardrobe (or costume) department. The prop department handles objects that actors hold or interact with.

• ✗ The prop department set up the heavy walls of the living room.

  ✓ The art department set up the heavy walls of the living room.

  Large structural elements like walls and doors are handled by the art or set construction department, while smaller handheld items belong to the prop department.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The fake letters used in the historical drama were created by the ___.

  💡 The team in charge of handheld objects.

  Show answer

  prop department

• Please return that fake gun to the ___ as soon as we finish filming.

  💡 The department handling physical items for actors.

  Show answer

  prop department