Ologies with Alie Ward

Proptology (THEATER & FILM PROPS) with Jay Duckworth

Apr 21, 2021

01:15:37

Snipd AI

'Proptology' features Jay Duckworth, the world's most lovable and beloved prop master. In this episode, he discusses the world of proptology, shares stories about his favorite projects including Hamilton, and emphasizes the attention to detail required in prop mastery. Jay also talks about the theater and film props industry, community service, and diversity in leadership roles. He shares interesting anecdotes about props, including the mysterious case of Russell Crowe's jockstrap. The episode concludes with a glimpse into the magic and wonder of being a proptologist and a few surprises.

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Quick takeaways

Attention to detail enhances the overall atmosphere and immersion of theater and film productions.

Collaboration between prop masters and fight choreographers ensures the authenticity and safety of stage combat scenes.

Prop making requires creativity, problem-solving, and skill to bring the imaginary world of a production to life.

Deep dives

The Importance of Attention to Detail in Props

Props in theater and film require meticulous attention to detail, even for elements that may go unnoticed by the audience. Prop masters often go to great lengths to ensure accuracy and authenticity, using real historical references, creating realistic aging effects, and sourcing materials from specialized organizations. For example, in the musical Hamilton, letters and documents were meticulously recreated using a framework called 'write right' that replicated the handwriting styles of the characters. Additionally, props that are seen up close, such as breakaway bottles, require careful handling and planning to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their use. Even though some details may only be appreciated by the prop master and the actors, these elements contribute to the overall atmosphere and immersion of the production.

Introduction

2min

The World of Proptology

6min

A Breakthrough Musical about Trans People

17min

Challenges and Attention to Detail in Prop Mastery

5min

Community service, diversity, and listener questions

3min

Theater and Film Props Industry

14min

The Mysterious Case of Russell Crowe's Jockstrap

2min

Props in Theater: Breakaway Bottles and Dangerous Creations

23min

The Magic and Wonder of Being a Proptologist

4min

Real skulls. Fake pistols. Vegan steaks. Onstage bonfires. Cursed productions. Industry secrets and more with the world’s most lovable and beloved prop master, Professor Jay Duckworth aka @Proptologist on TikTok. A veteran of stage and screen and now an adjunct professor at Pace University, Jay chats about props vs. wardrobe vs. set design, how he keeps tracks of the thousands of items used to make a set feel real, what it was like to work on Hamilton from the very beginning, a prop master’s tool belt, design heroes, the importance of art -- and sanitation workers -- and why you should always carry a Moleskein notebook. Also: his 3 tips to having a long and successful career. Get ready to fall in love.

Follow Professor Duckworth at:

https://www.tiktok.com/@proptologist

twitter.com/jayduck9

Instagram.com/jayduck9

His website is: https://www.proptologist.com/

Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ProfDuckworths

Redbubble shop: https://www.redbubble.com/people/proptologist/shop

A donation went to The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, Inc., NIWRC.org

More links at www.alieward.com/ologies/proptology

Sponsors of the show: www.alieward.com/ologies-sponsors

To become a patron: www.Patreon.com/ologies

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