Let’s Give Props to Theatre Props

A conversation with Resident Properties Designer, Danna Segrest

David MacGregor has such a talent for writing interesting props that are integral to the stories of his plays. From The Late Great Henry Boyle to the Sherlock trilogy, I have enjoyed the challenge of interpreting his visions into solid properties that are usable throughout the long runs of the Purple Rose premiere productions.

Hi! I’m Danna Segrest, Resident Properties Designer for The Purple Rose Theatre Company.

Working on the Sherlock props has been a unique experience for many reasons, but is most exciting in the details that add to your overall experience at the theatre.

There were so many wonderful props written in the Sherlock scripts: pistols & swords, bar glasses & decanters, specific props taken directly from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a full library & apothecary shelves. The tall shelf full of chemistry beakers has always gotten the most questions from our audiences. Each shelf is a mix of props used by the actors and set dressings that convey the obsessive nature of Sherlock himself. Bartley Bauer designed a beautiful set and we collaborated on the placement of all the props and set dressings. I gather items from our stock, friends and teachers willing to loan test tubes etc., and antique stores. Some jars I relabel to look more like the time period, some come from the shops looking just right. We mix in trays & notebooks, old maps & scraps of parchment scribbled with ideas to make a nicely textured background for the characters. I even add in colored water to enhance the look and the idea that this is a working apothecary’s domain.

Finding the props and set dressings is usually a matter of making some phone calls and following leads sent by friends, but sometimes even a mild mannered prop hunt can turn. One exciting example is when we went to Grand Rapids for some beakers & boxes and were called to come back to the shop by a detective who had been on a stakeout to catch stolen goods dealers. Turns out I had not bought any, but that can really get your heart racing.

I really love it when my props can contribute to your perception of the character in a subtle yet direct manner. One case in particular is the Persian slipper that Sherlock keeps his pipe tobacco in. Basil Rathbone used a large leather slipper with embroidered drawstring cuff and a pointy toe, which I thought was perpetuating a stereotype. I wanted a bit more character and backstory for OUR Sherlock so I presented photos and ideas at our production meetings for it being more of a memento of a pre-Irene lover. (Yes, we put that much thought and care into every prop that sees our stage.) We used a slipper that Michelle Mountain had worn in God of Carnage and my prop apprentice, Tina Pinciotti, got to help pick out the material for a truly collaborative design. The final product was more petite, just barely fitting the pouch, but conveyed the sweeter attitude of OUR Sherlock.

We truly hope that you have enjoyed many plays at The Purple Rose Theatre and will be back for many more. The Divine is in the details to create an overall picture to serve the play and keep on telling the stories we all need to define our collective Midwestern voice.