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Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University
Spring Semester 2026

PPT: Intro to Properties (Face-to-Face)

THEA 3152-01

Course: THEA 3152-01
Credits: 2
Term: Spring Semester 2026
Department: TA
CRN: 13577

Course Description

Special topics and techniques are taught by faculty and professional artisans in a variety of areas such as: performance, audition, design, management, and technical areas in preparation for pursuing post baccalaureate employment or graduate studies. 
Registration Restriction(s): None
This course is an introductory class in the practical application of theatrical properties, properties production, and properties management for the stage. The course focuses on the process of realizing the artistic vision and turning design ideas into reality. We will work through the various aspects of props for theater. In order to understand the tools and skills needed in properties, this course includes explanation and discussion and hands-on experience with numerous aspects of theatrical properties.

Required Texts

There is no required textbook for the class. There will be readings from Canvas, and possibly some handouts.

Supplies
  • Internet access to Canvas and for research work.
  • a 1” three ring binder

Learning Outcomes

  • 1. Have the knowledge base to prop master a theatrical production by following critical thinking paths and implementing hands-on skills to generate all items needed.
  • 2. Learn the processes needed to plan, build, and implement props for a theatrical production. These processes are applicable to problem solving in all environments and life situations.
  • 3. Gain knowledge, experience, and technical life skills working in a variety of technical skill areas (sewing, upholstery, woodworking, joinery, computer graphics, and painting.)

Course Requirements

Participation

Your attendance and participation in class are vital! The class and your grade will hinge upon your involvement. You should read the assignments before class and come to class prepared to discuss the readings and be involved in class discussion. There will be no final exam – so participation is crucial to your final grade! You will learn more and we will all have a much better time in class if everyone is engaged in discussions, and asks questions.

Grading
  • Show Project (Book) 400 points
  • Quizzes 20 points each (320 points maximum)
  • Active participation 11.66 points per class (280 points maximum)
  • Assignments/reports 250 points
  • Hands on Projects 250 points

Total points = 1500

Grading Scale

A = 1407 and above A- = 1406-1314 points

B + = 1313-1251 points B = 1250-1187 points

B- = 1186-1127 points C+ = 1126-1064 points

C = 1063-999 points C- = 998-939 points

D+ = 938-875 points D = 874-809 points

F = 808 and below

Project/assignment rubric

All presentations and papers will be graded using the following metrics, with those hitting all 3 metrics receiving high point grades:

  • 1. The information requested in the assignment brief is all present and basically correct
  • 2. the presentation of that information is logical and shows the student understands the project requirements
  • 3. The information is well thought out/reasoned and presented in a coherent and interesting manner.

Course Outline

[subject to change]
Jan. 8th

Quiz # 1

Discussion: Syllabus & Class Structure, Basic terminology & slang, Script analysis

Hands-on: Pick your script

Homework:

  • - Read your play twice
  • Make a preliminary prop list (Due January 15th)
  • 1-page synopsis (Due January 15th)
  • prop master interview (due January 22nd)
  • Read Canvas reading 1: What is a Prop, Who does What, Pre-Production/Research, Budgeting
Jan. 13th

Quiz # 2

Discussion: Job descriptions, duties & expectations, paperwork, budgeting.

  • Be prepared to discuss your play with the class.

Hands-on: Good prop/bad prop

  • Draw for principles presentations and paper on art principles

Homework:

  • - Finish prop list and synopsis (Due January 15th)
  • prop master interview (due January 22nd)
  • Read Canvas reading 2: Principles of Art.
Jan. 15th

Due: Props List and 1-page Synopsis (printed out)

Discussion: Art Terminology, Research

  • Be prepared to discuss your play with the class.

Hands-on: Research – online resources

Homework:

  • - I-page paper defining 3 principles of art (Due Jan. 20th)
  • Presentation on Art principles (Due Jan. 20th)
  • Pick periods for Period assignment (Due Jan. 27th/29th)
  • Read Canvas reading 3: Rehearsal & Production Process, Getting Organized
Jan. 20th

Due: Principles of Art presentations

Paper on 3 art principles. (printed out)

Quiz #3

Discussion: 'Professionalism', Interaction with other departments, Managing directors & designers, Theatre and show etiquette

Homework:

  • - 30 Research images for your show book, with sources. (Due Feb. 3rd)
  • Read Canvas reading 4: The Build Process, Production Tech Process, The Prop Shop
Jan. 22nd

Due: Prop Supervisor interview presentation

Prop Supervisor paper work

Quiz #4

Discussion: Resources, period styles, build/buy/borrow, budget, build calendar, Insights learned during the interviews, period assignment Q&A

Hands-on: Prop Master Interview presentations

Good prop/Bad prop 2

Homework:

  • - build/buy/borrow list, preliminary budget, build calendar (Due Feb. 5th)
  • Read Canvas reading 5: Health and Safety
Jan. 27th

Quiz #5

Hands on: Period presentations (4)

Discussion: Health and Safety, SDS, general shop etiquette & protocols

Homework:

  • - Read Canvas reading 6: Materials and Supplies, Resources
Jan. 29th

Quiz #6

Discussion: Materials & Supplies

Hands on: Period presentations (3)

Homework:

  • - 2-page paper on 4 materials needed for your show (Due Feb. 10th)
  • Read Canvas reading 7: joinery and woodworking
Feb. 3rd (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Due: 30 images for your show, with sources. (may be submitted electronically, but will need to be printed for your show book at the end of the semester)

Quiz #7

Discussion: Woodworking

Hands-on: Basic woodworking and tool use

Feb. 5th (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Due: build/buy/borrow list, preliminary budget, build calendar

Hands-on: Joints and joint repair

Homework:

  • - Read Canvas reading 8: Metalworking
Feb 10th (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Due: 2-page paper on 4 materials needed for your show

Quiz #8

Discussion: Metalworking

Hands-on: prop applications of metalworking

Homework:

  • - Read Canvas reading 9: Prop Stock
February 12th (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Discussion: Stock & its organization and uses

Hands-on: Stock walk

Good prop/bad prop #3

Homework:

  • - 1-page paper describing USF stock (Due Feb 19th)
  • 1-page paper (with photos) describing 2 pieces for your show (Due Feb. 24th.)
  • Read Canvas reading 10: Sewing Basics
Feb. 17th (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Quiz #9

Discussion: Sewing basics, hems, seams, etc.

Hands-on: hems, seams, basic sewing

  • swatch fabrics for 4 items for your show

Homework:

  • - create fabric swatch sheets (Due Feb. 26th)
  • Read Canvas reading 11: Wood Finishing
February 19th (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Due: 1-page paper describing USF stock

Quiz #10

Discussion: Furniture refinishing

Hands-on: furniture refinishing and finish types

Homework:

  • - 2-page paper on 3 unique props for your show (Due Mar. 5th)
February 24th (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Due: 1-page paper (with photos) describing 2 pieces for your show

Discussion: painting and texture

Hands-on: painting techniques, texture techniques

Homework:

  • - read Canvas reading 12: electrics and general artisan skills
February 26th (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Due: fabric swatch sheets

Quiz #11

Discussion: Electrics & props, other prop skills

Hands-on: smorgasbord of skills

Homework:

  • - 1-page paper about hand props for your show (Due Mar. 24th)
  • Read Canvas reading 13: Molding and Casting
Mar. 3rd (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Discussion: Molding and Casting

Hands-on: Molding and Casting

Homework:

  • - read Canvas reading 14: Ephemera
Mar. 5th (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Due: 2-page paper on 3 unique props for your show

Quiz #12

Discussion: Ephemera

Hands-on: Ephemera samples

Homework:

  • - Research images for 4 pieces of ephemera for your play. (Due March 26th)
  • Create a simple piece of ephemera for your play, and write a 1-page description of the piece: how it is used in the play, and the process you used to make it (Due April 2nd).
  • Read Canvas reading 15: Upholstery
March 10th Spring Break – (NO CLASS)
Mar. 12th Spring Break – (NO CLASS)
March 17th USITT – (NO CLASS)
March 19th USITT – (NO CLASS)
March 24th (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Due: 1-page paper about hand props for your show

Quiz #13

Discussion: upholstery

Hands-on: de-upholstery

March 26th (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Due: Research images for 4 pieces of ephemera for your play.

Discussion: Upholstery

Hands-on: Upholstery

Mar 31st - Festival of Excellence - (NO CLASS)
Apr. 2nd (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Due: a simple piece of ephemera for your play

a 1-page description of the piece

Hands-on: work on upholstery and woodworking projects

Homework: - Read Canvas reading: Craft products

Apr. 7th (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Discussion: Craft products & aging and distressing

Hands on: aging and distressing

playing with craft products

Homework: Show book (Due April 16th)

Read Canvas Reading: Special Effects

April 9th (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Quiz #14

Discussion: Special Effects

Hands-on: finish all pending projects

Homework: Read Canvas reading: Weapons

Apr. 14th (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Quiz #15

Discussion: weapons and weapon safety for the stage

Hands-on: weapons maintenance

Good Prop/Bad Prop #4

April 16th (USF Production studio Prop Shop)

Due: Show Book

Quiz #16

Discussion: Work ethic/attitude/aptitude and communication skills, proper respect for others, Networking (building the relationships for future jobs), AMA.

Hands-on: Class presentations – be prepared to discuss what you have learned

Sign up for 10-minute meeting to review class and get show book

April 20th: Auditorium Lobby (Final Exam Time) 5pm - 6:50pm
Assignment Due Date Schedule:

January 15th: Preliminary prop list

1-page play synopsis

January 20th: 1-page paper on 3 principles of art

Principle of art presentations

January 22nd: Prop Supervisor interview presentations

Prop Supervisor interview paperwork

January 27th/29th: Period style presentations

February 3rd: 30 research images

February 5th: build list, prelim budget, build calendar

February 10th: 2-page paper on 4 materials needed for your show

February 19th: 1-page paper on USF Stock

February 24th: - 1-page paper (with photos) describing 2 pieces for your show

February 26th: fabric swatch sheets

March 5th: 2-page paper on unique props

March 24th: 1-page paper on hand props

March 26th: ephemera research images

April 2nd: created ephemera, 1-page ephemera paper

April 16th: Show Book

April 20th: Final exam meeting 5pm - 6:50 pm

Instructor's policies on late assignments and/or makeup work

Late assignments will not be accepted except for the following two circumstances:

  1. 1. A student has an excused absence due to an illness (Dr. Note required), or pre-approval of the instructor.
  2. 2. A student discusses the issue with the instructor a minimum of 24 hours before the assignment is due and a mutually agreed upon date change is reached between instructor and student before the assignment is due.

Any assignment not turned in on the due date at the beginning of the class period will be scored as zero (0) points.

Late Quizzes will only be given for a student with an excused absence (see #1 above)

Attendance Policy

Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class. Due to the amount of material covered, and the hands-on nature of this course, absences will lower your final grade one letter grade for each two unexcused absences. Illness with a valid medical excuse from the health center or a private physician is an excused absence. The instructor may grant excused absence in other cases of made aware 24 hours in advance of the absence and a discussion is had about the reason for the absence, this is at the discretion of the instructor. Please try to come to class, this class doesn’t work and you can’t pass it if you don’t come to class.

Additional Policies and Resources

Safety & Risk

During this class, there will be field trips and hands-on activities. You will be using equipment, tools, and materials that can cause bodily harm. It's the responsibility of the student to follow all safety guidelines, and to notify the instructor if they need assistance. The student assumes responsibility for their safety.

Artificial Intelligence

This instructor will grade any assignment using A.I. with a low or failing grade. This class requires students to use their cognitive abilities to reason out and present their work in a way that A.I. would hinder. Don’t use it!

Thriving Thunderbirds

Mental health is essential for your academic success. If you are struggling with mental health issues, SUU provides resources, support, and services to help you. Please visit https://www.suu.edu/mentalhealth for access to these valuable resources.

If you need assistance navigating any of the resources, please contact Counseling and Psychological Services, the Dean of Students’ Office, or the Health and Wellness Center.

Writing Center

The SUU Writing Center invites all students to the Writing Center in Braithwaite Center 101 where qualified peer tutors are ready to help with any stage of the writing process. All appointments are free, and both in-person and Zoom appointments are available. To schedule, visit our website at https://www.suu.edu/writingcenter/.

Syllabus update info

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

ADA Statement

Students with medical, psychological, learning, or other disabilities desiring academic adjustments, accommodations, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, located in Room 206F of the Sharwan Smith Center or by phone at (435) 865-8042. The Disability Resource Center determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of services.

If your instructor requires attendance, you may need to seek an ADA accommodation to request an exception to this attendance policy. Please contact the Disability Resource Center to determine what, if any, ADA accommodations are reasonable and appropriate.

Academic Credit

According to the federal definition of a Carnegie credit hour: A credit hour of work is the equivalent of approximately 60 minutes of class time or independent study work. A minimum of 45 hours of work by each student is required for each unit of credit. Credit is earned only when course requirements are met. One (1) credit hour is equivalent to 15 contact hours of lecture, discussion, testing, evaluation, or seminar, as well as 30 hours of student homework. An equivalent amount of work is expected for laboratory work, internships, practica, studio, and other academic work leading to the awarding of credit hours. Credit granted for individual courses, labs, or studio classes ranges from 0.5 to 15 credit hours per semester.

Academic Freedom

SUU is operated for the common good of the greater community it serves. The common good depends upon the free search for truth and its free exposition. Academic Freedom is the right of faculty to study, discuss, investigate, teach, and publish. Academic Freedom is essential to these purposes and applies to both teaching and research.

Academic Freedom in the realm of teaching is fundamental for the protection of the rights of the faculty member and of you, the student, with respect to the free pursuit of learning and discovery. Faculty members possess the right to full freedom in the classroom in discussing their subjects. They may present any controversial material relevant to their courses and their intended learning outcomes, but they shall take care not to introduce into their teaching controversial materials which have no relation to the subject being taught or the intended learning outcomes for the course.

As such, students enrolled in any course at SUU may encounter topics, perspectives, and ideas that are unfamiliar or controversial, with the educational intent of providing a meaningful learning environment that fosters your growth and development. These parameters related to Academic Freedom are included in SUU Policy 6.6.

Academic Misconduct

Scholastic honesty is expected of all students. Dishonesty will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent (see SUU Policy 6.33). You are expected to have read and understood the current SUU student conduct code (SUU Policy 11.2) regarding student responsibilities and rights, the intellectual property policy (SUU Policy 5.52), information about procedures, and what constitutes acceptable behavior.

Please Note: The use of websites or services that sell essays is a violation of these policies; likewise, the use of websites or services that provide answers to assignments, quizzes, or tests is also a violation of these policies. Regarding the use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), you should check with your individual course instructor.

Emergency Management Statement

In case of an emergency, the University's Emergency Notification System (ENS) will be activated. Students are encouraged to maintain updated contact information using the link on the homepage of the mySUU portal. In addition, students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Response Protocols posted in each classroom. Detailed information about the University's emergency management plan can be found at https://www.suu.edu/emergency.

HEOA Compliance Statement

For a full set of Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) compliance statements, please visit https://www.suu.edu/heoa. The sharing of copyrighted material through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, except as provided under U.S. copyright law, is prohibited by law; additional information can be found at https://my.suu.edu/help/article/1096/heoa-compliance-plan.

You are also expected to comply with policies regarding intellectual property (SUU Policy 5.52) and copyright (SUU Policy 5.54).

Mandatory Reporting

University policy (SUU Policy 5.60) requires instructors to report disclosures received from students that indicate they have been subjected to sexual misconduct/harassment. The University defines sexual harassment consistent with Federal Regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106, Subpart D) to include quid pro quo, hostile environment harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking. When students communicate this information to an instructor in-person, by email, or within writing assignments, the instructor will report that to the Title IX Coordinator to ensure students receive support from the Title IX Office. A reporting form is available at https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?SouthernUtahUniv

Non-Discrimination Statement

SUU is committed to fostering an inclusive community of lifelong learners and believes our university's encompassing of different views, beliefs, and identities makes us stronger, more innovative, and better prepared for the global society.

SUU does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services.

SUU strives to cultivate a campus environment that encourages freedom of expression from diverse viewpoints. We encourage all to dialogue within a spirit of respect, civility, and decency.

For additional information on non-discrimination, please see SUU Policy 5.27 and/or visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination.

Pregnancy

Students who are or become pregnant during this course may receive reasonable modifications to facilitate continued access and participation in the course. Pregnancy and related conditions are broadly defined to include pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, lactation, related medical conditions, and recovery. To obtain reasonable modifications, please make a request to title9@suu.edu. To learn more visit: https://www.suu.edu/titleix/pregnancy.html.

Disclaimer Statement

Information contained in this syllabus, other than the grading, late assignments, makeup work, and attendance policies, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.