What are "props" in the context of theater?

In the context of theater, "props" refer specifically to the objects used on stage by actors to enhance the storytelling and create a realistic environment. These items can range from small objects, like books or glasses, to larger items, such as furniture or tools that the characters interact with during a performance. Props help to establish the setting, support character development, and contribute to the overall narrative by providing context to the audience.

The importance of props lies in their ability to complement the dialogue and action on stage, making the performance more engaging and believable. For instance, if a character is drinking from a cup, the cup itself acts as a prop that adds to the authenticity of the scene. In contrast, items like lighting equipment, costume pieces, and backdrop materials, while essential to a production, serve different functions and do not fall under the category of props. Lighting equipment sets the mood, costume pieces help define characters, and backdrop materials create the visual environment, but none of these are directly manipulated by actors during the performance in the way props are.