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A theatrical property, commonly referred to as a prop, is any object held or used on stage by an actor for use in furthering the plot or story line of a theatrical production, as well as giving the scenery, actors, or performance space specific period, place or character. Smaller props are referred to as "hand props". Larger props may also be set decoration, such as a chair or table. The difference between a set decoration and a prop is use. If the item is not touched by a performer for any reason it is simply a set decoration. If it is touched by the actor in accordance to script requirements or as deemed by the director, it is a prop.

Props will sometimes have crossover requirements, needing to be addressed by the different departments.

• If an item is worn it is a costume. If it is merely held it is a prop. Hats, watches, glasses, purses, and even jewelry can be considered a prop under the right circumstances. These items may still need approval from the costume designer.
• Specialty props such as battery powered flickering candles, lanterns or flashlights may be purchased or pulled (out of stock) by the props designer and be supervised by the lighting designer and head electrician.
• Working and nonworking microphones, hand held and floor standing, may fall under the prop department as well as sound. Any prop that makes an audible noise loud enough to be picked up by mics should also be coordinated with the sound designer as well as any item that obstructs/mutes or amplifies sound.
• Musical instruments played on stage by a performer may also need to be coordinated with the musical director and/or orchestra leader.
• Devices used by a performer to operate an electrical or electronic device are not considered props and fall under the purview of the electrical or stage electronics department. Examples include a switch which operates a practical (working) lamp or a game show ring-in/lockout device.

The history of props began when small acting troupes were formed during the renaissance and travelled throughout Europe. These "companies," functioning as cooperatives, pooled resources and divided any income. Many performers provided their own costumes, but special items: stage weapons, furniture or other hand-held devices were considered "company property," thus the term "property," which eventually was shortened to "prop." The first known props were stylized hand held masks, called Onkoi, used by performers in "Greek Theatre" and have become symbols of theatre today, known as the "comedy and tragedy masks".

The term has readily transferred to television and motion picture production, where they are commonly referred to by the phrase movie prop or film prop.

Source: wikipedia.com
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