When it comes to theatrical props, you want two things: durable and lightweight. Props may be used only once, or they may need to be re-used in future shows. On top of that, they need to be light enough to be wielded easily and moved anywhere on the stage at any given moment. Which brings us to today’s question: What is the best lightweight material for props?
Common Lightweight Prop Materials to Pick From
There are a multitude of options to select from when deciding what to make your theater props from. However, it can be hard to narrow them down based on your performance needs and budget. In theatrical settings, lightweight props are often made with a variety of materials including:
- Foam
- Cardboard
- Posterboard
- PVC
- Wood
- Resin
Of these materials, PVC, wood, and resin are often not lightweight. This leaves foam, cardboard, and poster board for your best lightweight prop options for your next (or current) theatrical performance.
Foam vs. Cardboard and Poster Board Props
While cardboard and poster boards are lightweight, they have some drawbacks as well. They can easily rip and are prone to damage when stored. In a theatrical setting where everything is always in motion, they won’t hold up nearly as well as foam. Additionally, making 3D parts out of flat materials can be a challenge, and require more material to achieve the same end result. While these materials work for projects and things that aren’t going to be used or moved frequently, they aren’t very durable.
Why Foam Theatrical Props Outperform Other Lightweight Materials
Foam is one of the best options for props for multiple reasons. When you see the benefits, you’ll know why it’s the clear winner:
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Durable and can be stored for future use
- Versatile for any prop
- Easy to shape and customize, for both flat and 3D props
- Great for small or large-scale props
As you can see, foam is a perfect option for design-heavy environments. Want to see even more benefits of foam decor for theatrical settings and more?
Related Blog: The Benefits of Foam Party Decor
The Perfect Illusion of Foam Props in Theatrical Performances
While maintaining lightweight props, it’s also crucial to maintain the illusion. You want every prop to look believable, as real as possible for your audience. That’s yet another reason foam theater props are crucial in your performances. Foam can be endlessly customized to achieve any look.
Foam allows you to create an outstanding theatrical experience without spending a fortune and lets you keep using the prop for future performances.
Best Foam Prop Ideas for Your Next Theatrical Performance
After realizing the durability and lightweight benefits of foam theater props, you’re probably ready to get started yesterday. But if you don’t have any ideas flowing just yet, we have a few versatile ideas that you can use again and again:
- Vehicle Props — Foam car, boat, truck, train, etc.
- Foam Locations — Foam prop buildings like grocery stores, homes, barns, parks, etc.
- Foam Prop Objects — Foam prop objects including moon and stars, clouds, trees, etc.
- Foam Silhouettes — Foam prop crowds of people in the background, animals, cities, etc.
There are so many great ideas that you can create with foam. The options are virtually endless. With a great foam manufacturer, they can help you create whatever you dream up. Using intricate lasers that cut the theater props into whatever you like, the sky’s the limit.
Related Blog: Foam Prop Ideas for Dance and Theater
Where to Find the Best Foam Prop Manufacturer
When it comes to durable, lightweight theatrical props, you have to go big and go foam. If you’re ready to go big and invest in durable, lightweight foam for your theatrical production, our team at Foam Party Decor has just the tools you need to bring your vision to life. With our high-quality machines and various finishes, we can design virtually anything you need for your next theatrical performance.
Foam Party, Entertainment, and Event Decor for All of Life's Best Foaments
At Foam Party Decor, our fully customizable foam creations are perfect for props and guaranteed to catch the eye, so you can make memories that will last a lifetime.
Foam Party Decor is based in Rogers, Minnesota and we prioritize local pickup.* If you’re ready to design your new foam theater props, get in touch with us today to get started.
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Foam Party Decor is dedicated to awing and delighting every crowd with precision-made foam decor for all of life’s celebrated occasions and theatrical moments. We create bespoke foam decor and props. We are owned by Foam Industries, a nationally-recognized custom protective packaging company specializing in foam.
