Props

Because the most important element of this production is the message and testimony, the technical elements have been purposely kept simple.

 

All stage props should be used to help set a mood, establish various locations, or assist the actors in portraying their roles. Few props are truly essential for the production. Listed below are props mentioned in the script itself. Fewer or additional props can be used as desired and available; however, all props should augment the production without detracting from its message.

To view the script segment in which a prop is used, click on the scene segment number in the left column.

Act One
1.1BenchSmall, simple wooden bench barely big enough for two people; this bench represents Zacharias and Elisabeth’s home.
1.1Traveling BagFabric, messenger-style bag with shoulder strap for Zacharias that Zacharias and Elisabeth pack for his journey; possible objects to pack in the bag include temple robes (pieces of fabric similar to Zacharias’ priest costume), food items (such as an apple and pita bread), and so on.
1.2Lamb PuppetNathan carries a lamb to the temple.
1.212 Lots11 long, for the other priests; 1 short, for Zacharias.
1.2Incense VialBrought to Zacharias by one of the priests.
1.2Temple AltarStone altar with a golden grillwork on top.
1.3CoinFor Joseph to give the beggar.
1.3Clay CupA small, plain cup without a handle that Mary brings for Micham.
2.1RingPlain gold band for Mary’s right index finger.
2.1Betrothal Cup & VesselA ceremonial pitcher and cup, typically of brass or bronze.
2.1Tool ApronsLeather and rope aprons with tools for Joseph and Micham.
2.1CanopyPoles lashed into a frame on which fabric is draped; used to designate Joseph’s house and later used as the wedding canopy.
2.2CombMary combs Anna’s hair.
2.3Basket of FoodFilled as described in the script, brought by Ezra to Elisabeth.
2.4Pregnancy PadFor Elisabeth; see additional costuming notes.
2.4Swaddling BandsUnfinished bands that Mary is embroidering while visiting Elisabeth.
2.6Swaddling BandsFinished bands that Mary’s Father wraps around the couple’s hands; these are also used to wrap the baby Jesus doll in segment 3.5.
2.6Wedding WrapsCeremonial drape and veil for Mary; see additional costuming notes.
2.6Prayer ShawlsCeremonial head coverings worn by the adult men in the wedding scene; see additional costuming notes.
2.6Baby John DollCarried by Elisabeth and Zacharias.
3.1Pregnancy PadFor Mary; see additional costuming notes.
3.2Shepherd HarpSmall lyre-style harp for Nathan.
3.2Shepherd BreadEdible bread for shepherds to eat—whole grain, round or unformed; probably carried in a traveling bag similar in style to Zacharias’ bag.
3.2Shepherd StaffsA wooden staff carried by each shepherd.
3.3LampSmall clay oil lamp carried by Joseph.
3.5Water VesselSimple earthen vessel for Joseph to get water when shepherds enter.
3.5MangerStraw-filled manger.
3.5Baby Jesus DollWrapped in the swaddling bands.
Act Two
1.1Oil Lamps2 small lamps similar to Joseph’s in act one, 3.3, carried out of the tomb by Peter and John.
1.2Travel Bags2 messenger-style bags with shoulder straps for Cleopas and the Disciple to pack for their journey.
1.2RobeGiven by Cleopas to the Disciple to pack in his bag; any appropriate prop for a journey could be used.
2.2Well Vessel & RopeLarge earthen or wooden vessel to draw water from a well (or Cleopas and the Disciple could simply drink from a water bag).
2.3Basket of FoodBasket with fish and honeycomb that Peter offers.
2.4Tree with Fruit BasketsA lush, green tree with colorful fruit that is picked by the women and children and placed in baskets. The tree may be portable and carried on and off the stage for this scene.
3.1Empty Fishing NetUsed by the Apostles while fishing on the Sea of Galilee.
3.1Full Fishing NetA matching net full of fish.
3.1Fire and SpitSmall cooking fire with fish on a spit; edible unleavened bread could also be used for the Apostles to eat around the fire.

 

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