Rekvisiitta

Rekvisitta refers to objects used by performers in live theatre, film, or television productions. These items are manipulated by characters or otherwise interact with the action on screen or stage. Rekvisita is distinguished from costumes, which are worn on the body, and from set dressing, which remains in place as decoration and does not typically interact with the performers.

Common examples include cups, swords, keys, notebooks, and weapons that are replica or deactivated, as well as furniture or small items carried by actors. Some rekvisitta are hand props that a performer handles directly, while others are props that appear in a scene but are not touched by the actor.

Management of rekvisitta is typically the responsibility of a prop master or rekvisita manager. They oversee sourcing, fabrication, repairs, and inventory, ensure continuity between scenes, and coordinate with the director, production designer, and stage management. They also handle safety, legal rights for props, and rentals or purchases from prop houses.

Procurement and preparation involve creating a prop list, budgeting, renting from specialized houses, building custom items, and testing for function and safety. In film and television, some props are designed to be replaced or augmented digitally, while others must be functional on camera.

Historically, rekvisitta has accompanied performances since ancient theatre, and the concept derives from the broader term for property or items owned by a troupe. The English term property and the role of the prop master share roots with the Finnish term rekvisitta, often translated as prop.