My Top 10 Places to Shop for Props & Costumes

Shopping for Props and Costumes

When preparing for a show, one of my first steps after my initial read through is creating a production list (basically a master list of all of the props, costumes, lights, and sounds that will be needed for the show).  Once this is created, I can scour through my collections to see what I have and what I need. Then, as time allows, I can determine which of the remaining items need to be either created or acquired.  Acquisition usually occurs either through online or local purchases. Before I begin any shopping, I gather my production list along with any pictures or paint/fabric samples and a copy of my budget. After that, I’m all set to begin shopping.  Here are my favorite places to shop for Props and Costumes.

1.  Local Thrift Stores: Barkin Barn, Newhope, Goodwill, and Habitat for Humanity

Because of my schedule, there are several places that I don’t get to frequent very often due to their hours of business.  Barkin Barn is one such location which is from 9am-2pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.  Another similar store is Newhope which is open Monday-Thursday from 8am-3:15pm and Fridays from 8am-2:45pm.  Thrift stores are like a yards sales in that you’ll find used and unique items at a fraction of the cost of a retail store.  Part of the charm when shopping for a show is that I generally don’t want new looking items.  Thrift stores often showcase unique, vintage, and antique items at yard sale prices.  I also like that the proceeds at some of these locations help locally (i.e. Barkin Barn supports the local animal shelter).

2. Yard Sales

Like thrift stores, you never know what you’ll find at a yard sale.  These are often seasonal or at least depend on the weather.  They’re typically on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays (7am-noonish).  Also, depending on whether or not I’ve got a rehearsal, a show, or a tournament, I may not be able to catch the sale.  When I’m able, though, I can find a plethora of unique items, sometimes hand made.  If you find you’re brave enough, you can even haggle a bit for better prices.

3. Let There Be Light

Let There Be Light is an Arkansas based company that specializes in theatrical lighting.  The owner is very friendly and can often answer questions about what might work when I’m looking for something unique.  She occasionally offers light training also.  Let There Be Light sells other theatrical supplies as well; you just have to ask if you’re needing something specific.  She’s very good with special orders.

4. eBay

If there’s something particular that I’m wanting, I might search eBay for said item.  I can usually find items for a decent price.  I acquired a really cool, old rolling pin this way.  eBay is a good place to look for used or new items if you’re needing something specific that you haven’t been able to find at a local thrift store or yard sale.

5. Amazon

Once I’ve exhausted the local market, before I purchase on E-bay, I will do a search for specific items on Amazon.  I’m sure that whoever looks over my order history must think I’m a lunatic because of the strange variety of items I’ve purchased over the years.  Amazon allows you to peruse a variety of vendors, though, thus allowing you to find a good online deal.  Their shipping is usually pretty good, also (even better if you have Prime!).

6. Hobby Lobby 

Hobby Lobby is a crafter’s dream store.  They have lots of specialized crafting items that you might not find at a local store (We’re getting one in my town soon; I’m so excited!!!).  Once, I needed colored shirts that I couldn’t find anywhere else and vinyl for signs (FYI, I’ve since found that cheap vinyl drawer liner worked just as well).

7.  Dollar Stores: Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Family Dollar

I honestly cannot tell you how many pairs of handcuffs, kazoos, and plastic swords that I’ve bought at these stores.  The prices are hard to beat, and trust me; you don’t want a kid to get locked in a pair of handcuffs that aren’t quick release.  Somehow a real pair got mixed in with our props one time.  Thankfully I noticed them before one of my actors put them on.  Always check your props, kids!

8. Grocery Stores: Harps & Kroger

There are some things that you just can’t get anywhere else (food props for example).  This is also where I tend to buy dry ice when I need it.  On the other hand, I found awesome deal on items you wouldn’t typically think of purchasing at a grocery store, like the time I bought a buggy full of bouncy balls!  I got a few funny looks that day, but I was making a life size gumball machine, so I paid and bounced, lol.

9. Walmart 

I have a love/hate relationship with Walmart.  I can generally find most anything that I need there.  I suppose it’s my tolerance of people that comes into play here.  If I can get in there when there’s nearly no one there, I’m able to focus and get into the zone.  Otherwise, I’m a hot mess.  The prices are decent though.  I’m glad that our local Walmart finally go the fabric section back since Hancock’s went out of business.  I’ve bought all kinds of things there from sewing supplies to a bag of seashells.  If you have your shows before Halloween, you will find lots of unusual items that come in handy for a show.

10.  Lowes  

Now here’s a store that I can get into a lot of trouble if I don’t walk in with a list and a budget.  When I go to Lowe’s, I’m like a kid in a candy store.  I have to be focused and prepared when I go.  I usually have my list on a clip board along with pictures, dimensions, and paint samples as well as a pen so that I can keep up with prices and check off items as I put them in my buggy.  Speaking of prices, make sure that you know your budget and a have calculator before you go.  This will save you a lot of heartache at the checkout.  Oh, and be sure to see if you have an L.A.R. (Lowe’s Accounts Receivable) account with your production company/school/theater before you go.  If so, you might be able to add in a 10% discount!