Theme props are highly profitable items for rental centers specializing in parties and special events. Prop is short for theatrical property - items used to turn a bare stage into whatever a script demands. The term "prop" originated in the theater, became widely used in the movie and television industries and now is used in everyday language.

Renting props is the most practical and affordable way to decorate a meeting place, auditorium, private living area or other space along colorful theme lines for special events ranging from a child's birthday celebration to an extravagant corporate party.

Some props can be used for many types of events - no matter what the theme. Others are designed for specific types of functions.

Columns and pedestals, carpeting and flooring, staging, aisle runners, fountains, candelabra, archways and other items used at weddings are perfectly suited for anniversaries, receptions, birthdays, graduation parties and other functions. Used with appropriate disposable items, they can be incorporated into the decor for New Year's celebrations and a multitude of special events. Lightweight "rocks" and carousel horses can be used with a variety of decorations.

Other props are limited to specific themes. Tropical-style bars, western props such as old-fashioned street lamps and cigar-store Indians, inflatables in shapes of people and various animals help create different environments. Signs and banners mark many types of significant milestones such as anniversaries, baby showers and dreaded 40th birthdays.

Lifesize animated figures, dressed in real clothing to represent a cowboy, clown, hobo or other character, are a more costly investment but bring in higher rental rates and can be a highlight at corporate events. Animated animals, birds, dinosaurs and robots also are available.

"Characters can be easily programmed to deliver messages and make gestures of hands, head and eyes," says Olaf Stanton of Characters Unlimited, Boulder City, Nev. "Movements can be coordinated with recorded scripts."

Prop customers include individuals, all types of businesses, wedding and special-event planners, caterers, schools, churches, civic organizations, amateur theater groups, and organizers of festivals and celebrations.

Mark Frankel, Franklin China, Warminster, Pa., says there has been a dramatic increase in the use of professional party planners in most urban markets, and all need rented props to implement their themed plans. "These individuals often work out of their homes, and they handle all aspects of parties - from ordering decorations and party favors to ordering invitations and booking musical groups," Frankel says.

Frankel also says florists are good prospects for renting many props. "Florists will rent arches and aisle stands, add their own flower arrangements, and return the items after the event."

"Merchandisers who use visual displays also always are looking for props for their display windows and for different departments in their stores," says Lou Blondin of Rotocast Display Products, Miami.

Return on investment is appealing. Many theme products are relatively inexpensive to buy, aren't easily damaged, have no moving parts to replace and with reasonable care, are rentable for years.

Props offer an excellent opportunity for renting related items and for disposable products to accent basic props used at an event, says Sylvia Lowry, A-Packaged Parties, Woodland Hills, Calif.

"Depending on the prop, rental store salespeople can easily sell whatever disposable items they have in stock that work with the basic theme of the event," says Joe Garran, Vanguard Marketing Group, Northfield, Ohio.

Customers almost always need much more than props, and many depend on rental counter staff to suggest other possible needed items. Imaginative counter personnel can expand the rental of a few simple props into providing everything the customer needs for her event.

Many customers who rent decorative items for special events - especially professional planners and corporate accounts - consider service as important as the products they rent. Successful party rental firms build a reputation for dependable service that brings repeat business and referrals. Many details are involved in planning and coordinating a successful event, and rental store specialists can make the job much easier for their customers.

Timely delivery of props and other items - with everything in good condition and operating properly - is critical. "You only get one chance to do everything right at an event or wedding rental," says Charlie Neffle, All Occasions Party Rental, Cincinnati, and chairman of A.R.A.'s Party and Special Events Special Interest Group. "If something goes wrong with a rented tool, you can let the customer have a replacement and make a rate adjustment for the inconvenience.

"But a wedding or other special event can't be rescheduled because of problems with rented items. Rented products, timing, delivery - everything has to be right for the event to be a success."