Breakable Prop Cup Description, Usage, and Checklist

Breakable Prop Cup Description, Usage, and Checklist

This document covers the description, the use of, and the checklist required to safely use Acting Department-approved Breakable Prop Cups (Pottery) at shows and events. It is not strictly exhaustive, and all use of these props MUST be pre-approved by the department.

Only props provided by the Acting Department are to be used, and groups MUST NOT source their own. This way, we can assure the quality and safety of the props, and thus the safety of the users.

Description

These props are made from brittle, fragile, unfired clay, appearing paler than typical pottery (which helps in visual identification), of a specific thickness and will break into small pieces with just a small amount of pressure, and can even be crushed in the hand with no difficulty. These broken pieces, although appearing sharp, will crumble and therefore pose little risk of injury by cutting or piercing, although care must be taken to avoid contact with eyes, or inhaling of any dust produced.

When wet, the props (and any pieces/dust) will turn back into soft clay very quickly. As such, it is recommended that water is not placed within these cups, although this also means that apart from picking up the larger pieces (which can be recycled), complete clean-up of the remains is rarely required.

Usage

Use of these props will be restricted to those who have been through the appropriate Safety Briefing, and who are considered to have understood the risks and responsibilities involved in their use. Even in such circumstances, use of these props will need to be pre-approved by the department, both in terms of the script and the cast members concerned.

When the prop is being broken over an actor’s head, the “victim” MUST be wearing a helmet or bump cap (which can be hidden under a hat), to the same standards as required when on the combat field. They must be used on the back, back-sides and crown of the head only, to avoid risk to the eyes, and we find that the crown of the head offers the best results while minimizing the chance of injury/discomfort.

The props may also be crushed against the body (either the user's or another's), or in one’s hand. In these cases, no safety equipment is required, although care and common sense must be used and all care must be taken to avoid the face and obviously any sensitive areas.

These props may only be thrown straight down at the thrower’s feet, when there is no danger of errant pieces hitting the crowd. They must NEVER be thrown at anyone, or in any other direction than straight down.

These items must NOT be used on the Combat Field!

The main likelihood of incident with usage of this prop is clay dust being blown into the face, potentially due to wind direction, or a misjudged impact. For this reason, one person at the acting scene must carry two vials of saline water/eye-wash so that the affected person can be provided with assistance. This person does not need to be a First Aider.

As the props are quite fragile (and cost money!), care must be taken when handling them at all times between their issue and eventual use. We don’t want any wastage!

Authorisation for Use

As previously stated, usage of these props is strictly restricted to those with pre-approval from the Acting Department, based on each individual event. Each script will need to be reviewed, as will the actors chosen for both “victim” and “attacker”, so Group Acting Officers are advised to contact the Department as soon as they have a working script.

Due to the specific risks and safety concerns involved, a RAT will need to attend to complete the safety briefing, etc. Use of these items is therefore only expected to take place at MEDIUM and MAJOR shows for the foreseeable future.

Society approval has been received from the Heads of Health & Safety and the Armoury Departments, providing the required restrictions and briefings take place before usage.

If any Group Leader or Group Acting Officer wishes to discuss the use of these items, please get in contact via acting@vikingsonline.org.uk

Checklists

Group Acting Officer

• Script must be pre-approved by Acting Department (HoD/2iC) and Group Combat Thegn/Show Liaison.
• Named cast members must be pre-approved by Acting Department to ensure no previous issues (HoD/2iC).
• Confirm a RAT will be present to manage the Safety Checklist and formally authorise usage.
• Brief all actors on who will be doing what, and that no one else is to “assist.”
• Must be clear on who is holding the vials of saline/eye-wash in case of an eye incident.

Health & Safety

• Actor aware that usage must be pre-approved by Acting Department
• Actor aware of acceptable locations to break prop.
• Actors are aware of potential dangers and risks and will take appropriate measures to minimise such.
• Actor aware of what to do if something goes wrong (not that it will)

Script'

• Actor is clear on their own role in script.
• Actor understands and has practiced what their role will be prior to, during and after the use of the prop.

• If causing the impact
• If receiving the impact and reacting to it safely: tumble, fall, etc.

For any queries on this document, please email Acting@vikingsonline.org.uk

FRCB/KLF 2026-05