Props 2026

[olddrummer34]

Ok guys - who is using props in 2026. Here is what I know from chatter on here and reddit. I am interested to see if it is indeed less props in 2026

 

Boston - Not sure

Bluecoats - Confirmed Yes

SCV - Not sure

BD - Not sure

Phantom - Confirmed yes

Crown - Not sure

Cavaliers - not sure

 

 

 

[NewArpege]

Crown has props. 

[drumcorpsfever]

Good topic. I often have a hard time figuring out how the props fit with any given show. For that matter, an associated thread on show meanings and how to better understand what we’re seeing out there would be great too.  Often times, the descriptions handed out by the corps leave so much to be desired. 

Edited June 1 by drumcorpsfever

[LabMaster]

2 minutes ago, drumcorpsfever said:

Good topic. I often have a hard time figuring out how the props fit with any given show. For that matter, an associated thread on show meanings and how to better understand what we’re seeing out there would be great too.  Often times, the descriptions handed out by the corps leave so much to be desired. 

A separate thread to discuss show meanings?  What could possibly go wrong there? How about reading/listening to what the designer teams say and taking time to ponder it by oneself and come to one’s own conclusions or interpretations.  Not being snarky.  There are enough arguments on DCP without creating a thread that would be stoking the fires of “I’m right, you’re not”. Or “I know better because I’m an insider and I was told….” Think for yourself.  Enjoy a show or two or more.

[OldCorpsGuy]

25 minutes ago, LabMaster said:

A separate thread to discuss show meanings?  What could possibly go wrong there? How about reading/listening to what the designer teams say and taking time to ponder it by oneself and come to one’s own conclusions or interpretations.  Not being snarky.  There are enough arguments on DCP without creating a thread that would be stoking the fires of “I’m right, you’re not”. Or “I know better because I’m an insider and I was told….” Think for yourself.  Enjoy a show or two or more.

Or you could just write shows that don’t have to have a “message” and people can just enjoy it without having to do research on it. 🤷‍♂️. I know. Crazy talk. 

[BG984]

5 hours ago, OldCorpsGuy said:

Or you could just write shows that don’t have to have a “message” and people can just enjoy it without having to do research on it. 🤷‍♂️. I know. Crazy talk. 

But aren't you supposed to "study" and do pre-show "homework"  before attending the show??  (lmao) 

[OldCorpsGuy]

38 minutes ago, BG984 said:

But aren't you supposed to "study" and do pre-show "homework"  before attending the show??  (lmao) 

Well to be fair, I’d rather do my homework than listen to Hop talk about boxes for an hour. 🤔

[Quad Aces]

8 hours ago, drumcorpsfever said:

Good topic. I often have a hard time figuring out how the props fit with any given show. For that matter, an associated thread on show meanings and how to better understand what we’re seeing out there would be great too.  Often times, the descriptions handed out by the corps leave so much to be desired. 

I think a topic about show meanings is a great idea.

That reminds me to make my annual post about show meanings and communicating them out to the masses.

For the life of me I can’t figure out why designers for each corps won’t put out a video on YouTube explaining their show in detail to anyone who is interested (a la Scott Chandler and BD).

Seems like an easy and relatively inexpensive way to generate interest in and understanding of a show.

i always thought it was great when they interview designers before a performance on Big, Loud, and Live and they describe their show in as much detail as they can in 30 seconds.  Too bad that’s at the end of the season, though.

[Liahona]

1 hour ago, Quad Aces said:

For the life of me I can’t figure out why designers for each corps won’t put out a video on YouTube explaining their show in detail to anyone who is interested (a la Scott Chandler and BD).

Once you explain a show too specifically, you can box yourself in. Fans start watching for whether the corps “delivered the stated concept,” and judges may hear that same explanation in critique and start holding the design to it.

[contraguard05]

18 hours ago, OldCorpsGuy said:

Or you could just write shows that don’t have to have a “message” and people can just enjoy it without having to do research on it. 🤷‍♂️. I know. Crazy talk. 

My favorite shows like this are the ones you don't have to "get" in order to enjoy. There's a good amount of intellectual depth and symbolism to SCV's Babylon, but you can just appreciate it as a great show.