Which type of prop is typically small and can be carried by an actor?

The term "hand prop" refers to objects that are small and easily handled by actors during a performance. These items are essential for enhancing the storytelling by allowing characters to interact with their environment in a believable manner. Hand props include things like a book, a glass, or a letter—items that can be frequently passed around or utilized by the characters to convey emotions or actions within the scene.

In contrast, maintenance props and large props refer to items that either support the overall set design or are too large to be carried easily by an actor. Maintenance props are typically used to assist in the upkeep of the production setup but do not factor into the character's immediate interactions, while large props might include furniture or vehicles that are fixed in place or require more than one person to handle effectively. Static props, on the other hand, are items that do not change or move throughout the performance and are often used as part of the set design rather than as tools for character interaction. Thus, the defining characteristic of a hand prop as a small, portable object that an actor can easily manipulate distinguishes it from the other types of props listed.