Prop Weapons

If your script includes weapons or ordinary objects being used as weapons, the Production Office may require additional review before production.

This page explains the approval process for prop weapons. Prop firearms are subject to a separate, more restrictive policy.

Important: Real firearms, live ammunition, and functioning weapons are prohibited on SCA productions. Prop firearms are permitted only in limited, approved circumstances. Review the Prop Firearms Policy before planning any scene involving a firearm or firearm-like prop.

Prop Weapons vs. Prop Firearms

Item

Where to Find the Rules

Knives, swords, axes, replica weapons, and ordinary objects used as weapons

This Prop Weapons page

Prop firearms or firearm-like props

Prop Firearms Policy

Real firearms, live ammunition, or functioning weapons

Prohibited on SCA productions

The sections below explain how prop weapons are reviewed and approved. If your production includes a firearm or firearm-like prop, review the Prop Firearms Policy for additional requirements.

What Counts as a Prop Weapon?

A prop weapon may include:

Knives, swords, axes, or similar objects
Replica or non-functioning weapons
Ordinary objects used as weapons
Any item depicted as a weapon in the production
Firearm-like props, which may also be subject to the Prop Firearms Policy

If you are unsure whether an item requires review, contact the Production Office before purchasing, transporting, rehearsing with, or filming the item.

How the Approval Process Works

Step 1: Submit Your Project for Review

If your script contains weapons or ordinary objects being used as weapons, the Production Office may initiate follow-up through Smartsheet as part of the project review process.

Respond promptly to any Smartsheet requests and provide clear information about the item, the scene, the performers, the location, and the planned safety precautions.

Step 2: Complete the Prop Weapon Authorization Form

You will receive an email from Smartsheet when a Prop Weapon Authorization Form (PWAF) is attached to your project. The form will appear in your Dynamic View.

Download the PWAF and complete it by listing each prop weapon and describing how you plan to use it safely.

Your plan should include:

How the prop weapon will be used in the scene
How it will be carried safely to and from set
How it will be stored safely while on set
Who will be responsible for supervising it
Any additional safety precautions required for the production

You can sign the form digitally and upload it to your Dynamic View.

Step 3: Upload a Photo of Each Prop Weapon

Upload a photo of each prop weapon to your Dynamic View.

The photo should show the actual prop in your possession. Do not submit a product image, shopping-cart screenshot, or photo of an item you have not yet obtained.

Step 4: Wait for Production Office Approval

Once your paperwork has been approved by the Production Office, the requirement will be marked as completed.

Do not purchase, transport, rehearse with, or film a prop weapon until the required review and approvals have been completed.

A project submission, Project Number, Smartsheet request, equipment reservation, or facility reservation does not automatically approve a prop weapon.

Safety Requirements

All prop weapons must be handled, stored, and supervised safely.

Productions involving prop weapons may be required to:

Identify a responsible crew member
Provide a safety plan
Limit access to the prop weapon
Store the prop securely when not in use
Transport the prop safely to and from set
Follow additional instructions from the Production Office

Additional review or restrictions may apply depending on the type of weapon, filming location, or planned action.

Before You Begin

Use this checklist before planning a scene involving a prop weapon:

Review the script for weapons or ordinary objects used as weapons.
Confirm whether the project requires Greenlighting.
Submit the project and respond to Smartsheet requests.
Complete the Prop Weapon Authorization Form (PWAF)
Upload a photo of each actual prop weapon.
Describe how each item will be used, transported, stored, and supervised.
Wait for Production Office approval before purchasing, transporting, rehearsing with, or filming the item.
Review the Prop Firearms Policy if the item is a firearm or firearm-like prop.

Last updated 8 days ago