propless
Lacking stage accessories
Propless means without props—lacking the physical objects used in theater, film, or photography to create setting or support action.
An actor rehearsing propless must mime holding a cup or opening a door: We ran the scene propless until the set was ready.
The word occasionally extends to any situation stripped of supporting equipment or visual aids.
Without outside help
- soloPerformance by one
- single-handedWithout help from others
- unaccompaniedWithout others present
- aloneWithout others present
unsupported · independent · self-reliant · freestanding · standalone · improvised · resourceful · adaptive
Lacking decoration or ornament
- strippedHad coverings removed
- minimalistOne favoring bare essentials
- starkSevere and unadorned
- austereSeverely simple and unadorned
spartan · plain · simple · unembellished · raw · clean · neat · unfurnished
Lacking backing or proof
- cantileverBeam supported one end
- freestandingNot attached to anything
- suspendedHalted or hanging temporarily
- floatingStaying atop liquid
overhanging · projecting · spanning · bridging · self-supporting · load-bearing · counterbalanced · engineered
One favoring bare essentials
- experimentalTesting new methods
- abstractCondensed version of text
- devisedPlanned or invented
- gestureCommunicative body movement
mime · monologue · improv · stripped-down · conceptual · avant-garde · ensemble · bodily
unassisted
Without outside help
- soloPerformance by one
- single-handedWithout help from others
- unaccompaniedWithout others present
alone · unsupported · independent · self-reliant · freestanding · standalone · improvised · resourceful · adaptive · barehanded
unadorned
Lacking decoration or ornament
- strippedHad coverings removed
- minimalistOne favoring bare essentials
- starkSevere and unadorned
austere · spartan · plain · simple · unembellished · raw · clean · neat · unfurnished · exposed
unsupported
Lacking backing or proof
- cantileverBeam supported one end
- freestandingNot attached to anything
- suspendedHalted or hanging temporarily
floating · overhanging · projecting · spanning · bridging · self-supporting · load-bearing · counterbalanced · engineered · architectural
minimalist
One favoring bare essentials
- experimentalTesting new methods
- abstractCondensed version of text
- devisedPlanned or invented
gesture · mime · monologue · improv · stripped-down · conceptual · avant-garde · ensemble · bodily · expressionist