Sometimes actors set props on the spikes, or sometimes a deckhand will do it, depending on the action of the play.

Until he comes to terms with the likelihood of failure, he will not succeed.

snob + -ery → snobbery

As he talked, slowly, quietly, I had the impression that it must surely be an accident that had happened, but that his mind, unhinged by tragedy, baulked at Anna’s death.