When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Break Pallets

This week we were given an impossible task--destroy this pile of pallets.  Yes, you read that right--a big part of tech crew is sometimes destroying things!  We are going to use the scrap wood for the sets of The Love of Three Oranges.  By nailing these boards onto some plywood, we can mask the back of the blackbox from the seats and provide that "commedia" look.  Commedia dell'arte was traditionally a traveling show brought around on wagons or carts, so the sets are minimal and rough-looking.  With this scrap wood, we can bring that same rustic look to the stage in 2012!

A traditional stage for Commedia dell'Arte.

The giant pile of pallets for us to destroy...

Techies using hammers and crowbars to rip the wood apart.

The finished pile of wood...FINALLY...

Stay tuned for more techie adventures!

From Box to Tree: A Transformation

This past week we have been given the job of creating a log for the scenes deep in the forest.  First we had to do lots of math to figure out the size of the plywood for the box.  Then we cut the wood using the table saw, and stapled it together with the pneumatic staple gun (do NOT try this at home if you do not have anyone supervising you!!!!!)

This is our base box.

Next we prepared the mixture for a "fabric mache"--a combination of glue, a stretching agent, water, and white paint.  We stirred the mixture a lot until it took on a consistency between yogurt and milk.  This will cause the fabric to harden into a bark-like shape.

MadHatter with the "fabric mache" mixture.

 Our next job was to give the log some form.  We ripped and crumbled pieces from a roll of heavyweight paper and stapled/masking-taped them around the sides. It doesn't look like much, but it gives the log shape so it no longer looks like a square box.

It may look like a pile of tissues, but just you wait!

 After making the box less "boxy", we ripped and dipped--that is, we ripped some old fabric into long strips, and then dunked them into the bucket of "fabric mache" mixture.  Then we stapled them over the  paper and crinkled it slightly to give it more of that bark texture.  We may have ended up with white, gooey hands, but we also ended up with the beginnings of a really awesome log!

Now you can see how this will be a log, right?

 This is not the finished product--there will be many more layers, and then paint!  To be continued...

What does a Prop person do???

Here is a link to a great article that gives a little insight into the prop person's world.  Prop on!

NY Times Props Article

Today we began our design process for the US fall play.  All the designers and technicians sat around a table to read the show and discuss the design aspects.  The set designers have their work cut out for them this week.  Monday they have to have a basic ground plan and concept approved.