Nutcracker!
Fall 2025
As Prop Builder for the 90-city tour of Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet, I was tasked with fabricating, repairing and repainting a wide array of objects. From painting clay puppets and vacuform mascot heads to reshaping swords and sourcing Christmas wreaths, this assignment was as fun as it was varied. However, my primary project was creating 44 custom gift boxes—22 for each show. I built the boxes out of 1/4 inch plywood, and with support from the Costume Department, chose and applied fabrics and ribbon onto each box. Finally, I applied a clear polyurethane spray to each box for added durability and attached gift toppers to each present.
Opera Saratoga
Summer 2025
Across two simultaneous shows
(She Loves Me & La Vie Parisienne) I worked with my Props Manager to create over 300 props. My magnum opus of this summerstock was reinforcing and reupholstering a leather chaise, which was a central component of both shows. Other highlight creations included fake lemons, fake cigars, conductor batons, and fake books. In addition, I created a variety of paper products, including Swedish and Hungarian money, French newspapers, and labels for ice cream cartons.
In the process of learning several new processes and mediums, my primary takeaway was to lean on the collaborative spirit and ample talent in theater productions. By consulting the Technical Director, Costume Designers, and Set Designers, I was able to work more efficiently and cohesively.
Double Murphy Door Bookshelves
Winter 2024
Book Club Radio
Summer/Fall 2024
Book Club Radio is a monthly music event with increasingly creative themes. From alien disco to 80's prom, these parties require sets and props that are the first of their kind. For a medieval butcher shop, I assisted in creating a knife-laden dungeon, while for the Frat Party edition, I assisted in spray painting garbage cans to resemble giant Red Solo Cups.
Family Reunion
Summer 2025
When my aunt wrote an impromptu play on our recent family reunion, I took my role as de facto Props Designer very seriously. Pictured is my cousin wielding a fake sword made from a pool noodle, cardboard, black paint, and aluminum foil.
(Initially, the foam devil horns were temporarily attached to his glasses until he requested they be a permanent fixture on his eyewear.)