Life’s a Dream
I got my first taste of prop design during the first show of Illinois Wesleyan’s 2021-2022 season, where I was an assistant prop designer. I always wanted to try designing props, but until Life’s a Dream by Pedro Calderon de la Barca translated by John Barton and Adrian Mitchell, I never had a chance. I discovered through this show that it is something I really love!
Director: Tom Quinn
Stage Manager: Hanna Haggerty
Scenic Designer: Joel I. Reedy
Lighting Designer: Ely Kleinsmith
Costume Designer: Jasper Chase Noecker
Prop Designer: Curtis C. Trout
Shields
The bases of the taller shields were cut from large cardboard tubes. For one shield, I took thin strips of cardboard and glued them down in a criss-cross pattern. For another, I glued washers and rounded bolt heads down. For the circular horse shields, I glued down a strip of lacey upholstery trim along the edge. Curt then painted and dirtied them.
A shield on display at Curtis Trout’s art installation at the Ames School of Art.
Photos by Pete Guither.
Stool
This was my first time doing upholstery and I discovered that I love it! I upholstered the cushion of the stool, then glued a length of trim along the edge.
Photo by Pete Guither.
Other Props
Bottle with cork
Scepter
Photos by Pete Guither.