White Girl in Danger

Prop Fabricator

(Prop Designer: Andy Diaz)
2ndStage Theatre x BNG Industries
February 2023

As a fabricator at BNG Industries, I assisted in building a series of props and scenic pieces for the new musical White Girl in Danger, debuting at 2ndStage Theatre in March 2023. Out of the line up of props – which included a large picnic table, rolling platforms of cotton plants, foam instruments, and a wheeled carriage – I took charge of building an old-fashioned electric chair.

I loved being able to take ownership the chair from interpreting the drawings up through the finishing process; because I was involved with every moment of the construction, I was able to really flex my problem-solving muscles, and properly answer questions my colleagues had about why certain decisions were made. The first major decision came after reviewing the drawings: I noticed that the upper unit of the chair (which houses the back and head rest) was supposed to fasten directly into the arm rests from below, which was not a structurally sound design. I suggested extending the upper unit down below the arm rests, so it could be screwed at four points into both the rear of the arm rests, as well as the seat unit.

Proper sequencing became very important when it came to assembling the multiple units that would form the chair. For example, many components of the chair consisted of three sticks of plywood, laminated together, then fastened together: to conceal the staple wounds and ensure clean joints, I had to think a few steps ahead and decide to fasten the first layer of plywood to its member, then laminate the remaining layers. Having to be proactive in this way was a great exercise, and kept me sharp throughout the build. I am also very grateful to my colleague Ashanti, who fabricates custom bags and clothing: during the finishing process, they added leather straps and a custom headpiece, and provided some timely guidance during the final assembly.

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