Team builds

Aslan puppet

Wing feathers patterned, sewn, painted and attached to frame by me. My work included finishing the inside of the puppet with power mesh and constructing the bendy ply neck ribs seen at centre, as well as patterning, gluing, stitching and painting the hessian covering.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe,

Bridge Theatre, London UK 2019

Director: Sally Cookson

Puppet designer: Craig Leo

Build: Paradigm Effect

Photo credit: Brinkhoff Moegenburg

Lifesize Seussical hat

I planned, coordinated and supervised the construction of this project. This 2.5m tall hat had a steel frame, was covered in a layer of EVA foam and an additional layer of fibrefill batting. The slipcover was sewn from stretch fleece. I purchased the materials and consulted with the lead builder on problem-solving and troubleshooting. I completed the lining, alterations and magnetic closures, fitted the internal handles and provided maintenance for this prop through the run of the show.

Seussical, Young People's Theatre

Toronto, Canada 2016

Director: Thom Allison

Set designer: Judith Bowden

Makers: Jon Grosz and Jaclyn Zaltz

Fantastical invention

I guided and co-ordinated work by 4 different technical departments to accomplish this project, in addition to sourcing and buying materials, painting and dressing.

Demonstration of the puff of smoke effect on Belle's father's invention. A bike cable was attached to the pressure release on a loaded Hudson sprayer in the barrel. Pulling a lever released the pressure forcing the corn starch out of the chimney pipe. I guided and co-ordinated work by 4 different technical departments to accomplish this project, in addition to sourcing and buying materials, painting and dressing.

Belle's father's invention included several moving parts and effects. The hand cranked chain mechanism turned several of the other cogs. The pressurized puff of smoke was triggered by the actor when the invention "broke". A remote controlled fogger inside the barrel drew power from a car battery, and emitted puffs of smoke pushed out by the bellows attached to the hand crank. Another lever attached to a bike cable released the spring-loaded drawer, striking the bell and spewing "sawdust" (granulated cork) from the open drawer.

Beauty and the Beast, Young People's Theatre

Toronto, Canada 2017

Set designer: Sue LePage

Lead maker: Matt Leckie