One of my favorite aspects of being a Technical Director is the creative work involved in "Macgyvering" solutions to technical challenges. It is even better when I can bring students or interns into this process, particularly when I can introduce them to the engineering principle of running at the hardest parts first and using failure as an opportunity for growth. Showcased here are a few of the final products that ended up working - please contact me if you'd like additional details on the process or how to implement these ideas for your own projects.
The Original "Flippy-Do"
For a production of The Merry Wives of Windsor at GRSF, designer R. Eric Stone asked me to come up with a way that two stationary sittables could transform into alternate locations (one a bar, the other a reading desk complete with a lamp). These units became known as the "flippy-do's". By pulling on a steel handle on the upstage face of the unit, a steel mechanism inside is released and the lid is able to rotate on a central axis (though which electrical is also run, in the case of the reading desk unit). The steel mechanism actuates four pieces of steel angle installed vertically, which support the lid. The two units were self-contained to allow for easy changeover within the rep season, and were fully sittable/jumpable/climbable.
Single-Use Sliding Door
The witches cauldron in Macbeth was housed under a steel grate for this production, accessible via a door that could slide open and under an adjoining platform. The challenge was to ensure that the door could stay locked in a closed position after the scene was over so that fight sequences staged in the area would not run the risk of accidentally pushing it open. My low-tech solution can be seen here.
Spring-loaded Cane Bolt
I love using springs for my creations, and this is one that has continued to prove useful well beyond its original conception. For a production of Singin' in the Rain we needed a quick way to lock the desk (on casters) in place for the scene in which they dance on top of it. While there was adequate time to set the desk in place, removal needed to be as fast as possible.
The carriers ride on 1" box tubing installed at a 45 degree angle. This allows for continuous track of any length.
Carriers can be bolted to the scenery in place or welded to steel frames.
The carriers ride on 1" box tubing installed at a 45 degree angle. This allows for continuous track of any length.
Rollerblade Wheel Carriers on a 1" Box Tubing Track
This was NOT my idea, but I enjoyed putting it into practice! Eric Stone had learned this trick from TD Zak Stribling while working at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. I have now used this design twice (Cymbeline at GRSF, and Little Women at UWL) and am a true believer in the value of using rollerblade wheels to move scenery!
Appropriate: Self-Destructing House
At the end of this production (UWL 2017), the house must go through a series of self-destructive events. Together with a student ATD and several student Shop Staff, we created low-tech solutions for falling crown moulding, a crumbling fireplace, a door falling off its hinges, a stair railing falling, peeling wallpaper, collapsing bookshelves, a beam snapping, and a tree branch swinging through a window.
Appropriate
University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Fall 2017
Direction: Beth Cherne
Scenic Design & Technical Direction: Megan Morey
Student Assistant Technical Director: Karlie Kiel
Lighting Design: Ben Golden