Getting Crafty
Our budget for On the Verge was limited, so the extensive list of props called for resourcefulness and creativity. Many hours were spent building props and shopping for items that could be used. My dorm eventually became a craft center; my desk was covered with glue, tape, and cardstock.
Tea, Appletinis, & Cool-Whip
Many scenes required drinks and snacks, so a majority of my time during dress rehearsals and performance nights was spent either backstage or in the kitchen. Before every show, I pre-sliced mini loaves of pumpkin bread the director Alexis Marsh had baked, set up Cool-Whip in a container painted to look like a butter dish, pre-cracked fortune cookies, and poured water in the teapot. During intermissions, I made appletinis with water, red food coloring, and sugar, and filled a tall glass with more Cool-Whip.
Credits: Bryan College, Alexis Marsh
The Geography of Yearning
As props mistress for On The Verge, I was faced with a long list of unique props to acquire. I spent hours in Bryan College's props closets looking for backpacks, magazines, tea sets, and lanterns. Because this was the first show I was involved in at Bryan College, this process familiarized me with the different functions of the theatre department and the whereabouts of props, set pieces, and costumes. Props mistress was a very hands-on job; I created a magazine cover, dished Cool-Whip in a dish and tall glass for every dress rehearsal and performance, and learned how to line martini glasses with sugar and fill them with colored water. For several nights, my dorm floor was covered with tea-stained cardstock squares waiting to dry overnight.
