Category Archives: Interviews

Interviews

Interview with Jolene Obertin

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The following is one of several interviews conducted by students of Ron DeMarco’s properties class at Emerson College.

Jolene Obertin

by Michelle Slivinski

Jolene Obertin didn’t always see herself going into the profession of props. She originally attended the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in hopes of studying medicine, but she found herself unhappy dealing with such a high course load of science classes in order to fulfill her degree requirements. She often found herself walking through the Fine Arts building to and from different places on campus and grew to love the building and its creative atmosphere. She had previously been involved in theatre in her high school but took it as an elective again in college and loved it. Continue reading Interview with Jolene Obertin →

Interviews

Interview with Eric Hart

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The following is one of several interviews conducted by students of Ron DeMarco’s properties class at Emerson College.

A Man of Many Hats: The Story of Eric Hart

by Junior Johnson

Eric Hart
Eric Hart

In Greensboro, North Carolina, within the Triad Stage theatre, a tireless artist can be found scavenging for materials to create some of the most meticulous and detail-oriented props, which have been featured in countless shows, operas, and productions all across the nation. That artist’s name is Eric Hart, a props master and artisan. Only in his thirties, Eric has an extensive and diverse résumé that reflects the amount of passion, drive, and professionalism which Eric has for his props. With the determination to succeed, Eric has gained the respect and attention of his colleagues and other people within the theatre community. Continue reading Interview with Eric Hart →

Interviews

Interview with Nancy Wagner

The following is one of several interviews conducted by students of Ron DeMarco’s properties class at Emerson College.

Nancy Wagner

by Rachael Dahl

Nancy Wagner
Nancy Wagner

When asked what she wanted to do when she grew up Nancy would always answer, “I don’t know… I just want to MAKE things.” But I had no idea where I would go to just make things… odd things… things that may have never existed before or were GREAT BIG GIANT THINGS or littleteenytinythings. Or fairy-tale things, or…” Nancy Wagner would describe herself as a textile freak! While she is not technically a props master she considers herself an artisan in the props world. Continue reading Interview with Nancy Wagner →

Interviews

Interview with Tina Stevenson

The following is one of several interviews conducted by students of Ron DeMarco’s properties class at Emerson College.

Across the World in Props, with Tina Stevenson

by Jeremy Stein.

Tina Stevenson
Tina Stevenson

“Be flexible, smile even when you’re frustrated, if you don’t know the answer say so, learn something new everyday, never be afraid of a challenge, but never stretch yourself or department because of it.” Continue reading Interview with Tina Stevenson →

Interviews

Interview with Elizabeth “Fried” Friedrich

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The following is one of several interviews conducted by students of Ron DeMarco’s properties class at Emerson College.

The Mind Behind The Magic

by Emily Cuerdon

Elizabeth “Fried” Friedrich
Elizabeth “Fried” Friedrich

Elizabeth “Fried” Friedrich is the props shop manager at Seattle Children’s Theatre (SCT). She grew up in Amherst, NY, which is located just outside Buffalo, NY. She graduated from Buffalo State College with a BFA degree in furniture and design. When asked to describe her journey to the field of props, she said: “After graduating with my BFA I knew I didn’t want to dedicate my career to furniture design—it was too fussy. Rick Gilles (a SPAM member and then prop manager at Studio Arena Theatre in Buffalo) took a chance and hired me as prop carp. Except for a short break about 10 years ago I’ve been in theatre ever since.” Continue reading Interview with Elizabeth “Fried” Friedrich →