FOAM AND SCULPTURE
Stone bust from L'incoronazione di Poppea
Stone bust of Nero's wife Poppea from UW-Madison's University Opera production of L'incoronazione di Poppea (November 2018). Foam carving by Lydia Berggruen (Props Master), construction by Lydia Berggruen and John Drescher (MFA, Scenic Design), paint by Emily Rudolph (Scenic Charge). Materials: insulation foam, green glue, foam wig head, flex glue, Plaster of Paris, eco-mastic, muslin, yarn, plastic planter base, faux ivy, floral wire, acrylic paints
Arrow quiver from Rashomon
A samurai's arrow quiver and arrows from UW-Madison's University Theatre production of Rashomon (July-Sept 2021). The structure of the quiver is made from faux leather and Wonderflex thermoplastic that are molded around a pine board with a heat gun. A channel for the arrows to nestle into is created by shaping Worbla around a mold made of plywood and wooden dowels with a heat gun. The Worbla is covered in faux leather and secured into the quiver with hot glue. Arrows made of dowels and feathers are mounted into a thin rectangle of insulation foam which sits inside the pocket of the quiver. Prop fabrication by Lydia Berggruen (Props Master), tassled cords attached by Shannon Heibler (Costume Assistant). Materials: Wonderflex, faux leather, Worbla, wooden dowels, insulation foam, feathers, E6000 glue, low temp hot glue, green glue, black and clear spray lacquers, cord, tassels
Rocks from Rashomon
Lichen-covered rocks used to litter the stage and to build a campfire pit (see Lighting & Special Effects page) for UW-Madison's University Theatre production of Rashomon (July-Sept 2021). Rocks are formed by covering torn-up pieces of upholstery foam in spackle, then sponging on layers of scenic paint. Prop fabrication and painting by Lydia Berggruen (Props Master). Materials: torn-up upholstery foam, spackle, scenic paints
Logs from Così fan tutte
Logs from UW-Madison's University Opera production of Così fan tutte (February 2020). The logs are made by covering the ends of cardboard tubing with packing tape, then gluing dowel pieces and strips of crumpled-up craft paper around the tube. The logs are painted with layers of black and brown scenic paints using with a dry brushing technique. Prop fabrication and painting by Lydia Berggruen (Props Master). Materials: cardboard tube, packing tape, dowels (multiple sizes), craft paper, low-temp hot glue, acrylic paints
