Silk Flowers and Papier Mache Hearts

The use of unpaid and underpaid internships are rampant in the world of backstage theater. Eric and Ashley talk about their own experiences and why this practice needs to change.

Paxton Downard (Batwoman, The 100) joins us again to talk about the props scene in Vancouver, changes in the props industry, and how to manage the props on a multi-show crossover in the Arrowverse.

Paxton Downard joins us from Vancouver, where he is the prop master on CW’s Batwoman. Prior to that he was prop master on The 100, and he also talks about some of the props he built for Stargate and Battlestar Galactica.

Zoe joins us again to talk all about the business side of building props for Broadway shows, networking with designers and other props people, and making a big bear head for Chris Rock.

The amazing props artisan Zoe Morsette joins us this week to talk about the weird and wonderful props she has built for the original Les Misérables, Shrek: The Musical, and Gary Andronicus, as well as TV shows like SNL, 30 Rock, and Kimmy Schmidt.

This week, Ross MacDonald shares his secrets on how to age paper, make convincing books, and start your own letterpress studio.

We talk with Ross MacDonald, the paper prop maker behind some of your favorite onscreen books, newspapers, and court documents. We discuss his work on The Plot Against America, Boardwalk Empire, and Parks and Rec, as well as his first foray into live theater with the Broadway production of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Ashley and Eric celebrate the 50th episode of this podcast by answering prop questions submitted by their listeners. Find out what props they regret, what they keep in stock, and just how much Ashley spent on flowers for Little Shop of Horrors.

Seán returns this week to talk about his prop fabrication company, Hero Props. He has cut a Volkswagen in half for Tommy Hilfiger, designed cornstarch rifles for Les Mis, and performed on stage at Minnesota Fringe.

Seán McArdle has worked at the Public Theater, the Guthrie, Actors Theatre of Louisville, CTG, the Abbey, and many more. His blood effects have been seen on Broadway while other effects built by him have travelled the world.