Helen Gore recently attended the Props and Parades sessions arranged by The Old Electric and wrote this blog about her experiences, which she has shared with us.
Influenced by some of my favourite TV and stage shows, I have always had an interest in how the props were made in order to bring these real objects or extraordinary creatures to life. It’s in these moments of watching a rat puppet teach history or a malevolent ghost dismantle a living room on stage that inspire me to have a go at making these things myself. This interest led me to the Props and Parades workshops run by Janine Walker at The Old Electric. Where, for an hour and a half every Tuesday night, you can let your imagination run wild and create something truly unique for brilliant productions.
Our first project was to transform the windows of the Old Electric’s new location into a shadow box puppet theatre. The stars? A multitude of moving paper puppets and illuminated backdrops representing the icons of Blackpool’s rich entertainment history. Sword swallowers, dancing dogs, circus animals and clowns all brought to life with black card and drawing pins. Our creations were put on display during the recent Lightpool Festival as recorded videos alongside some live performances. I was amongst the crowd for the first night of performances and was proud to see how everyone’s efforts were received by the applauding crowd.
For example, I have always liked model making but found my skillset limited to cardboard and clay. So I began making clay bones for a dream catcher. But I then wanted to push myself with my next project where I was introduced to working with wire. Admittedly, I struggled at first but soon got my head around it to create these smooth, free flowing shapes that could be covered and painted. What was I making? Phoenix feathers of course. Now I feel I can improve on craft projects of my own by blending what I already knew about using clay with my new knowledge of using wire. Another benefit to these sessions (or any in the Old Electric’s weekly programme) that can’t be overlooked is the social side. How awesome it is to meet like minded people and not just collaborate but learn from them. That’s the thing about being creative, there are so many ways to express yourself and everyone is different. If you are even a little bit curious but think you’re not “experienced” enough, I’d encourage you to join. It is such a supportive environment and everyone is learning new things together, like what is a fur-bearing trout?
The next Props sessions are due to start on Tuesday 6th January 6.30pm-8pm. Find out more information and book your place here
