pippin

During the fall semester of 2018 I was assigned the position of Student Technical Director for the University at Buffalo Department of Theater and Dance (UBTHD) main musical. During my debut as a technical director I drafted, lead construction, and assembled complicated set pieces into the University at Buffalo Drama Theater.

Cover Photo by Jim Bush

UB Production of Pippin

22’ windmill

For this production of Pippin the Set Designer (Joseph Crumlish) and the director (Paul Stancato) decided to incorporate a large windmill for the final scene of the show. The main structure of the windmill was constructed out of 1.5” box steel with 1” cross bracing. The platform at the top of the windmill was built at 12’ from the show floor with 2” box steel and 2” angle iron. I welded most of the framing for the windmill and assisted the shop foreman (Rick Haug) in building the platform. The fan blades of the windmill were connected a DC motor that allowed it to spin in both directions to fit the mood of the scene.

Steel Fence

One of the drafted set pieces for Pippin was a steel fence along the upstage edge that was faced in chain link fence and climbed over by actors. Both the fence and the support piece were lag screwed into the deck to make sure that it was safe for the actors to climb on.

Rotating Tower

The two story tower in Pippin was built on a large pivot. The entire tower rotated showing two sides of the tower. Each side was designed differently and added versatility to the show.