3D students at NewVIc took up the challenge of designing and producing theatre props for a show aimed at Year 4 children, staged at the much loved Discover Children’s Story Centre in Newham which is celebrating its 21st anniversary. The show was part of a project called ‘Discover 21 Years of Fun’ and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Students were introduced to the show by Helen Coyston, principal designer of the show, and then took part in a workshop run by Eve Oakley, a freelance designer, who introduced them to the art of designing and producing props for a show. Once briefed, they worked in pairs to come up with their own designs for a range of props and primed and painted their objects, ready to be used in the show. They were challenged to work under exacting conditions; the props needed to be able to fit into a 40 cm square and made of cardboard, fabric and glue.

Eve Oakley, Freelance Theatre Designer said; “I’m super happy with the props the students produced. All of the students were new to the practical skill of prop making.This process allowed them to understand how design works within the context of theatre. Although they were already familiar with the principles of architecture, lighting and sight lines, this project gave them real experience of developing work with the audience in mind and how to refine and progress their ideas.

Pākiki Theatre Co-Director Vickie Holden added: “it’s been an absolute pleasure to work with our set designers & makers Eve and Helen, and the students and staff at NewVic whose work has been an integral part of our set and props. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do in the creative arts, and we hope to continue our work with Eve and NewVic on exciting projects in the future” 

Gary Hardiman, 3 D Tutor at NewVIc said, “It’s vital for students to be able to put design into a real context and work with a real brief. Next year’s extended diploma will focus on how to work to a professional brief and so this project gives our students a head start. It also gives them a rare opportunity to work with professionals and ask questions and it opens up the door to careers in 3D.”

“As a next step, we plan to work with Pākiki Theatre to look at our schemes of work and see how we can embed real work at the heart of our curriculum.”

You can listen to Eve Oakley talking about the project here.