Sunday, August 12, 2007


Here’s a fun little prop that expresses a concept I like to call “propeye”, which is the ability to see props in ordinary household items. We just completed a production of The Wiz. In this urban retelling of The Wizard of Oz the tinman is a carnival midway barker left to rust when his amusement park shuts down. He finds himself underneath the considerable girth of his late “wife” teeny. In the film teeny is a cross between a robotic aunt jemima and a bowling ball and coming up with a concept to make her was no easy task.

To make Teeny you will need the following: A large rubber exercise ball like the one shown here, one small baby doll, and a small child’s dress with a full skirt and short sleeves (thrift store, buy cheap, buy ugly color won’t matter but get something with lace or beads for texture).

You will also need: Duck Tape, spray paint (cheap gold, silver, brown, and flat black), and a can of 3m super 77 spray glue. (see the prop box tutorial for more on this amazing product)

First I placed Teeny (the doll) in the dress. I rubber banded and safety pinned her at the arms and neck. Second I sat Teeny on the doll and taped her legs down wrapping all the way around the ball, being careful to keep the tape tight. Also make certain you do not cover the air plug and place it on the opposite side of the ball from Teeny’s head. (for the reinflation, we call it reverse liposuction)

Now using the super 77 and a drop cloth or outdoor space (trust me a film of this glue on your wife’s tile will not improve your love life). Spray the ball and the dress wherever they come in contact then fold the dress back and let the adhesive set up for about a minute before pressing the skirt neatly in place.

For the finishing touch apply the four color paint job as described in the Tinman tutorial here: And welcome Teeny into the funfilled world of live theatre!

I know this a very special use item but I hope it will assist you in learning the art of “propeye”. If you need creative ideas for props email me @ Markrmorris2@sbcglobal.net