WNC students, instructors create imperative sets for ‘Mary Poppins’ production
Construction management instructors Bob Ford, Nigel Harrison and welding instructor Randy Naylor at Western Nevada College have played critical roles in building the sets for Western Nevada Musical Theatre Company’s production of “Mary Poppins" that runs this weekend in Carson City.
“Bob, Nigel, Randy and their students have been an invaluable asset to our productions, creating beautiful work for us,” said WNMTC producer and director Stephanie Arrigotti. “While I usually design all the sets, Bob designed the magic furniture in the kitchen for this show, which collapses, then restores when Mary works her magic. His design is excellent and wows the audience every performance.”
The production, which runs through Sunday at the Carson City Community Center, marks the third time that WNC instructors and students have contributed to WNMTC’s productions. Naylor and his students spent eight to 10 hours welding the metal framework that was used in creating a wall for one of the sets.
“I’ve worked with Stephanie on and off for a long time,” Naylor said. “It saves them money and helps them out, and if we are able to use it in a class project, students learn from it, too.”
The Welding department’s set is being used in conjunction with a cable system that makes a suspended character appear to scale a wall. Naylor said that he and the students worked to make the wall as light as possible so the crew could easily remove it from the stage within a 30-second period between sets.
Ford worked with several students to complete their contributions to the show. In addition to the magic furniture, they built dance stands, a toy chest, a chimney scene, gate entranceways, flower planters and a number of small items.
“We try to use this opportunity to show the students that paying it forward does have value, especially in the construction industry,” said Ford, who estimated that his crew spent 100 to 150 hours working on their sets. “I never limit their participation.”
Arrigotti said the design and creation of sets has always been the responsibility of WNMTC, and is a costly undertaking. Before the welcomed efforts of the Construction Technology and Welding departments, Arrigotti hired contractors in the community.
“Bob, Nigel and Randy have been a tremendous asset to this program. I am very grateful for them,” Arrigotti said.
Ford and Harrison have been working to redefine the college’s Construction Management program to emphasize more management, leadership and team-building, and have included more opportunities for students to become more involved in community service projects.
“Service to our community is important, the more service opportunities we can provide, the better the learning experience for our students,” said Ford.
Tickets are available for the 7:30 p.m. shows on Friday and Saturday. The community center is located at 851 East William Street. Ticket are available at wnmtc.com.
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