Nashville Children’s Theatre
Nashville, TN
Employer: Nashville Children’s Theatre
Role: Technical Director
Year: 2015
The Cat in the Hat
The design process of The Cat in the Hat was a bit different than usual for NCT, as the theatre chose to implement the scenic design used by the National Theatre of Great Britain in its original production, as it was provided for use by Music Theatre International. The heavily choreographed production included a few fun scenic elements, such as the famous “pick up machine” from the end of the book, as shown here.
In addition to my role as Technical Director, I also joined into the frenetic action of this show, as I filled in as a stagehand for the final couple weeks of this performance.
The Cat in the Hat showcased the amazing physical talents of the late David Compton, an actor of almost unbounded talent and dedication, who passed away in 2016.
Director - Scot Copeland
Set Designer - Vicki Mortimer
Costume Designer - Patricia Taber
Lighting Designer - Scott Leathers
Scenic Charge Artist - Chip Boles
Production photos by Colin Peterson

Pickup machine - steel base frame

Pickup machine - plywood & foam

"Steamroller" rear wheel, with steering handle above
Underside and plywood shaping. Single smart caster in front.
Ply and foam shaping. Steel-framed chair welded to frame
Foam-coat & pool hose arms
Addition of gloves, mops, false steering wheel

The final product.

Box with a hook - cardboard version (Photo: CP)

Box with a hook: steel/plywood version (Photo: CP)