Loading and unloading a van twice a day can be one of the hardest things about a schools tour. The new Terrapin show, Space Neighbours, sets out in a few weeks to perform 90 shows in schools across Lutruwita. I’ve designed the show to be as light and compact as possible, but lugging and packing that stuff can still be tiresome for the crew who are also pouring their energy into performance.
So I came up with a roadcase design: two cases hold the whole show, and slide into the van so snugly they don’t have to be tied down. Every prop, set piece and costume has a place inside. And when you lift the lid, the back of the case doubles as masking.
They’re made from hoop pine plywood, significantly lighter than other plys, sourced from plantations in Queensland with a chain of custody certification. The battens are ripped from salvaged pine and fitted on the inside to maximise use of space, the shelves are removable, and they’ll receive a coat of remnant paint to blend in with the palette of the show.
They’re built to last, because the school show always travels by van: so when the tour is over, these cases can be refitted and repainted, and set out on the road with the next show. At least, that’s the idea. The real test of concept is yet to begin.