Hunchback of Notre Dame - LED Torches
Props designer
For this production of the Hunchback of Notre Dame The director wanted to make sure that the torches seemed dangerous, as they are featured heavily in the Act I Finale song “Esmeralda”. He originally stated that he hated the mylar+fan style torches that you can buy from halloween stores and wanted something a bit more alive. I then began working on torches which incorporated the new style of flame LED powered by USB.
Fabrication
This prop was fashioned from a 3D printed replica of an Olympic Torch as it’s base. I ignored the more modern elements, and combined it with a torch cage that I modified to fit over the LED bulbs that I’d purchased.
fit and finish
After finishing my prints and gluing the whole thing together with CA Glue, I drybrushed a woodgrain on the handle, and then stippled black over silver to give it a hand-beaten forged look. I then used a rotary tool to cut two holes into the base of the cage. One so the actor could get to the power button easily, and the other to allow a USB cable to fit through the cage for charging.
versatility
After seeing the props, the director wanted to see them in the second act more. He talked with the scenic and lighting designers and decided to incorporate them into the dungeons after Frollo has Esmeralda and Phoebus arrested. They fit perfectly in a flag pole holder, and helped place us in the world that was previously only being achieved with a cage gobo from above.
Video from Final Dress
Columbus Children’s Theatre - Spring 2024
Directed by David Glover
Music Direction by Zac Delmonte
Scenic Design by Dan Gray
Lighting Design by Jennifer Sansfacon
Costume Design by Megan Starr
Sound by Paul Kavicky
Props Design by Nick Hahn