Eric Hart

Interim Director of Animatronics Eric Hart not only brings his own wealth of experience to the classroom, but through his writing and research he has documented common practices in professional prop and fabrication shops across the country and overseas. He, in turn, is able to familiarize his students with the conditions they will find in the professional world.

Every student has their own strengths, weaknesses, and passions. My goal is to help a student discover what they want to pursue, and convince them they have the power to improve their skills in that pursuit.

Eric Hart

Credentials

  • Author of "The Prop Building Guidebook: For Theatre, Film, and TV," now in its second edition. The book is a suggested or required textbook at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Marymount Manhattan College, Illinois State University, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama (London), Southern Illinois University, MacEwan University (Canada) and Southeast Missouri State University.

Career Highlights

  • Props Master at Triad Stage, 2013-19
  • Assistant Props Master at The Public Theater, 2009-11
  • Props Carpenter at the Santa Fe Opera, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2012 and 2013
  • Props Artisan for the Humana Festival at Actors Theatre of Louisville, 2006
  • Built props for Broadway theaters including Ethel Barrymore Theatre, Roundabout Theatre and Lincoln Center Theatre
  • Built props for Off-Broadway theaters including Second Stage Theatre, The New Group, NY Theatre Workshop, Red Bull Theatre and Acorn Theatre
  • Props and fabrication for Hersheypark, Macy's Holiday Windows, "Sleep No More," Gagosian Gallery and UNCSA alumna-owned Majestic Scenic

Awards, Recognitions and Honors

  • The Prop Building Guidebook has received positive reviews from Theatre Design and Technology, Southern Theatre, Make Magazine, Choice Review and Lighting and Sound America
  • Featured in "Set Design and Prop Making in Theater," by Bethany Bryan, published by Cavendish Square
  • USITT Member Spotlight, 2015

Organizations

  • United States Institute for Theater Technology (USITT)
  • Society of Properties Artisan Managers (SPAM)
  • Alamance Makers Guild

Education

M.F.A. Production Design and TechnologyOhio University

B.A. TheatreBucknell University