Position: Props Apprentice
Hometown: Tijuana, Mexico
Education: “I studied Pre-Med and Marine Biology at the University of California San Diego. I worked in a lab and did research in algae for about four years. When I was doing lab work, I found theatre [through] taking a beginner set design class, and then [my professor] saw that I had such a passion for set design, and he asked me if I wanted to continue the journey. I said, ‘Absolutely!’ I always had a passion for [art] since I was small. I didn’t know that this could be a career.
After that discovery, Grisele shared that she “worked for La Jolla Playhouse for a year and a half interning and doing overhire work with Deborah Hatch. She encouraged me to do an apprenticeship in props.”
...Thanks, Deborah!
What attracted you to the Olney Theatre Apprentice Training Program?
“...Mostly the commitment they have for apprentices to learn as much as they can, the passion for the theatre, the interest they had in me for how much I wanted to learn.”
What are you working on right now? What are you looking forward to?
“Right now, we are researching images to start building ON THE TOWN. I’m looking at subway straps research—I have to know how they are going to be used too so I know how to build them. I’m looking forward to building the mannequin and doing any sort of crafts and set dressing for the show. I’m also looking forward to keep learning, assisting the scenic designer for National Players, and help bring together the next shows: the Hypocrites and ON THE TOWN. I’ve been talking to Charlie (the scenic designer for National Players) about his point of view for set design which is really interesting!”
What’s something that’s surprised you?
“I was able to meet wonderful designers, like Milagros (who designed our set for IN THE HEIGHTS), who told me to apply for [grad school] for set design. I was second guessing myself, but I just did it. I never thought I could apply until I met her, and she said just ‘do it.’
“I always said, ‘I’m okay at this or I’m okay at that,’ but she gave me the confidence to just do it. This lesson helped me learn that you never know. Getting into school was a big surprise, and I’m really happy.”
Grisele will be attending Penn State University to study Scenic Design this fall, so look out for her work there soon! Congrats, Grisele!
What separates Olney from other theatres?
“Whenever I need help, there’s always someone I can reach – a support system, especially being so far away from home. Being away from home can be very hard, and if I didn’t have the support system, it would be twice as hard to pursue my dreams, and I feel like that’s what Olney has [given me].”
Do you have a favorite place on campus?
“I think everything at Olney. Whether it’s working in the Main or being backstage or in the shop, every space has its memory or precious moment. [If I had to choose], I would say the shop because that’s where I work and have grown. I meet wonderful people there. I was very scared when I first came here—it was a fresh start. Then I went to the shop, and since that’s where I’m working, it’s everything. Also, the porch. Everyone is there. I don’t know, I would still say everything. Everything! It’s hard because every place has its moment.”
Do you have any advice for the next Props Apprentice?
“I get down on myself when I can’t do something, but I’m learning. If something is complicated or you don’t know how, you have your mentor there to guide you through. Every day is different and you are still learning. Everything is going to be good. Be positive, it can be hard when things get complicated, but just keep going and follow your dreams, never stop!”
On the flipside of that, “If you need to take a break, you should. Take it one step at a time. Sometimes there will be hard days because the props department is only two people, and it’s a lot of work molding, building, sewing, buying. Everything’s going to be okay. If you need to take a break, take a break. That’s something that I’m still learning too.”
PS: Happy Birthday, Grisele!