Meet Scenic Artist Tansy Elso

I work as part of MTC’s Scenic Art Department. Our role is to paint, finish and transform the many props and scenic elements that form the theatrical world of an MTC production. We work closely with designers, stage managers and other production departments to realise the requirements of a set design. Working from a model and plans and in consultation with the design team, we apply texture, colour, glazes and decorative finishes to raw and ‘needy’ set and prop elements so that they match the designer’s vision.

I was lucky enough to start my career in the department through a work experience opportunity while studying theatre production at university. Although that was 20 years ago, the learning has never really stopped because every production, prop or scenery piece presents a new set of technical or creative challenges.

‘MTC is a place that seeks the highest quality and employs staff that have unique skills to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.’

MTC provides a great base for so many people to develop skills and bring ideas to the audience. It is a place that seeks the highest quality and employs staff that have unique skills to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. There is a great sense of achievement in seeing these skills displayed up on stage for the benefit and enjoyment of an audience.

Tansy and another member of the Scenic Art Department photo by Tim Grey

Collaboration and teamwork are at the core of the behind-the-scenes experience of theatre. Every element of a production and its staging has been created by this process: the same process that creates a successful community. As a member of the production team, I get to be part of the innovation, creativity and persistence that turns ideas and imagination into life.

Keep us on stage

Only through donations and private support will the Company return to a position of strength to create work for the hundreds of creative professionals whose livelihoods depend on us every year.