Men on Boats

Ten explorers. Four boats. One Grand Canyon. Men On Boats is the true(ish) history of an 1869 expedition, when a one-armed captain and a crew of insane yet loyal volunteers set out to chart the course of the Colorado River.

As the production’s associate scenic designer, I coordinated the practical sound effects (“Foley”) that enhanced the action of the play and alluded to the rising tensions between the explorers, who were brought to life by a cast of female and transgender actors.

These effects were conducted by a trio of musicians through era-specific props, which included rocks, plants, guitars, washing boards, and water.

playwright. Jaclyn Backhaus

directors. John Proski & Martin Noyes

scenic designer. Jackson Poon

associate scenic designer. Carlos E. Martinez

company. SCAD School of Entertainment Arts

venue. The Mondanaro Theater (Savannah, GA)

principal cast. Brianna Ahlmark, Ashley Allen, Elise Clay, Zeina Chaudhry, Emily Grace Dunn, Deanna Hudgens, Lauren Keleher, Sophia Manyet, Maggie Maxwell, Mads McDonough, Luisa Nolasco, Sarah Smeltzer Wright foley artists. Mia Wang, Cat Westley (also vocals), Juliet Rosner (also guitar).

top slideshow. Photographs from the production, courtesy of SCAD School of Entertainment Arts.