Recently, OTC had the fortune of hiring a new Props Master, Jose Nunez. Since he began after production work on Once had already begun, Jose has been very busy since day one. Still, he was kind enough to carve out some time to answer some of my questions and introduce himself to the community.
You came in and hit the ground running for Once. How has that process been for you?
It’s always a little daunting to come in late in the process for a show, but fortunately I have an awesome team, and they have knocked it out of the park, in addition to helping me find my bearings. Still trying to figure out where all my tools live!
What is the path that led you to Olney Theatre Center?
I’ve been working in the DC theatre scene for awhile now, so I have had several good friends come through Olney Theatre in the past. Before here I was working at the University of Maryland as the Properties Shop Foreman with the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. I heard about the position through a friend at UMD, who thought of me and encouraged me to go for it.
What's different or special about working at Olney Theatre Center compared to other places you've worked?
From what I have seen so far, Olney Theatre is definitely a tight knit community dedicated to helping each other out. That has always been one of my favorite things about working in this industry: the camaraderie.
Why props?
I discovered props in college and really grew passionate about it. There is an indescribable thrill to working with materials in their rawest state and machining or transforming them into the art you see onstage. Quantifying your abilities with new skills and techniques, and learning how to work with different materials and mediums is particularly satisfying.
Have you ever had any other theatrical interests, or has it always been props for you?
I have dabbled in various areas over the years: house management, box office, sound design, stage management, etc. But in the end props has always been the area from which I’ve derived the most satisfaction.
What’s one bonus fun fact about you that you'd like to share with our audience?
I have three different laughs. One for when I find things exceedingly amusing, one for polite conversation, and one for the funniest moments in life.
