Delighted to reconnect with Aline Toloto, the creative genius behind the enchanting props in our production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Her exceptional skills shine once more at the Dock Street Theatre, offering you an exclusive peek into the artistry behind the props for this timeless Dickens’ classic.
1) What inspired you to work on the props design for A CHRISTMAS CAROL, and how do you personally connect with the themes and atmosphere of this classic story?
The colorful and rich design of the set and costumes was a significant inspiration for the world of props. I love A CHRISTMAS CAROL! My first encounter with the story was through the movie when I was a kid. The reminder that life is too short, and, at the end of the day, what really matters is the people and the relationships you were able to cultivate through life is a message that will never get old.
2) Props are essential in creating a believable world on stage. How did you approach research and gather inspiration to ensure the props in A CHRISTMAS CAROL were authentic to the time period and setting?
Fortunately, nowadays, research is much more accessible than before, which helps with the occasional time crunch we encounter while producing many productions simultaneously in the shop. My research process involves three steps. Initially, I delve into historical research, typically spanning not just the target year but also decades preceding it. My second step involves examining movie props and props from other productions. I find this valuable as it enables the audience to connect with the story on a different level, drawing on experiences they may have had before. The final step is to employ my design intuition to strike a balance between historical accuracy and what will aesthetically complement the overall production.
Watch A CHRISTMAS CAROL’s show trailer below!
3) Collaboration is key in the production process. Can you share insights into how you collaborated with the director and other members of the creative team to ensure that the props align with the overall vision for the production?
Absolutely, collaboration is the key to a successful theater production. I had a great collaboration with the set designer, for instance, to enhance the connection between Scrooge’s bedroom backdrop and the furniture that would occupy that space—the bed and the armchair. We discussed the color palette, selected fabric samples, and engaged in numerous back-and-forths, incorporating costumes and lighting into the discussion to ensure that every design element would be cohesive.
4) Given that A CHRISTMAS CAROL is a holiday classic, did you incorporate any holiday-themed props to enhance the festive atmosphere of the production? Can you provide examples?
In our approach to the production, we infused holiday magic into various furniture pieces and hand props. While not strictly historical, these details aimed to capture the essence of Christmas that resonates with audiences. We took every opportunity to adorn spaces with festive elements—whether it was adding a touch of red and gold bows or incorporating Christmas lights. Every available corner was utilized to infuse a holiday theme throughout the production.
5) Attention to detail is crucial in prop design. Were there specific props in A CHRISTMAS CAROL that required extra attention to detail to ensure historical accuracy or thematic significance?
Absolutely! One notable example is the armchair used in Scrooge’s bedroom. The prop demanded extensive dedication from the team, requiring days of adjustments to ensure it functioned seamlessly. While I don’t want to give away too much to preserve the magic, I can assure you that once the audience sees it, they will understand the special significance of this prop. It underscores the belief that dedicating time and attention to even the briefest on-stage moments is always worthwhile.
6) Do you have any favorite prop creations in A CHRISTMAS CAROL that you are particularly proud of or that stand out as memorable?
My favorite prop has to be the dappled horse that accompanies the toy cart. The creation process was quite challenging, and I collaborated closely with the Prop Artisan,
Hailee Selby. The end result was incredibly rewarding—having a beautiful and timeless dappled horse that truly stands out.
Get your tickets to see A CHRISTMAS CAROL, running December 14th – December 22nd, at CharlestonStage.com.
Originally from Brazil, Aline holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre and Technology with emphasis in Scenic Design from the University of Southern Mississippi. With extensive experience as a Prop Master, Scenic Designer, and Set Decorator, Aline’s career highlights include her role as Properties Supervisor for Charleston Stage’s 45th Season, overseeing eight captivating shows including The Addams Family, A Christmas Carol, and Once On This Island. She is thrilled to continue with the company for the next year.