The Inspirational Path of Aubrey Ellis in Theater Production and Prop Making

In this enriching episode of "Yale College Voices," host Darice Corey welcomes Aubrey Ellis, an experienced theater production professional and prop-making specialist, for a detailed conversation about the world of theater arts and prop creation. Aubrey recounts her early interests stemming from her upbringing in Syracuse, New York, and how her college experiences fueled her passion for making props. The discussion offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and creative processes involved in prop-making, including an amusing story about handling an order of 42 crock pots and the complications that arose.

Throughout the episode, Darice and Aubrey explore the demands of working in a predominately male industry, underscoring the importance of having support and good mentors both during and after college. Aubrey provides glimpses into specific technical challenges, such as dealing with allergies to stage blood and creating special effects that require meticulous attention to detail and safety. Highlighting her advocacy for fair compensation and mental health supports, Aubrey shares her transformative apprenticeship experiences and the sexism she faced, driving her to push for better conditions for young professionals in the field.

Aubrey talks about her current role at Yale, managing operations and production for the Yale dance lab and the Yale Baroque Opera project. She elaborates on the recent successful performances and the educational value these projects provide to students, emphasizing cultural exploration and artistic expression. The conversation also touches on the need for educational reforms that include basic practical skills training in high schools, such as tool usage and carpentry, to empower students and instill confidence through hands-on learning.

Listeners will leave this episode with a greater appreciation for the complexities of theater production, the critical need for more support and fairness in creative industries, and the enriching power of the arts in education and personal growth. In essence, this episode not only dives into the technical and personal aspects of theater production but also champions the expansive impact of the arts on society and individual well-being.

Podcast Host: Darice Corey | Senior Director of Web and IT Planning | Yale College Dean’s Office DEIB Advisory Committee Co-Chair

Podcast Guest: Aubrey Ellis | Operations and Production Manager, Yale College Undergraduate Production

Video/Podcast Producer: Ryan McEvoy | Yale Broadcast Studio

Social Media Team and Content Creators: Lisa Dong ’24, Khulan Erdenedalai ’25, Will Gonzalez ’26, Corine Huang ’26, Esther Donald Mwakisambwe ’25, Marcos Membreno ’27, Ava Seymour ’27, Kai Zhang ’26