BANNED! mobile phone props for Edinburgh Fringe

Making theatre props is always fun and the BANNED show has several interesting challenges. First, all the characters use their cell phones to txt one another and we needed a prop to highlight the activity. The timing on these sorts of things is critical so it was important to give each actor the ability to turn on their phone as well as a theater tech the ability to flip all phones on and all phones off.

Here's a video of the final prototypes working in unison.

Making a realistic phone was pretty easy, we found some relatively thin puck lights that fit nicely between two electrical wall plates at Home Depot. It was like making a puck light sandwich! Using wall mounting machine screws and a nut to fasten them together, we added some foam padding to reduce vibration and stress. Then, it was off to the local arts and craft store (Michaels) for some personal design paper with an adhesive backing to differentiate each phone.

Please see our BANNED! website to purchase tickets and learn more. See you in Edinburgh!