Behind the Scenes: Uncovering the Sweet Secrets of Movie and Stage Props

In the fascinating world of film and theater, what appears real on screen or stage often involves ingenious illusions. Scott Reeder, a seasoned prop master, recently pulled back the curtain on some of these 'prop secrets,' revealing the clever techniques used to create memorable scenes without real hazards. Reeder shared insights into the iconic chocolate cake scene from "Matilda." While the film version saw young Bruce Bogtrotter consuming real cake, albeit spitting it out between takes, the stage musical employs a different, more practical approach. "For the musical stage play version, several prop masters are thinking outside of the oven and using fake cake," Reeder explained. He showcased one such prop crafted from upholstery foam, topped with a realistic-looking icing made from urethane rubber and polyfiber. Another innovative design repurposed collapsible top hats, reshaped to mimic perfect cake slices that can be discreetly pushed out of view during performances. Beyond confectionery, Reeder also demonstrated how to simulate a sizzling barbecue grill without actual heat or smoke. His method involves using craft foam for charcoal briquettes, painted with watered-down acrylics for an authentic look. The illusion of glowing embers is achieved with flicker flame LEDs, while a mini fogger, vaporizing vegetable glycerin, produces convincing smoke. Reeder highlighted the safety and control offered by this setup, noting that the fogger can be operated remotely, ensuring no real heat or burning takes place. "There's no heat whatsoever, so your weenies won't get burned," he quipped, underscoring the practical benefits of these creative solutions in live and filmed productions.