3D PrintingMechanical DesignTheater
Motorized Windmill
A backstage-controlled stage prop built for a production of The Wizard of Oz
January – March 2022 Ben Jacobson
Background
Goal
Create a convincing spinning windmill prop that could be operated from backstage during a production of The Wizard of Oz — ramping speed up for the tornado scene and back down afterward.
Constraints
Had to be safe for stage use, lightweight enough to install and strike quickly, and operable by a single crew member with no technical background.
Outcome
The accelerating rotation combined with the production's lighting design created the visual drama needed for the tornado scene.