Today we’d like to introduce you to Jameelah Bailey.
Jameelah, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My journey to becoming a freelance Props Master was actually not planned at all. I was in college for a long time and I explored so many different career paths, but could never settle on one. I tried architecture, underwater welding, pottery, graphic design, forensics photography… I was all over the place. My grandpa would lovingly joke that I should just leave my diploma on his grave because I was taking so long to pick a career. I finally discovered Technical Theatre and received my degree from Florida Atlantic University in 2015. My graduation was bittersweet though. I distinctly remember walking across the stage and thinking; I enjoyed bits and pieces of technical theatre, but there was nothing I studied that I loved enough to pursue as a lifelong career.My mother noticed I was feeling a bit lost about my future and told me she had done some research on a career that might interest me. Based on my personality and a wide array of interests, she suggested I try being a Props Master. When I looked into it,I was thrilled because this career was perfect for me! Everything I learned over the years; all of my interests and skills could be put to use. I was given the opportunity to work with Slow Burn Theatre Company at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts as my first job. As time passed, my name started getting passed around to other theatre companies, video shoots,and small films. I started getting so busy that I had to start turning down offers. I often look back and think about my journey and it makes me giggle to see where I started. I am so blessed to be doing something I absolutely love and that brings me such a tremendous amount of joy.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One huge struggle for me as a freelance Props Master was learning how to negotiate my contracts. I always felt guilty for asking for what I felt I deserved and often undercharged for my services. I would end up just breaking even or losing money on a job. I had to quickly learn that it’s okay to ask for what you’re worth.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
My job entails providing props for the productions I’m working on. This would basically be anything the actor touches and eats. Props Masters often take care of set dressing as well. This would be furniture and decor. Finding these props is not always easy. People often think they’re just ordered online and the job is complete, but this is far from the truth. I often have to track down vintage items that have not been made in decades, dig through hot warehouses and junk piles to find the perfect prop,or fabricate the prop from scratch. A good Props Master will also make sure all props are period accurate and safe for the actor to use or consume. I’m constantly asking myself questions about every item. Does the person eating this have an allergy? Did this weapon get sanded down enough to use in stage combat? Will this prop work for the director, actor,lighting, and sound departments? It’s sometimes hard for me to watch productions I work on because I’m worrying the entire time. It’s almost an obsession. I put a lot of time, effort,and research into my work. It’s long hours and it’s not always glamorous, but I love it.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I’m not sure if I’d do anything differently. All the ups, downs, defeats and victories have brought me to this moment and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished so far.
Contact Info:
- Email: jambailey81@gmail.com
Image Credit:
A Wonderful World, Miami New Drama (pictured – Gavin Gregory and Company; photo Stian Roenning)
The Cook,The Thief, His Wife & Her Lover, Faena Theater (pictured – The Company; photo Jeff Evrard )
The Cubans, Miami New Drama (pictured – The Company; photo Justin Swader)
The Amparo Experience (pictured – Hector Medina as Evaristo; photo José Juan Seijo/TEAM Enterprises)
Summer Shorts, City Theatre (pictured – Diana Garle* and Daryl Patrice *member of Actor’s Equity Association; photo Justin Namon)
The Secret Garden, Slow Burn Theatre (pictured – Alexa Lasanta as Mary Lennox; photo Rodrigo Balfanz)
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