Pictured putting the finishing touches to the railway carriage’s end rail prop for the upcoming College musical production Hello Dolly is Parade Archivist Rodney Prusa.

Rodney, a final year student of 1981, has committed serious time and energy to the building of props for many and varied College production since 2010 – from the oversized spray can in Hairspray through to the giant pillars of Aida.

“I’ve been involved with musical productions like Aida and Hairspray, but also non-musical productions like Matchmaker,” Rodney said.

“I love the creative side of things and I love seeing the end result when it all comes together and you see the students shine. You see them really doing their best and I love being part of that.

“It’s why I put a lot of effort into the props, so the students can see that we take it seriously and then contribute their energies fully . . . not that they wouldn’t anyway.”

Hello Dolly will be staged over five nights in Parade College’s Rivergum Theatre – May 11, 12, 17, 18 and 19, commencing 7.30pm.

Tickets (adult $25, concession $20, family $70) are available via www.trybooking.com/tiaq