Alex Noerpel, Broadway Set Builder

Tell us about your outfit because you have an amazing two-piece situation going on here. 

I actually had this outfit made in India. I was backpacking and I saw a leopard and had that moment memorialized in a suit. 

What brings you to The Armory Show today? 

I come every year just for inspiration. You don’t know what you’re going to find, and if you don’t come, you don’t see anything.

How would you describe your relationship to art?

I build other people’s art normally, so this is an opportunity to find my own inspiration. I just came back from Burning Man—you can see my sandals are dusty—so that was a continuation of that experience. I’m a Broadway Set Builder, which can mean different things for different people, but some people eat to make art and some people make art to eat. I think for me it can be either.

What kind of Broadway shows have you built?

I’ve done a bunch. I’ve been doing this for a while, but right now I work on the Broadway production of Stranger Things. I build the set, and then I operate it during the shows.

What are some challenges you may run into?

It’s actually incredibly challenging. It’s the most technical show of my life. There’s so many special effects. There’s all kinds of stuff, there’s flying, there’s things moving incredibly quickly. You know, it’s very technical, but I invite anyone to come see it and come see me at work.

What’s the best part about your job? 

The people for sure.

(IG: alexnoerpel)