Using Projections in Theater: A Guide for New Directors
Using Projections in Theater: A Guide for New Directors
In Transit at Bradford HS. Set design by Jodi Williams, Projection Design by Tom Stanfield
Projections have been a part of theater for as long as we've been using light on stage. From simple shadow effects to high-tech digital projections, they’ve been used to enhance storytelling in creative and innovative ways. Today, digital projectors, laser projectors, and high-output models have made it easier than ever for schools and smaller theaters to incorporate projections into their productions. If you're a director looking to explore this tool, here's what you need to know.
Why Use Projections?
Traditional painted backdrops are time-consuming to create and expensive to rent or purchase. Digital projections offer a flexible and cost-effective alternative. For a fraction of the cost of a full set of drops, you can purchase or rent digital projections, provided you have access to a projector. While high-quality projectors can be pricey, many schools already have classroom projectors that can be repurposed for theatrical use.
Getting Started with Projections
If you're new to projections, start small. You don’t need a $20,000 projector to make an impact. Even older classroom projectors can be used creatively. Here are some ways to integrate projections into your productions:
Backdrop Replacement – Projecting scenic images onto a backdrop or cyclorama is the simplest way to use projections. This works well for shows like Once on This Island or The Nutcracker, where a series of locations need to be quickly established. This will require a high output projector, most likely with a short throw lens.
Mean Girls at Bradford HS. Projections by Broadway Media. Four 10k lumen front of house and one 20k lumen on stage projector where used for this show.
Window Effects – Instead of leaving set windows blank, project images behind them to show changing times of day or weather effects. In Christmas at Pemberley, I used basic projectors to create a snowfall effect outside the windows.
Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley, Bradford HS. Set Design by Ben Williams, Lighting and Projection by Jodi Williams. Done with 2 panasonic classroom projectors mounted over the audience at the back of the house.
Interactive Elements – In The Mountaintop, we projected static images onto paintings in a hotel room. At the climax of the show, those paintings transformed into a moving montage of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, adding a powerful storytelling moment. Sadly, I have no pictures of that production.
Tools and Software for Creating Projections
Creating projections can be time-consuming, but you don’t need expensive software to get started. Here are some budget-friendly tools:
Filmora – A simple video editing tool with free and paid options.
OBS Studio – A free program that allows you to capture and edit screen recordings.
MS Paint – Yes, really! You can use it to create simple images and masks for projections.
Adobe After Effects – A more advanced option for creating high-quality animations (requires a subscription).
Hand-Drawn Scans – If you’re an artist, scan your drawings and turn them into projection files.
Many schools offer educator discounts on software, so check what’s available before investing in a subscription.
Technical Considerations
Projections are only as effective as your lighting setup allows them to be. Here are some key things to keep in mind:
Light Washout – If your projector isn’t powerful enough, stage lights will wash out your images. Keep stage lighting at least six feet away from the projection surface.
Light Bounce – Be mindful of how stage lights reflect off floors and scenery, which can reduce projection clarity. Side lighting can help mitigate this.
Shutters and Blackouts – Some projectors don’t fully block light, meaning you may never achieve a true blackout. If that's the case, be strategic about when projections are visible.
Advanced Options
For those looking to push projections further, LED walls are an incredible tool. These high-tech screens eliminate issues like light washout and bounce because they emit their own light. They also allow for true blackouts when turned off. However, LED walls are expensive—renting one can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Final Thoughts
Projections are an incredible tool for storytelling, but they aren’t a magic fix for all scenic challenges. They require careful planning, programming, and integration with your lighting and set design. The good news is, you don’t need expensive equipment to start experimenting. Use what’s available, get creative, and find ways to enhance your production without breaking the budget.
Resources
For digital Backdrops: Broadway Media (Tell them Bradford HS sent you!)
For custom creation: If you want to create custom designs for your show, Theater Avenue will help.
Backstage AIC can also help you find a digital artists to work with you.
No matter where you start, using projections will open up new creative possibilities and take your productions to the next level.
Enjoying our blog? Come be part of our community at Backstage AIC on Facebook!
