Open Forum

For those of you who have used digital scenery/projections, do you have any suggestions of what else I can add to a fairly bare stage that will pull the projection into the world? I'm doing a new show about an Ancient Greek heroic quest (think Jason and the Argonauts, but with girls) and using digital backdrops from Broadway Media. I don't have a set designer or anyone to spearhead the build, so I'm looking for ways to use simple pieces (columns, plants, platforms), and/or things like fabric, foam, and PVC pipe.

I hope this makes sense. I just don't want it to look like we simply slapped up a projection and didn't bother to consider how it connects to the rest of the stage.

------------------------------
Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Theatre Department Coordinator
Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
VA
------------------------------

If you are rear projecting your main "drops", you can add depth with some front projection as well. I have projected on a false proscenium, both on the sides and even above to create something of a frame. Another thing I suggest is to create something practical about 7 feet from the deck and keep the front projections above that to keep it off of the performers. This alone adds a lot of depth to the overall look. Now just fill in with practical set pieces you can bring on and off and you will love the finished look. I have photos I can share with you if you are interested in seeing what I've done. I've used this in Shrek, Elf and most recently Anastasia.
The biggest challenge I have with digital projections is lighting. It's a bit of a trick to keep your stage lighting off of the "screens" but on the performers.

------------------------------
Christopher Piner
Drama Teacher/director
Uintah High School
UT
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-29-2022 12:39
From: Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

For those of you who have used digital scenery/projections, do you have any suggestions of what else I can add to a fairly bare stage that will pull the projection into the world? I'm doing a new show about an Ancient Greek heroic quest (think Jason and the Argonauts, but with girls) and using digital backdrops from Broadway Media. I don't have a set designer or anyone to spearhead the build, so I'm looking for ways to use simple pieces (columns, plants, platforms), and/or things like fabric, foam, and PVC pipe.

I hope this makes sense. I just don't want it to look like we simply slapped up a projection and didn't bother to consider how it connects to the rest of the stage.

------------------------------
Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Theatre Department Coordinator
Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
VA
------------------------------

------------------------------
Christopher Piner
Drama Teacher/director
Uintah High School
UT
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2022 10:29
From: Christopher Piner
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

If you are rear projecting your main "drops", you can add depth with some front projection as well. I have projected on a false proscenium, both on the sides and even above to create something of a frame. Another thing I suggest is to create something practical about 7 feet from the deck and keep the front projections above that to keep it off of the performers. This alone adds a lot of depth to the overall look. Now just fill in with practical set pieces you can bring on and off and you will love the finished look. I have photos I can share with you if you are interested in seeing what I've done. I've used this in Shrek, Elf and most recently Anastasia.
The biggest challenge I have with digital projections is lighting. It's a bit of a trick to keep your stage lighting off of the "screens" but on the performers.

------------------------------
Christopher Piner
Drama Teacher/director
Uintah High School
UT

Original Message:
Sent: 11-29-2022 12:39
From: Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

For those of you who have used digital scenery/projections, do you have any suggestions of what else I can add to a fairly bare stage that will pull the projection into the world? I'm doing a new show about an Ancient Greek heroic quest (think Jason and the Argonauts, but with girls) and using digital backdrops from Broadway Media. I don't have a set designer or anyone to spearhead the build, so I'm looking for ways to use simple pieces (columns, plants, platforms), and/or things like fabric, foam, and PVC pipe.

I hope this makes sense. I just don't want it to look like we simply slapped up a projection and didn't bother to consider how it connects to the rest of the stage.

------------------------------
Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Theatre Department Coordinator
Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
VA
------------------------------

A couple of ideas...

That digital backdrop is going to be the biggest (and probably brightest) thing on your stage, so take some cues from it: colors, textures, shapes, whatever you can get. If it has columns, try to get your columns to look similar, and so forth. If you use platforms, try to place them so they jive with the backdrop.

Also, depending on how wide and deep your stage is (and the needs of the show), you may not need to use the entire space. This will make it easier to integrate other pieces into the backdrop and make it look like the picture all fits together.

If you can provide a link to the backdrop you're using, we might be able to give you other ideas.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2022 15:02
From: Christopher Piner
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

------------------------------
Christopher Piner
Drama Teacher/director
Uintah High School
UT

Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2022 10:29
From: Christopher Piner
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

If you are rear projecting your main "drops", you can add depth with some front projection as well. I have projected on a false proscenium, both on the sides and even above to create something of a frame. Another thing I suggest is to create something practical about 7 feet from the deck and keep the front projections above that to keep it off of the performers. This alone adds a lot of depth to the overall look. Now just fill in with practical set pieces you can bring on and off and you will love the finished look. I have photos I can share with you if you are interested in seeing what I've done. I've used this in Shrek, Elf and most recently Anastasia.
The biggest challenge I have with digital projections is lighting. It's a bit of a trick to keep your stage lighting off of the "screens" but on the performers.

------------------------------
Christopher Piner
Drama Teacher/director
Uintah High School
UT

Original Message:
Sent: 11-29-2022 12:39
From: Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

For those of you who have used digital scenery/projections, do you have any suggestions of what else I can add to a fairly bare stage that will pull the projection into the world? I'm doing a new show about an Ancient Greek heroic quest (think Jason and the Argonauts, but with girls) and using digital backdrops from Broadway Media. I don't have a set designer or anyone to spearhead the build, so I'm looking for ways to use simple pieces (columns, plants, platforms), and/or things like fabric, foam, and PVC pipe.

I hope this makes sense. I just don't want it to look like we simply slapped up a projection and didn't bother to consider how it connects to the rest of the stage.

------------------------------
Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Theatre Department Coordinator
Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
VA
------------------------------

I have different ones for different scenes. Here are a couple of ideas...


------------------------------
Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Theatre Department Coordinator
Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
VA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2022 20:05
From: George Ledo
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

A couple of ideas...

That digital backdrop is going to be the biggest (and probably brightest) thing on your stage, so take some cues from it: colors, textures, shapes, whatever you can get. If it has columns, try to get your columns to look similar, and so forth. If you use platforms, try to place them so they jive with the backdrop.

Also, depending on how wide and deep your stage is (and the needs of the show), you may not need to use the entire space. This will make it easier to integrate other pieces into the backdrop and make it look like the picture all fits together.

If you can provide a link to the backdrop you're using, we might be able to give you other ideas.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net

Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2022 15:02
From: Christopher Piner
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

------------------------------
Christopher Piner
Drama Teacher/director
Uintah High School
UT

Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2022 10:29
From: Christopher Piner
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

If you are rear projecting your main "drops", you can add depth with some front projection as well. I have projected on a false proscenium, both on the sides and even above to create something of a frame. Another thing I suggest is to create something practical about 7 feet from the deck and keep the front projections above that to keep it off of the performers. This alone adds a lot of depth to the overall look. Now just fill in with practical set pieces you can bring on and off and you will love the finished look. I have photos I can share with you if you are interested in seeing what I've done. I've used this in Shrek, Elf and most recently Anastasia.
The biggest challenge I have with digital projections is lighting. It's a bit of a trick to keep your stage lighting off of the "screens" but on the performers.

------------------------------
Christopher Piner
Drama Teacher/director
Uintah High School
UT

Original Message:
Sent: 11-29-2022 12:39
From: Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

For those of you who have used digital scenery/projections, do you have any suggestions of what else I can add to a fairly bare stage that will pull the projection into the world? I'm doing a new show about an Ancient Greek heroic quest (think Jason and the Argonauts, but with girls) and using digital backdrops from Broadway Media. I don't have a set designer or anyone to spearhead the build, so I'm looking for ways to use simple pieces (columns, plants, platforms), and/or things like fabric, foam, and PVC pipe.

I hope this makes sense. I just don't want it to look like we simply slapped up a projection and didn't bother to consider how it connects to the rest of the stage.

------------------------------
Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Theatre Department Coordinator
Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
VA
------------------------------

Ok. Again, not knowing about your stage or the play itself, here are a couple of ideas. Hopefully someone else will pipe in.

For the "distant village" one, you could add plants (cover the pots), shrubbery, maybe a rock or two, and some rustic furniture. Try to keep the colors consistent with the backdrop.

For the temple one, you mentioned columns, which could work. Also maybe a couple of torchieres downstage to jive with that overhead chandelier. There are plastic "stone" benches and balustrades out there that could work too. They're expensive, but maybe you can borrow or rent them locally form a theatre company or a photographer:

https://www.eventswholesale.com/balustrade-with-four-balusters-30-inches-tall-x-48-inches-wide/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAvqGcBhCJARIsAFQ5ke4SbRteQaROzEK2PBDWDtDNexMl_d8zNeyJwOj0rFbX9rik7ZrcBdgaAiW2EALw_wcB

Hope that helps a bit.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-01-2022 07:50
From: Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

I have different ones for different scenes. Here are a couple of ideas...

------------------------------
Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Theatre Department Coordinator
Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
VA

Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2022 20:05
From: George Ledo
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

A couple of ideas...

That digital backdrop is going to be the biggest (and probably brightest) thing on your stage, so take some cues from it: colors, textures, shapes, whatever you can get. If it has columns, try to get your columns to look similar, and so forth. If you use platforms, try to place them so they jive with the backdrop.

Also, depending on how wide and deep your stage is (and the needs of the show), you may not need to use the entire space. This will make it easier to integrate other pieces into the backdrop and make it look like the picture all fits together.

If you can provide a link to the backdrop you're using, we might be able to give you other ideas.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net

Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2022 15:02
From: Christopher Piner
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

------------------------------
Christopher Piner
Drama Teacher/director
Uintah High School
UT

Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2022 10:29
From: Christopher Piner
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

If you are rear projecting your main "drops", you can add depth with some front projection as well. I have projected on a false proscenium, both on the sides and even above to create something of a frame. Another thing I suggest is to create something practical about 7 feet from the deck and keep the front projections above that to keep it off of the performers. This alone adds a lot of depth to the overall look. Now just fill in with practical set pieces you can bring on and off and you will love the finished look. I have photos I can share with you if you are interested in seeing what I've done. I've used this in Shrek, Elf and most recently Anastasia.
The biggest challenge I have with digital projections is lighting. It's a bit of a trick to keep your stage lighting off of the "screens" but on the performers.

------------------------------
Christopher Piner
Drama Teacher/director
Uintah High School
UT

Original Message:
Sent: 11-29-2022 12:39
From: Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

For those of you who have used digital scenery/projections, do you have any suggestions of what else I can add to a fairly bare stage that will pull the projection into the world? I'm doing a new show about an Ancient Greek heroic quest (think Jason and the Argonauts, but with girls) and using digital backdrops from Broadway Media. I don't have a set designer or anyone to spearhead the build, so I'm looking for ways to use simple pieces (columns, plants, platforms), and/or things like fabric, foam, and PVC pipe.

I hope this makes sense. I just don't want it to look like we simply slapped up a projection and didn't bother to consider how it connects to the rest of the stage.

------------------------------
Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Theatre Department Coordinator
Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
VA
------------------------------

Ooh, I have this, which might be marginally helpful. Not to scale, but it gives you an idea. The show is a contemporary take on the Greek hero myth, featuring mostly female characters and pop music from the 60's to the 2000's. Because of the music, I feel like the set doesn't need to look historically accurate. In fact, I'd rather it look fresh and fun, if that makes any sense.



------------------------------
Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Theatre Department Coordinator
Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
VA
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-01-2022 15:46
From: George Ledo
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

Ok. Again, not knowing about your stage or the play itself, here are a couple of ideas. Hopefully someone else will pipe in.

For the "distant village" one, you could add plants (cover the pots), shrubbery, maybe a rock or two, and some rustic furniture. Try to keep the colors consistent with the backdrop.

For the temple one, you mentioned columns, which could work. Also maybe a couple of torchieres downstage to jive with that overhead chandelier. There are plastic "stone" benches and balustrades out there that could work too. They're expensive, but maybe you can borrow or rent them locally form a theatre company or a photographer:

https://www.eventswholesale.com/balustrade-with-four-balusters-30-inches-tall-x-48-inches-wide/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAvqGcBhCJARIsAFQ5ke4SbRteQaROzEK2PBDWDtDNexMl_d8zNeyJwOj0rFbX9rik7ZrcBdgaAiW2EALw_wcB

Hope that helps a bit.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net

Original Message:
Sent: 12-01-2022 07:50
From: Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

I have different ones for different scenes. Here are a couple of ideas...

------------------------------
Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Theatre Department Coordinator
Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
VA

Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2022 20:05
From: George Ledo
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

A couple of ideas...

That digital backdrop is going to be the biggest (and probably brightest) thing on your stage, so take some cues from it: colors, textures, shapes, whatever you can get. If it has columns, try to get your columns to look similar, and so forth. If you use platforms, try to place them so they jive with the backdrop.

Also, depending on how wide and deep your stage is (and the needs of the show), you may not need to use the entire space. This will make it easier to integrate other pieces into the backdrop and make it look like the picture all fits together.

If you can provide a link to the backdrop you're using, we might be able to give you other ideas.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net

Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2022 15:02
From: Christopher Piner
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

------------------------------
Christopher Piner
Drama Teacher/director
Uintah High School
UT

Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2022 10:29
From: Christopher Piner
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

If you are rear projecting your main "drops", you can add depth with some front projection as well. I have projected on a false proscenium, both on the sides and even above to create something of a frame. Another thing I suggest is to create something practical about 7 feet from the deck and keep the front projections above that to keep it off of the performers. This alone adds a lot of depth to the overall look. Now just fill in with practical set pieces you can bring on and off and you will love the finished look. I have photos I can share with you if you are interested in seeing what I've done. I've used this in Shrek, Elf and most recently Anastasia.
The biggest challenge I have with digital projections is lighting. It's a bit of a trick to keep your stage lighting off of the "screens" but on the performers.

------------------------------
Christopher Piner
Drama Teacher/director
Uintah High School
UT

Original Message:
Sent: 11-29-2022 12:39
From: Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

For those of you who have used digital scenery/projections, do you have any suggestions of what else I can add to a fairly bare stage that will pull the projection into the world? I'm doing a new show about an Ancient Greek heroic quest (think Jason and the Argonauts, but with girls) and using digital backdrops from Broadway Media. I don't have a set designer or anyone to spearhead the build, so I'm looking for ways to use simple pieces (columns, plants, platforms), and/or things like fabric, foam, and PVC pipe.

I hope this makes sense. I just don't want it to look like we simply slapped up a projection and didn't bother to consider how it connects to the rest of the stage.

------------------------------
Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Theatre Department Coordinator
Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
VA
------------------------------

Thanks for posting that. Since you have an apron, I'd say place some of your ancillary pieces on it to bring them closer to the audience. If you do so, try to hide your main curtain if possible, like open it all the way offstage. That way it won't compete with your scenery pieces.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 12-02-2022 07:39
From: Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

Ooh, I have this, which might be marginally helpful. Not to scale, but it gives you an idea. The show is a contemporary take on the Greek hero myth, featuring mostly female characters and pop music from the 60's to the 2000's. Because of the music, I feel like the set doesn't need to look historically accurate. In fact, I'd rather it look fresh and fun, if that makes any sense.

------------------------------
Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Theatre Department Coordinator
Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
VA

Original Message:
Sent: 12-01-2022 15:46
From: George Ledo
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

Ok. Again, not knowing about your stage or the play itself, here are a couple of ideas. Hopefully someone else will pipe in.

For the "distant village" one, you could add plants (cover the pots), shrubbery, maybe a rock or two, and some rustic furniture. Try to keep the colors consistent with the backdrop.

For the temple one, you mentioned columns, which could work. Also maybe a couple of torchieres downstage to jive with that overhead chandelier. There are plastic "stone" benches and balustrades out there that could work too. They're expensive, but maybe you can borrow or rent them locally form a theatre company or a photographer:

https://www.eventswholesale.com/balustrade-with-four-balusters-30-inches-tall-x-48-inches-wide/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAvqGcBhCJARIsAFQ5ke4SbRteQaROzEK2PBDWDtDNexMl_d8zNeyJwOj0rFbX9rik7ZrcBdgaAiW2EALw_wcB

Hope that helps a bit.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net

Original Message:
Sent: 12-01-2022 07:50
From: Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

I have different ones for different scenes. Here are a couple of ideas...

------------------------------
Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Theatre Department Coordinator
Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
VA

Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2022 20:05
From: George Ledo
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

A couple of ideas...

That digital backdrop is going to be the biggest (and probably brightest) thing on your stage, so take some cues from it: colors, textures, shapes, whatever you can get. If it has columns, try to get your columns to look similar, and so forth. If you use platforms, try to place them so they jive with the backdrop.

Also, depending on how wide and deep your stage is (and the needs of the show), you may not need to use the entire space. This will make it easier to integrate other pieces into the backdrop and make it look like the picture all fits together.

If you can provide a link to the backdrop you're using, we might be able to give you other ideas.

------------------------------
George F. Ledo
Set designer
www.setdesignandtech.wordpress.com
www.georgefledo.net

Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2022 15:02
From: Christopher Piner
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

------------------------------
Christopher Piner
Drama Teacher/director
Uintah High School
UT

Original Message:
Sent: 11-30-2022 10:29
From: Christopher Piner
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

If you are rear projecting your main "drops", you can add depth with some front projection as well. I have projected on a false proscenium, both on the sides and even above to create something of a frame. Another thing I suggest is to create something practical about 7 feet from the deck and keep the front projections above that to keep it off of the performers. This alone adds a lot of depth to the overall look. Now just fill in with practical set pieces you can bring on and off and you will love the finished look. I have photos I can share with you if you are interested in seeing what I've done. I've used this in Shrek, Elf and most recently Anastasia.
The biggest challenge I have with digital projections is lighting. It's a bit of a trick to keep your stage lighting off of the "screens" but on the performers.

------------------------------
Christopher Piner
Drama Teacher/director
Uintah High School
UT

Original Message:
Sent: 11-29-2022 12:39
From: Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Subject: How to complement/tie in digital backdrops?

For those of you who have used digital scenery/projections, do you have any suggestions of what else I can add to a fairly bare stage that will pull the projection into the world? I'm doing a new show about an Ancient Greek heroic quest (think Jason and the Argonauts, but with girls) and using digital backdrops from Broadway Media. I don't have a set designer or anyone to spearhead the build, so I'm looking for ways to use simple pieces (columns, plants, platforms), and/or things like fabric, foam, and PVC pipe.

I hope this makes sense. I just don't want it to look like we simply slapped up a projection and didn't bother to consider how it connects to the rest of the stage.

------------------------------
Cassy Maxton-Whitacre
Theatre Department Coordinator
Shenandoah Valley Governor's School
VA
------------------------------