broadway projection design

What Projection Design Is

Projection design uses images and video to expand what's possible on stage, beyond traditional sets and lighting. With projections, a simple wall can transform into anything—a palace, a starry sky, or an animated sketch—without needing to pause for a set change. My role is to make sure these visuals support the story, music, and performers seamlessly, so the audience stays immersed without noticing the technology behind the scenes. When the virtual lights in the background match the real lights on stage, the whole production feels unified and alive.

Why It Matters

Projection design brings flexibility and scale to live performance. It allows productions to move between locations instantly, create environments that would be impossible to build physically, and add layers of visual storytelling that enhance the emotional impact of a scene. For touring shows, projections can replace heavy set pieces, making productions more sustainable and adaptable to different venues. Most importantly, when done well, projection design doesn't call attention to itself—it serves the story and helps transport audiences into the world of the show.

How It Works

The process starts in pre-production, where I collaborate with the director, set designer, and lighting designer to understand the visual language of the show. I create storyboards and animatics to explore ideas, then develop the content using a combination of 2D and 3D software. During tech rehearsals, I work with the team to integrate projections with lighting, scenery, and performer movements. The final step is programming the show into the theater's systems, ensuring every cue runs smoothly eight times a week. Throughout, the goal is always the same: to create visuals that feel essential to the storytelling, not added on top of it.