Theatre Sets and Projections in Harmony
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The rise of scenic projections in theatre doesn’t mean traditional set building is becoming obsolete. In fact, when used thoughtfully, projections and physical sets can work beautifully together—each enhancing the other to tell a more immersive story on stage.
In this conversation, Projection Designer Mitch Stark (Theatre Avenue) and Theatre Director Jay Henson (Manestage Theatre, WA) explore how directors and designers can balance these two design elements in harmony. Drawing from productions like Puffs, Steel Magnolias, Wizard of Oz, and Oklahoma, they discuss how projections can save time, add depth, and expand storytelling possibilities without replacing the tactile magic of real set pieces.
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Projections Don’t Replace Sets—They Expand Them
As Mitch explains, projections are not meant to take over stagecraft—they’re an extension of it.
That “why” matters. When directors see projections as one design layer among many, they unlock new creative options.
In Puffs, for example, Mitch collaborated with a California theatre company that painted their set light gray to serve as a projection surface. The team projection-mapped detailed imagery onto that neutral canvas, blending 3D scenic elements (like a real fireplace mantle) with animated visual effects, creating a world that felt dimensional and alive.
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Case Study: Seasons of Steel Magnolias
Jay recalls how projections enhanced his production of Steel Magnolias.
The play takes place entirely in one salon, yet spans multiple seasons. Instead of changing sets, Jay used digital backdrops to reflect time passing—trees shedding their leaves in autumn, snow falling in winter—while keeping the same physical parlor set intact.
By combining projections and a physical set, Jay’s team achieved both practical efficiency and visual poetry. The projections did the “heavy lifting,” while the tangible set pieces received extra attention and detail.
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Saving Time and Elevating Quality
One of the biggest benefits, Jay notes, is how projections free up time and resources.
Rather than building dozens of bulky set pieces for a show with 20+ locations (like Wizard of Oz), projections can carry part of the storytelling load—allowing crews to focus on building fewer, higher-quality pieces.
The result: higher overall production value, smoother transitions, and more creative energy where it matters most.
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Frame It—Don’t Fill It
Many directors assume projections must fill the entire stage, but Mitch and Jay challenge that notion. Framing your projection inside a smaller space—by bringing in travelers or borders—can be far more effective (and affordable).
“You don’t have to fill all 60 feet of your stage,” Mitch says. “Just define the world you want the audience to see.”
By trimming or masking part of the cyc (cyclorama), you can focus projections into a framed “window” that feels intentional and cinematic, without requiring ultra-wide coverage or multiple projectors.
Jay shares that for Into the Woods, you could build a framework of trees around the projection area—letting the physical branches frame the animated forest. The effect is rich and layered, even with modest gear.
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Projectors as Light, Shape, and Depth
Mitch likens projectors to another kind of stage light.
Just as gels and gobos add color or texture, projections can add shape, depth, and atmosphere—from flickering torchlight to drifting fog.
He points to shows like Sleepy Hollow, where atmospheric projections create misty layers and silhouettes that feel almost three-dimensional.
These subtle effects trick the eye into perceiving greater stage depth—much like adding a mirror to a room makes it feel larger.
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The Illusion of Depth and Space
Jay builds on that idea, recalling how older set techniques—like cutting silhouette flats and back-lighting them with fog—were once used to create a sense of distance. Now, projections achieve the same result in seconds.
Projections, in this way, are a modern evolution of traditional scenic craft—continuing the theatre’s age-old mission to transport audiences into another world.
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Key Takeaways
- Projections don’t replace sets—they amplify them.
- Use projections to save time and elevate craftsmanship.
- Frame your projection area instead of filling the entire stage.
- Treat projectors as dynamic lights that add atmosphere and dimension.
- Layer projections and physical elements for richer storytelling.
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Helpful Links
- Ask Mitch a question about projections: https://theatreave.com/pages/contact-us
- Explore Theatre Avenue projection designs: https://www.theatreave.com
- Learn more about Manestage Theatre: https://www.manestagetheatre.com
- Discover projection learning at Theatre Avenue Academy: https://theatreaveacademy.com
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Final Thoughts
The harmony between sets and projections isn’t about choosing one over the other—it’s about storytelling.
When these design worlds work in tandem, the stage becomes a canvas that breathes, transforms, and draws audiences into something magical.
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