Keeping On: Creating Projections for Les Misérables

Keeping On: Creating Projections for Les Misérables
by Peter Sorenson

Theatre Avenue's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of community. In a world where it's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, Founder and Creative Director Mitch Stark's journey reminds us to slow down and appreciate the artistry around us.

Standing in front of a painting and looking at the colors and brushstrokes is an experience that can transport us to a different world. Stark understands this well, as he talks about the inspiration he draws from the impressionist paintings of French artists. It's that same inspiration that led him to create Theatre Avenue, a company that specializes in projections for theatrical productions of all sizes.

But building a business is never easy. For years, Theatre Avenue struggled to make sales and find its footing. There were times when Stark felt like giving up, but he persisted. And eventually, the company's big break came when a middle school teacher saw their website and asked to use their projections in a school production of The Wizard of Oz.

From there, Theatre Avenue grew and thrived for years—until the pandemic hit. Suddenly, theaters all over the world were dark and empty. But instead of giving up, Stark saw this as an opportunity to double down on his art. He poured his heart into creating even more projections, even though it seemed like no one would be able to use them for the foreseeable future.

The Theatre Avenue team's passion and perseverance paid off. Even though theaters were closed, the theater community still rallied around the art. People bought their projections and commissioned new pieces, not just because they needed them for productions, but because they believed in the power of art to bring people together.

That's what Les Misérables is all about, after all. It's a story of perseverance, redemption, and the power of love and togetherness to inspire change. And in many ways, it's the story of Theatre Avenue as well. Their journey reminds us that we can't do it alone. We need the support of our communities, and we need to come together to fight for the things we care about.

In a world that often feels disconnected and divided, Theatre Avenue's story is an example of how art can bring us together. Their passion for their craft and willingness to fight for it, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, is what they hope can be an inspiration to the theatre makers who have shared in such a journey.