Live Design Online has a great article this month entitled Projecting The Future. This article discusses the current trends and advancements in Broadway productions utilizing emerging video projection technologies. “The juxtaposition of video, LEDs and other new technologies with more conventional scenic elements is causing an exponential expansion of the theatrical vocabulary and, in my opinion, is a reflection of the huge transitions that are taking place in our world today,” quoting lighting designer Donald Holder.

There are so many great observations in the article, all of which we at Mousetrappe support, that I encourage to take five minutes and read it now.  Specifically note how the role of the video (projection) design is noted as a critical aspect of your collaborative team, along with lighting and scenic designers.  We also highly support the c ...

I've been thinking a lot lately about all of the different ways that video is used in live entertainment, presentations, and theater, and how the role of video has evolved over the last 5-15 years. Live entertainment here would be defined as stage shows, parades, large venue or arena "spectaculars", touring shows, or any other show which includes live performers -- as opposed to attractions and exhibits which generally do not include live performers.

Historically, one of the uses of a live entertainment piece has been to take a film or video experience and "bring it to life" - such as the Lion King on Broadway or a theme park production based on a feature film.  So live entertainment producers have typically thought more about how to recreate film with live performers and traditional theatrical devices.  And, in the past video technology and costs have been prohibitive in many cases.  But media is better, easier, less ...