At Broadway Media, our goal is to make theatre more accessible. Many others in the industry understand this as well, such as Kristy Whilden and her son Anthony from <a href="https://www.handsup-theatre.org/about-hands-up">Hands Up Silent Theatre</a> in New Jersey. Their mission is an inspiration, and Anthony has discovered the perfect way to contribute to the work they do. Come along with us as we learn more about their organization and this incredible young projection technician.

Heather, Community Manager at Broadway Media: Hello, Kristy. Working with Hands Up Silent Theatre is truly an honor for us. Could you tell us a little about your organization?

Kristy, Co-Founder/CEO/Director of Hands Up Silent Theatre: Sure! Our mission at Hands Up Silent Theatre is to encourage the d/Deaf/Hard of Hearing communities to learn more about the performing arts and to encourage the hearing to learn ASL and interact with d/Deaf/HOH peers. Our vision is to create performances for the d/Deaf/HOH and hearing communities to enjoy as one! All of our actors sign and voice at the same time to create not just an accessible but a truly equal immersive experience for all. I was a music educator for 10 years before losing most of my hearing in 2014. I went back to school to obtain a degree in ASL and Deaf Studies. My daughter Hailey, our co-founder, also has the same degree. She encouraged me not to lose my love of the performing arts forever and so Hands Up Silent Theatre was founded!

Heather: What an incredible mission! Thank you for sharing your story with us. I understand you have a very talented backdrop technician. Could you introduce us to him?

Kristy: I do! This is my amazing 16-year-old son Anthony.

Heather: It's such a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for taking the time to chat with me! First, I want to thank you for making sure our <a href="https://www.broadwaymedia.com/scenic-projections">Scenic Projections</a> look their best in every performance! How long have you been involved in theatre?

Anthony, Backdrop Technician at Hands Up Silent Theatre: I've been in theater for 2 years but I have been the backdrop technician for <a href="https://www.broadwaymedia.com/shows/disneys-beauty-and-the-beast/beauty-and-the-beast/scenic-projections">Beauty and the Beast JR</a>, <a href="https://www.broadwaymedia.com/digital-backdrops">Little Shop Of Horrors,</a> and <a href="https://www.broadwaymedia.com/shows/roald-dahls-matilda-the-musical/matilda-musical/scenic-projections">Matilda.</a> <a href="https://www.broadwaymedia.com/shows/disneys-frozen/frozen-jr/scenic-projections">Frozen JR</a> will be my 4th show.

Heather: You have done a lot in 2 years! What led you to become the backdrop technician?

Anthony: Well, I told my mom I wanted to help her theater in some way but not be on the stage. I was studying tech theater as my major in middle school and I really liked working the light board. But since the <a href="https://levoy.net/">Levoy Theatre</a> we rent for our shows has a light tech my mom suggested I do the backdrops. My mom thought this role was best for me because I have super focus due to having autism.

Heather: How long did it take you to master <a href="https://help.broadwaymedia.com/category/130-stageplayer">StagePlayer</a>?

Anthony: Not really that long. With the help of mom setting it up and teaching me I got it down within a day. I was only 14 when I did my first show.

Heather: What is your favorite part of running the projections?

Anthony: My favorite part of running the projections is looking up and seeing the animations. I think Matilda has so far been my favorite because it's the only show that has animations that last more than a few minutes.

Heather: What advice would you give to someone using projections for the first time?

Anthony: The main thing would be to stay as focused as you can. Timing is a big key factor in this role. Don't go off task and get distracted by your phone. Put your phone on silent.

Heather: That’s excellent advice! Making the magic happen behind the scenes is a really important job. Hands Up Silent Theatre is really lucky to have you! Can we expect to see you running the projections for years to come?

Anthony: Yes! I am expecting to stay with Hands Up Silent Theatre for many years. I would love to be a backdrop technician full time for all of our local theaters!

Heather: Well, the sky's the limit. We can't wait to see what you do next!

Anthony: Thank you so much for interviewing me!

ASL makes the theatre community (and beyond) more accessible for all. See how you can express your enjoyment and appreciation of any performance by applauding in ASL. Unlike clapping in the hearing community, your hands do not make a sound.&nbsp;

Simply put, the sign for “applause” is waving both hands in the air with your palms open. Watch this brief video for a visual demonstration:&nbsp;

We want to extend a big thank you to Kristy and Anthony for allowing us the wonderful opportunity to talk with them and learn about Hands Up Silent Theatre. Don’t miss their upcoming production of Disney’s Frozen JR, opening on April 13 at the Levoy Theatre.

Hands Up Silent Theatre creates immersive performances for the d/Deaf/HOH & hearing communities to enjoy together. Actors sign & voice at the same time to create an accessible experience for the audience. Broadway Media has worked with this incredible organization many times, and would like to introduce you to their amazing projections technician - 16-year-old Anthony! 

Broadway Media Sits Down with Director & Backdrop Technician at Hands Up Silent Theatre

The past decade has been nothing short of transformative in the world of theater. With technological advancements and the increasing integration of digital elements in live performances, stages worldwide have witnessed some truly magical moments. And at the heart of many of these moments? Broadway Media's best-selling Scenic Projections show packages.

Join us as we walk down the memory lane of our top-performing shows, remembering what made each one so spectacular.

This spooky and heartwarming tale has been a family favorite. Our Scenic Projections brought the quirky Addams mansion to life, adding depth and dynamism to the set, truly captivating the essence of the family we all love and fear. Moreover, our Choreography Guides, featuring original Broadway choreography by Sergio Trujilo, made those iconic family dance numbers even more delightful, ensuring every move resonated with the unique Addams' spirit.

The glitz and glamor of North Shore High were made even more vivid with our show package resources. With the original Broadway video design by Fray Studios, the iconic school cafeteria to the Mathletes competition, every scene was rendered with sharp, colorful details. Additionally, our Choreography Guides added that extra zest to the Plastics' strut and every high school dance-off.

Letting it go has never been so beautiful. Elsa's ice palace, the heartwarming town of Arendelle, and the northern lights - our Scenic Projections added a magical touch, making it a winter wonderland every show night.

The historical fiction that took us through the streets of St. Petersburg and Paris. Broadway Media's Scenic Projection package is direct from Broadway! Designer Aaron Rhyne seamlessly integrated with the story, elevating the musical numbers with picturesque backdrops and unforgettable visual moments.

Medieval mayhem never looked so good. Our first product ever created - castles, dragons, and the quest for the Holy Grail were all enhanced with vibrant and humorous visuals. Plus, our Choreography Guides for the Young@Part version turned every knightly dance and coconut gallop into comedic gold.

The sun-kissed shores of the Greek islands beckoned more brightly with our packaged resources. Each musical number, from "Dancing Queen" to "Waterloo", was paired with dynamic Scenic Projections. And with the help of our upcoming Choreography Guides (available in 2024), those disco moves and dance sequences will truly come to life!

Elle Woods' journey from the sorority house to the courtroom was made even more fabulous with our Scenic Projections. Our Choreography Guides feature Tony-award winning director/choreography Jerry Mitchell, who brings an energetic "Bend and Snap" to Elle's victory dance.&nbsp;

A tale as old as time was retold with renewed charm. The grandeur of the Beast's castle, the quaint village, and the enchanting forest – every set piece was enriched by our Scenic Projections. And with our Choreography Guides, featuring the original Broadway choreography by Matt West, dances like "Be Our Guest" became a visual feast, captivating audiences with every twirl and leap.

Yellow brick roads, emerald cities, and poppy fields – our show package for Wizard of Oz was nothing short of magical. Audiences felt like they were journeying with Dorothy, from the cyclone in Kansas to the whimsical land of Oz.

The bustling marketplace of Agrabah, the Cave of Wonders, and the romantic carpet rides were visually stunning, truly making it a whole new world!

In celebrating a decade of show-stopping performances, we are filled with gratitude. To all the theaters, schools, and community groups that trusted in our products - thank you.&nbsp;

Here's to many more years of theater magic with Broadway Media!

Join us as we walk down the memory lane of our top-performing shows, remembering what made each one so spectacular.


A Decade of Showstoppers: Broadway Media’s Best Sellers

Theatrical titles from Disney are a great way to introduce your students to theatre using characters and stories with which they are undoubtedly familiar. Combine them with a 60-minute or 30-minute <a href="https://www.mtishows.com/broadway-junior">Broadway Junior runtime</a> and you’ve got yourself a show that’s easy to teach and fun for your kids to learn and perform! A significant part of your planning and budgeting a musical at your high school will involve production costs like set design, materials, and (if necessary) special elements that bring that all-important Disney magic – a flying carpet, London rooftops, an ice palace. While plot points like these might put a halt to your production planning (how DO I get a carpet to fly?), there are great, affordable solutions out there that will bring your production to life in ways you never thought possible before – and it’s accessible to school budgets of all shapes and sizes.

Digital Scenery is becoming a very popular method for creating sets and special effects on a budget – and often using the technology you already have in your classroom. Broadway Media’s Scenic Projections is show-specific projected digital scenery background packages designed to match every scene, setting and special effect in that show – what we call “script accurate”. Teachers across the world are turning to Scenic Projections to help them focus on what matters the most: the education and enrichment of their students. Without having to worry about constructing and painting a set, or renting expensive painted backdrops, teachers have found that they can cut the unnecessary stress out of the (already stressful) production process and improve their production quality at the same time. 

In this article, we’re going to explore some key moments in our favorite Disney shows, and how Scenic Projections are helping teachers solve production challenges. 

Disney’s Frozen JR. (also available as a 30-minute KIDS version)The video projections were absolutely gorgeous. They made our production and I am so thankful we used them for Frozen, JR. You made everything so easy! Fantastic product and company! - Trinity Christian Academy Disney’s Frozen JR. is a runaway success in the vast catalog of traditional and contemporary Disney stage shows, and that’s in no doubt partly due to its namesake internationally-acclaimed hit movie. The show has it all: an inspirational story of sisterhood, massive anthems like “Let It Go”, sun-worshipping snowmen, magic and adventure. A 60 or 30-minute Broadway Junior adaptation, then, is destined to be a hit at your school.

Broadway Media’s Scenic Projections help with bringing the magic and adventure to the stage, while you get your cast pitch-perfect. With incredible sequences like “Let It Go” that is timed perfectly to the music (below), Elsa’s ice castle will appear onstage as if by magic! 

Mary Poppins(also available as a 60-minute BROADWAY JUNIOR version)It gave our show the touch of uniqueness and class that we needed. The audience comments were very favorable, all this while making our job easier.- Mohawk High School

Based on the classic stories of P.L. Travers and the 1964 Walt Disney Film starring Julie Andrews, Mary Poppins brings to life our favorite classic characters onstage. Since release, the film has become a part of American film canon: in 2013, the film was selected for preservation by the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”. As one of the highest-grossing movies in the 20th Century, it’s not hard to believe that most of us have been touched by this classic story about family and its timeless score. Mary Poppins’ transfer to the stage in 2004 was a success – with a six-year run on Broadway, and a haul of Tony nominations (and a win for Best Scenic Design) in 2007, the musical has since become a popular choice for schools and amateur theaters to perform. The stage adaptation came with numerous stage magic and special effects to ensure the proper retelling of the story, much of which can seem out-of-budget for schools. Scenic Projections will help teachers make easy work of the cinematic musical, with smooth transitions between scenes, and even a Mary Poppins that flies in from the skies above London! 

‍(The sound of wind. MARY POPPINS appears. She is wearing a hat with cherries on the brim and carrying an umbrella with a handle shaped like a parrot’s head.)

Disney’s Aladdin JR. (also available as a 30-minute KIDS version)Broadway Media’s projections really topped off the show - everyone was completely RAVING about them and this new element we have introduced - it added to our stellar cast of students.- Academy of St. PaulDoes anyone forget the first time they watch Aladdin? This 1992 classic explores the true meaning of wealth and power with energy, humor and features an unforgettable performance by Robin Williams (serious props to the animators)! The transfer to the stage, and the <a href="https://www.mtishows.com/broadway-junior">Broadway Junior adaptations</a>, lose none of the wit and wisdom of the show, making it a superb story to tell at the school level. The centerpiece of the movie, and the stage musical, is undoubtedly the magic carpet ride during “A Whole New World”. Recreating this for the stage is an expensive and complicated process, but with Broadway Media’s digital scenery package, however? A trip over Agrabah is as simple as the click of a mouse.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. (also available for the full-length show)Thank you for a good experience! I liked the images. They were sharp and colorful and added a lot to our show for very little expense. - Graham Middle School&nbsp;This musical is based on the 1989 Disney animated feature film, which explores (at the time) <a href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/little-mermaid-was-way-more-subversive-you-realized-180973464/">revolutionary themes of identity in Reagan-era America</a>. Hailed by the New York Times as “the best animated Disney film in at least 30 years”, Howard Ashman’s interpretation of the fairytale is heralded as ushering a new dawn for the studio following the death of its founder and namesake. The stage adaptation doubled down on the contemporary themes identified by Howard Ashman, as explained by the book writer, Playwright Doug Wright, that Arial is longing for "a world in which she feels truly realized in her own terms. ... Her ambitions are bigger than any one man." While the transfer to the stage was not always smooth-sailing, The Little Mermaid has found a home on the stages of schools and community theaters. Solving the obvious issues of cinematic scene changes from land to sea, Broadway Media’s Scenic Projections are a feast for the eyes - and make performing this musical a breeze.&nbsp;

The Lion King JR. (also available as a 30-minute KIDS version)The scenes for Disney's The Lion King JR. we're great. The images have allowed us go from one or two backdrops per show to 8 or more scenes per show. The scenes have really enhanced our show. - River City Theatre Company

Based on one of Disney’s most-adored animated films, The Lion King roared onto Broadway in 1997 and has stayed there ever since (it’s even grossed over $1 billion at the box office making it the highest-grossing Broadway show of all time). This record-breaking musical has since been adapted for the school stage with a 60-minute Junior adaptation and a 30-minute KIDS version. 

This tale of adventure, family and identity is a must-perform musical at the school level. With a classic, singable score from Elton John and Tim Rice, your students are well-equipped to bring a familiar story to life onstage. Scenic Projections help simplify the cinematic-adventure requirements of the book, with beautifully-drawn Pridelands, the Elephant Graveyard, and The Jungle, teachers can focus on their students giving an amazing performance! 

We just concluded our performance of Disney’s Moana JR. and used your beautiful projections. We got RAVE reviews from audience members – they LOVED them! - Carolyn Mottern, Southern Fulton High School.

Based on the 2016 animated Disney film of the same name, Moana JR. treads familiar territory of identity and self discovery, but injected with a fresh score from talents such as Lin Manuel Miranda (In The Heights, Hamilton) and Opetaia Foa’i (a Samoan composer and musician known for their South Pacific Fusion musical style). There’s something for everyone in this new hit musical from Disney Theatrical (much along the lines of Frozen JR.), but color-conscious casting is a must here. 

In the vein of much of the Disney musicals catalog, the script is inherently cinematic (it moves from location to location) and solves scene transition issues: particularly in Moana and Maui’s journey to Tamatoa’s underwater lair. Digital Scenery brings color and gorgeous animation to the production, reinforcing the unique stops along their quest for the heart of Te Fiti. 

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (also available as a 60-minute BROADWAY JUNIOR version)We were extremely pleased with the projections for our production of Beauty and the Beast. They added a magical element to the show and helped make the transitions seamless.- North Greenville University

Excluding the screen to stage-revue adaptations for their entertainment parks, Beauty and the Beast was the first Disney animated film to receive the Broadway treatment. Lauded as a transformative musical due to its success and the technical stagecraft required to bring the show to life onstage, Beauty &amp; The Beast is considered to be Broadway’s first legitimate family show. 

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (and the Broadway Junior version), then, is a great opportunity to introduce students (and their families) to musical theatre. With a well-known score and accessible themes, it’s certainly a title to do at least once. However, producing this musical is not without its challenges. Disney remained tight-lipped about their production budget, but significant design decisions and special effects were used to bring the transformation to life. A lot of these transformations can be solved with Scenic Projections, with stunning recreations of the black forest, and a palace that transforms as Beast’s curse is broken. 

We hope this article gave you some great ideas for producing your next Disney musical at your school! To learn more about what Broadway Media’s Scenic Projections Animated Digital Scenery packages can do for you, fill out the form below. You can license the performance rights for these shows from <a href="https://www.broadwaymedia.com/shows/music-theatre-international">Music Theatre International</a>.

Theatrical titles from Disney are a great way to introduce your students to theatre using characters and stories with which they are undoubtedly familiar. Combine them with a 60-minute or 30-minute Broadway Junior runtime and you’ve got yourself a show that’s easy to teach and fun for your kids to learn and perform! 

Top Disney Titles for Schools with Amazing Digital Scenery

Broadway Media: Thank you for chatting with us, Albert. You’ve been a longtime advocate for digital scenery in your school, and you’ve used our Scenic Projections for many productions including Annie JR., Disney’s Frozen JR., The Music Man, and James and the Giant Peach. What do you like about Scenic Projections? 

Albert Carter: First of all the quality of the projections are very professional and the style of the artwork fits the shows that they represent. &nbsp;With Scenic Projections, you can easily add set pieces, and have a great look that can change quickly and easily from scene to scene.

Broadway Media: What was your first time using Scenic Projections like? 

Albert: Well, the first show that we used Scenic Projections was a very hectic situation. &nbsp;Our school stage and auditorium had a mold problem over the summer and we could not use it. &nbsp;We had to move to a high school stage and have set pieces and scenery that we could transport to that school. &nbsp;We couldn't build large sets, so I decided to use the scenic projections for our set with some furniture and a few set pieces that we also rented. &nbsp;Even though we were at another venue it worked very well, so when we returned to our stage I decided that I would continue to use Scenic Projections.

Broadway Media: I’m glad that projections helped you quickly adapt to a less-than-ideal situation! What advice would you give to first-time users of Scenic Projections (or those who are still on the fence)?

Albert: I would say that Broadway Media makes using Scenic Projections easy and painless. &nbsp;They are very supportive – you can call them and they walk you through technical issues step by step. &nbsp;It is very easy to do and just after one show you start to feel very confident in using their projections, and the audiences are very impressed with how professional the productions look.

Broadway Media: Throughout your shows, is there a projection moment from a show that stands out for you? 

Albert: I would say that my favorite moment is the "Let It Go" sequence in the Disney’s Frozen JR. animated projections. &nbsp;It is timed to the song and works splendidly with however you chose to stage the number. &nbsp;The audience was blown away with that number and the applause stopped the show.

‍Broadway Media: Did you find that including Scenic Projections changed your production planning? 

Albert: I think that scenic projections have given me more choices than in the past. &nbsp;Our stage does not have a counterweight system and even though we can fly battens it is slow and does not work in a live show. &nbsp;I have rented a backdrop from companies before but that only gives you one scene and then I would have to play scenes in front of black travelers which was a let down compared to the one backdrop. &nbsp;Now I can have a different look for each scene and the transitions are very smooth and can be very artistic. &nbsp;How so? These scenic projections open up even more possibilities.

Broadway Media: As a projection veteran, do you have tips for integrating projections into a production? (either technical or directoral) &nbsp;

Albert: I have mostly used the animated projections for the JR shows, but I used the still projections for our production of The Music Man which was the regular two act show. &nbsp;Our scene changes were very smooth and I used set pieces that rolled on and off stage and it was very effective. &nbsp;I recommend incorporating three dimensional set pieces in front of the projections to add depth to your set. &nbsp;I also would invest in a good projector if this is something that you plan on doing often.&nbsp;

Broadway Media: What advice would you give first-time users of Scenic Projections? &nbsp;

Albert: This company really works to make your production the best it can be and they offer stellar tech support. &nbsp;You do not need to be afraid to use their projections – and you get to start incorporating them much earlier than if you rented traditional backdrops, because you get access so much sooner.

Broadway Media: We’re grateful that many of our teachers are cross-disciplinarians from other departments, dedicated to introducing their students to theatre. Can you offer one piece of advice for a first-time director of a musical?

Albert: Start with a show that is designed for your age group like MTI’s Broadway Junior or R&amp;H Getting To Know.... They are very good adaptations of longer and more difficult shows and have great materials for the directors as well as the student actors. &nbsp;Do a show that you love, not something that you are indifferent to – the more you and your students love the show, the more effort everyone will give to the show. &nbsp;You should miss doing the show once the run is over and have fond memories of it for a lifetime. If you do not, you are not doing it correctly. &nbsp;Theatre is an art that comes from passion and love.

Learn more about Scenic Projections by speaking with one of Production Specialists! Fill out the form below.

We sat down with Albert Carter, longtime Choral and Theatre Director from Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School (VA) to discuss why he uses Scenic Projections (Broadway Media’s theatrical backdrop projections), and how you can, too. 

A teacher’s perspective on using digital backdrops for theatre (and why you’ll never go back).

One of the most impressive (as well as most difficult) special effects to be done onstage is flight. Broadway equips themselves with highly skilled engineering teams to create impressive technical illusions that leave audiences wondering: “How did they do that?”

Without Broadway’s secrets of hidden wires and harnesses, how can theatres of all sizes deliver the same magical and effortless effect of flight?

Hiring a standard rigging system, and getting insurance for the safety of your actors can cost thousands of dollars. Due to a lack of funds or another dependable solution, schools can become discouraged from producing certain titles that include flying. That’s why we're is here to lend a helping hand and offer worry-free solutions through Scenic Projections.&nbsp;

Here are a few of our favorite animated flight sequences and suggested staging that you can use for your productions:

Disney’s Aladdin JR: Scene 8 - Magic Carpet Ride

(ALADDIN helps JASMINE onto the magic carpet, which flies into the night sky)

In this scene, Aladdin and Jasmine begin on the Palace Balcony and with the press of a cue, fly over Agrabah, travel amongst the clouds, and then through the city back to the Palace. You can have the magic carpet set center stage on the floor with your actors seated on top. The scenery behind them moves backward, and the audience experiences the illusion that the actors are flying forward and upward.

*You could also use one of your three wishes to construct a small raked platform, with the top angled upwards, away from the apron. Then, cover the base with black fabric, and have your actors sit on the magic carpet laid over the top of the platform. This gives your actors extra height off of the ground so they appear as if they are flying in the middle of the traveling scenery behind them. 

Experience a whole new world with our scenic projection package for <a href="https://www.broadwaymedia.com/shows/disneys-aladdin/aladdin-jr/scenic-projections">Disney's&nbsp;Aladdin Jr</a>.&nbsp;plus<a href="https://www.broadwaymedia.com/shows/disneys-aladdin/aladdin-kids">&nbsp;Disney's Aladdin Kids.</a>

Disney’s Mary Poppins: Act 1 Scene 1 - Mary Poppins’ Arrival

(MARY POPPINS soars over the London rooftops and through the sunrise)

Press cue and Mary Poppins is flying across your stage with her parrot-handled umbrella in hand. As the scene in the Parlor ends, the actors can clear the stage and begin preparing for the following scene, while the projection of Mary begins to play. The audience watches Mary’s silhouette fly in and your actress playing Mary can await her cue backstage. Eliminating the need for a blackout or difficulty getting Mary out of a harness, she’s ready to walk onstage at the proper cue line.

*Our<a href="https://www.broadwaymedia.com/shows/mary-poppins/mary-poppins/scenic-projections"> Mary Poppins Scenic Projections</a> are practically perfect in every way, that they’ve even been used in a Disneyland production of Mary Poppins! If you're interested in a school or youth production, check out our<a href="https://www.broadwaymedia.com/shows/mary-poppins/mary-poppins-jr"> scenic projection package for Mary Poppins Jr!</a>

Peter Pan (1954 Broadway Version): Act 1 Scene 2 - Flight to Neverland

(PETER flies out the nursery window followed by the children. The nursery disappears and the night sky is exposed.)

With faith, trust and a little projection magic, Peter and the children escape out of the Nursery window, past Big Ben, and onto the second star to the right. Tinkerbell bursts through the Nursery window, opening it for the children and Peter to fly out of. As the scenery begins to move forward and the window becomes larger, this gives the illusion that the actors are flying out of it. Your actors can turn upstage and “fly” through the window until the window has disappeared. Then your actors can face the audience and through movement, physically express that they are in the air. The scenery behind them moves backward and downward and the audience follows their graceful journey from location to location.

Fly off to Neverland with our scenic projection packages for <a href="https://www.broadwaymedia.com/shows/peter-pan/peter-pan-1954/scenic-projections">Peter Pan 1954</a> and <a href="https://www.broadwaymedia.com/shows/peter-pan/peter-pan-jr">Peter Pan 1954 Jr.</a>

Still interested in Broadway’s flight sequences?

-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnet.com/news/the-hidden-tech-behind-broadways-aladdin/">The Hidden Tech behind Broadway's 'Aladdin'</a> by Sally Neiman for CNET

-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/1979/09/21/archives/special-effects-keep-peter-pan-flying-playing-a-programmed-console.html">Special Effects Keep 'Peter Pan' Flying</a> by Barbara Crossette for The New York Times

-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/ever-wonder-how-that-magic-carpet-in-disneys-aladdin_b_58ed407fe4b0ea028d568db7">Ever wonder how that Magic Carpet in Disney's "Aladdin" flies?</a> By Jim Hill for HuffPost

You Can Fly - with our Scenic Projections!

Whether you're looking to add special effects to your production or simply want to take the hassle out of scenic backgrounds, Broadway Media has you covered with dazzling, affordable scenic projections. <a href="https://www.broadwaymedia.com/scenic-projections">Browse our extensive library or search by show to match your upcoming season.</a>&nbsp;

Our team is looking forward to helping your next production soar - both literally and figuratively - so give us a call or fill out an order form on our <a href="https://www.broadwaymedia.com/contact">contact page.&nbsp;</a>

Suspension of disbelief + projection magic = flight. Our Scenic Projections are an incredible resource for flight that saves you the expense of a wire-flying system – so you can take flight anywhere! 

Making Your Production Soar (On a Budget). 

On any given day, you may sit down to stream a TV show or read a book, but find yourself easily distracted by the neighbor’s lawn mower or your adorable pet. Let’s face it, even on vacation you rely heavily on your phone. The intent may be to open a reservation number or hire a ride share, but the call of unanswered text messages or unread notifications proves too strong. Before you know it, your dedicated relaxation time is interrupted by a peer with a question, a friend with gossip, or a local news update.&nbsp;

Things are different with live theatre. Whether it’s professional or amateur, in a blackbox or a <a href="https://www.broadwaymedia.com/solutions/school-theatre">High School</a> auditorium; once you take your place in an audience, your phone is switched to Do Not Disturb and you’re ready to enjoy a show. The overture sets the tone, the curtain rises, and before long you’re swept away to a time and place other than your own.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As a performer and community theatre director, I’m privy to the sequence of events leading to opening night and the necessary steps it takes to effectively transport an audience. 

Each step serves a purpose, from securing performance rights, to production meetings, budget negotiations, auditions, rehearsals, marketing, and of course...Tech Week! The majority of your audience will never know about the in-depth process behind the scenes, and frankly, they shouldn’t. All that matters is each patron is engaged in the story you’re telling, temporarily transported, and finds value in the ticket they purchased.

So how does a theatre effectively engage their audience and ensure their return for future productions?

 First, it’s important to understand the talent in your area and demographic of your community. A region heavily populated by young families may not be the best area to launch an edgy blackbox program, and likewise, a college town is probably not ideal for kid-heavy productions.&nbsp;

As President of my local community theatre, I send an annual survey to our patrons, performers, and volunteers in an effort to understand our talent pool, and what our community is expecting from their local theatre.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Once the survey is complete, the results are shared with our play selection committee to effectively select shows that meet the needs of our community. They review a number of parameters for the season, including, but not limited to:

- What venue will we be performing in?&nbsp;&nbsp;

- Are there safety protocols that need to be accounted for? (for example, for our 2021 return, we were careful to select shows with small casts and limited romance)

Once the rights for a production are obtained and subsequently announced to the public, it’s imperative to understand the vision and outline the story you plan to tell from the beginning.&nbsp; Your production team, including a representative from marketing, should come together early in the process to calibrate and understand how the show will be portrayed. 

If another theatre recently produced the same show, determine how your production will be different. Perhaps use an orchestra instead of tracks? Are there resources like digital scenery to make your stage come alive?&nbsp;

<a href="http://broadwaymedia.com/scenic-projections">Broadway Media’s Scenic Projections</a>&nbsp;include every scene and setting mentioned in the script; whether it’s a day to night transition, a magical embellishment, or a change in the weather. Previously, creative sound effects were needed to illustrate these moments onstage, but with the addition of Scenic Projections and creative lighting, the audience can now see and experience the author’s intent. Whatever you choose to do, use your marketing platforms to build the excitement and start laying the groundwork for immersing the audience.&nbsp;&nbsp;

If you’re adding an audition notice on your theatre’s social media accounts and/or website, your performers are not the only ones who will see the post. Audition postings will likely be how your patrons first learn about your upcoming shows, thus beginning the immersive journey. Though you don’t want to give too much away before opening night, offering a glimpse into the rehearsal process via marketing channels can build excitement. 

Tactics like Instagram takeovers or TikTok videos, help audiences identify with a performer or a particular craft, and become invested in seeing the finished product. I’ve also seen theatres partner with local restaurants to offer a dining experience themed to the production (for example: A Greek restaurant paired with a production of <a href="https://www.broadwaymedia.com/shows/mamma-mia/mamma-mia/scenic-projections">MAMMA MIA</a>!).&nbsp;&nbsp;

Once a patron arrives for your production, ensure they feel welcomed and comfortable. Warm greetings from those working the house, comfortable seats, adequate legroom, and temperature control should be considered. Consider eliminating potential outside distractions by covering windows with blackout curtains to ensure outside light doesn’t interfere with show lighting choices. These details can help patrons focus more on the production itself.

With the audience comfortable, it’s time to focus on setting the tone. From your programs to music playing in the house, find ways to match the style and tone of the era to be reflected onstage. During a recent Shakespearean production I attended, instrumental music from the Elizabethan era played throughout the house and programs were printed in an Olde English font. Furthermore, carefully placed props onstage and a customized curtain warmer help create a sense of anticipation for what’s to come. The overture plays and the curtain begins to rise, and the audience is in the right mindset; ready to experience the world your  team has created.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The challenges of the pandemic may continue to ebb and flow, but theatre remains a much needed escape for both patrons and theatre-makers. For an hour or two, you can press the pause button on your own realities and focus on a world other than your own. So as a theatre-maker, take the time to prepare for your audiences; make them feel safe, appreciated, and transported. Remind them why the arts are needed and the positive impact they can have on a community.	

In today’s digital age, it’s difficult to disconnect from reality. Thankfully, there remains a sacred place to transport you from the real world, and that’s the theatre.


Effectively Transporting Your Audience With Live Theatre

Disney's Frozen JR - Ash Theater Company

Disney's Frozen Jr - Centerstage of Calhoun County

Disney's Frozen JR - Prominence Academy

Disney's Frozen JR - Hernando High School

Frozen Jr. River Ridge Middle School

Frozen Jr. Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School

Frozen Jr. Fort Wayne Youtheatre

Frozen Jr. Tipton Community Theatre

Frozen Jr. Pickerington Community Theatre

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Experience the enchanting world of Disney's Frozen JR., a heartwarming musical celebrating the tale of two sisters, Elsa and Anna, in the kingdom of Arendelle. Enhance this captivating production with Scenic Projections by Broadway Media, transporting you to the majestic icy landscapes, from the stunning ice palace to the charming village of Arendelle. With a breathtaking score including Let It Go and Do You Want to Build a Snowman?, Frozen JR. celebrates love, sisterhood, and self-discovery. As Elsa's powers plunge the kingdom into winter, Anna embarks on a daring journey with Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf to mend the bond between sisters. Be transported to a world of wonder with Frozen JR. and the enchantment of Broadway Media's Scenic Projections, creating a visually captivating experience that will leave your audience spellbound and filled with delight.

Experience the magic of Disney's Frozen JR with theatrical resources from Broadway Media, transporting you to majestic icy landscapes & the charming village of Arendelle. 

Disney's Frozen JR Theatrical Resources | Broadway Media

Step into the enchanting world of Disney's Frozen JR. with our mesmerizing Scenic Projections! Immerse your young audience in the icy kingdom of Arendelle, the snowy North Mountain, and the magical Enchanted Forest. Elevate your storytelling with dynamic visuals, seamless transitions, and captivating effects. Easily download watermarked materials, customize using our StagePlayer app, and consider the upgrade for professional mapping. Our world-class theatre experts and resources are dedicated to transforming your stage, creating an unforgettable experience for your young audience. Embrace the magic and heartwarming tale of Disney's Frozen JR. with Scenic Projections today!

Transform your stage with Scenic Projections for Frozen JR from Broadway Media, transporting you to ice palaces, snowy mountains, & more.

Disney's Frozen JR Scenic Projections | Broadway Media

Junior

Step into the enchanting kingdom of Disney's Frozen, a heartwarming musical celebrating sisterhood and true love. Follow adventurous Anna as she embarks on a daring journey to find her estranged sister, Elsa, who has accidentally plunged the kingdom into eternal winter with her magical ice powers. Joining forces with Kristoff, Sven, and Olaf, Anna discovers the strength of sisterly love. With iconic songs like Let It Go and Do You Want to Build a Snowman?, Disney's Frozen is a magical celebration of courage and forgiveness. This visually stunning and emotionally resonant musical reminds us that true love can thaw even the coldest of hearts. Experience the magic, love, and adventure of Disney's Frozen, a musical that leaves you with a warm heart and a sense of wonder long after the final snowflake falls.

Step into the enchanting kingdom of Disney's Frozen at Broadway Media, leaving you with a warm heart & sense of wonder long after the final snowflake falls.

Disney's Frozen | Broadway Media

Disney's Frozen

Disney's Frozen JR

We are a small rural school. Digital backdrops were amazing. The support team was awesome. I couldn’t have done this show without the Digital Backdrops! They were fantasmorific for James and the Giant Peach TYA

Scenic Projections - Standard License

Chillicothe Middle School

Our students love having the Mean Girls projections, it’s the one comment they’ve all made!

Haywood Arts Regional Theatre

Thank you for all your help with getting our production rental set up. There were a lot of extra layers to this show with projections, but the projection package from Broadway Media took part of that stress away!

Scenic Projections

Arrowhead High School

It worked great for us. Our theater is over 100 years old and is a renovated movie theater with very limited wing space. The projections have opened up a lot of possibilities for future production options. Even by using an old, back of the theater, projector.

Rialto Theater

It was the very first production for Newtown Stage Co and we sold out both performances! We LOVED the slides and plan on using slides for every show moving forward.

Scenic Projections Standard License

Newtown Stage Company

Everyone at Grande Prairie Live Theatre would like to thank Broadway Media for the excellent background graphics you provided us for our production of Shrek. These were colorful, detailed and very creative. They added to every scene.

Grande Prarie LIve Theatre

Thanks so much for your fabulous images. They really made a huge impact on our show and worked beautifully. Lots of the audience commented on them as we normally have enormous sets and it was a big change.

The Little Mermaid

Methodist Ladies’ College

We were extremely pleased with the projections for our production of Beauty and the Beast. They added a magical element to the show and helped make the transitions seamless.

North Greenville University

I just wanted to tell you how wonderful our show has been received. With the help of your animated backdrop putting us over the top. Thank you again and again. Looking forward to our next endeavor. 

Paul J. Gelinas Middle School

Tech support was great and once we had some time with the software, editing and running the show was easy enough.

Disney's Frozen JR

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Disney's Frozen JR Production Photos

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