Animated Scenic Projections for Live Theatre Production
Brief:
Theatre Ancaster’s youth division needed a full suite of projected visuals to support their staging of Matilda the Musical. The challenge was to create an engaging visual world that enhanced the narrative across a wide range of scenes — from quiet classroom moments to explosive musical numbers — while working within the technical limits of a youth theatre production.
Idea:
I designed and produced a collection of digitally painted and fully animated scenic backdrops, tailored to each scene of the musical. Some environments featured subtle movement and atmospheric effects, while others were fully animated to heighten dramatic moments and musical transitions. The visuals were crafted to complement the young performers on stage and help smooth scene changes without relying on physical sets. I worked closely with the director to ensure visual timing and mood supported the emotional arc of the show.
Results:
The projections added cinematic dimension and emotional depth to the sold-out production. Audiences and cast alike responded enthusiastically to the immersive visuals, which elevated the storytelling and contributed to a seamless, visually rich theatre experience.
Charcoal sketch of an acrobat performing a daring aerial stunt, illustrating the imaginative storytelling in Matilda The Musical
Black-and-white drawing of a young girl envisioning an acrobat's performance, representing Matilda's vivid imagination in the musical
Charcoal sketch of four audience members enjoying a performance, with popcorn and tea in hand, capturing the whimsical atmosphere of Matilda The Musical.
Sketch of an acrobat performing a handstand on top of her husband's head as the neighbourhood kids look on and cheer
Sketch of an acrobat performing a handstand, highlighting the contrast between the monochromatic projections and the colorful stage backgrounds
Charcoal sketch of a couple in a heartfelt embrace, symbolizing love and connection within the narrative of Matilda The Musical.
Charcoal sketch of a crowd lining up to enter a circus performance tent, evoking anticipation and excitement in Matilda The Musical
Charcoal sketch of Miss Trunchbull giving an evil sneer, embodying the menacing antagonist of Matilda The Musical.
Charcoal sketch of a performer solemnly addressing a crowd, capturing a poignant moment in Matilda The Musical.
Charcoal sketch of an audience reacting in shock to a performer’s speech, highlighting a dramatic moment in Matilda The Musical.
Charcoal sketch of a pilot flying a plane overhead, with the audience below gasping in awe, capturing a thrilling moment in Matilda The Musical
Charcoal sketch of happy performers embracing each other as they walk off stage, celebrating the joyful news of pregnancy in Matilda The Musical.
Charcoal sketch of happy performers embracing, projected onto a screen during the live performance of Matilda The Musical, celebrating the joyful news of pregnancy.
Charcoal sketch of Miss Trunchbull displaying a contract, embodying her authoritarian character in Matilda The Musical.
Charcoal sketch of a performer couple sitting face-to-face, looking solemnly, capturing a serious and emotional moment in Matilda The Musical
Charcoal sketch of a husband and wife performing a death-defying acrobatic act over sharp objects, with dynamite attached to the acrobat, showcasing the thrilling climax in Matilda The Musical.
Charcoal sketch of a husband and wife performing a death-defying acrobatic act over sharp objects, with dynamite attached to the acrobat, projected onto a screen during the live performance of Matilda The Musical.
Charcoal sketch of a husband and wife’s hands loosing their grip during a perilous acrobatic act, highlighting the tension in Matilda The Musical
Charcoal sketch of a father dramatically slamming the door open as he arrives, adding intensity to a pivotal moment in Matilda The Musical
Charcoal sketch of a young girl lying on the basement floor, locked in darkness, with a view from the stairs capturing a tense moment in Matilda The Musical.
Client: Theatre Ancaster
Production Program: link

Staff Credits
Director: Sam Frisk
Choreographer: Bailey Dalton
Music Director: Mark Reese
Stage Manager: Natalie Burtch
Projection & Animation Artist: Derek Douglas

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