Introduction to Projection Design
How do we combine research images, color, movement and the design idea into content for projection design. This course is an introduction to the elements of craft that go into creating a projection design for live performance, and how projection design interacts with the other design disciplines in a production. Although some aspects of the course may be structured with lighting designers in mind, lighting design experience is not a prerequisite for this course.
Seven Wednesdays from 6pm – 9pm EST (UTC-4 for first class, then UTC-5 for subsequent class sessions) from November 3 – December 15, 2021. All classes will be held over ZOOM. All class sessions will be recorded for limited time review by paid participants in the course.
Software used in the course:
Vectorworks a basic understanding of Vectorworks is necessary for the course. Student licenses are available from Nemetschek Vectorworks.
After Effects (a student version can be purchased for a month at a time, if you don’t already have a license to this software, please hold off until needed within the course to stay within the 1 month window).
QLab This software is rentable by the day, but only runs on a Mac Computer. Having access to this platform will be needed for course content to be relevant.
David Bengali and Calvin Anderson
Some scholarship/program fee reduction opportunities are available. Please apply via the registration form.
Photo: , Projection Designer faculty member David Bengali, Photographer:
Session 1: Wednesday, November 3, 2021: 6pm – 9pm EDT (UTC-4) What is projection design?
A broad overview of the roles, skills, steps, and technologies that go into executing a projection design for live theater
Session 2: Wednesday, November 10, 2021: 6pm – 9pm EST (UTC-5) [NOTE CLOCK CHANGE END OF DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME IN THE US] Projector worksheeting 1
How to choose a projector, lens and position. How to calculate brightness, keystoning, and draft beam cones. This session requires basic Vectorworks drafting skills.
Session 3: Wednesday, November 17, 2021: 6pm – 9pm EST (UTC-5) Projector worksheeting 2 and intro to video systems.
We continue our work with projector beam and shot analysis, then explore the technical elements of a complete projection system. This session will continue work in Vectorworks.
Session 4: Wednesday, November 24, 2021: 6pm – 9pm EST (UTC-5) After Effects 1
Adobe After Effects is an industry standard tool for creating projection content. In this session, we introduce the software and how to use it to create simple compositions and animations.
Session 5: Wednesday, December 1, 2021: 6pm – 9pm EST (UTC-5) After Effects 2
We continue our work with more advanced features of Adobe After Effects
Session 6: Wednesday, December 8, 2021: 6pm – 9pm EST (UTC-5) Cueing with QLab for Video. We get hands-on with how to sequence and cue projection content using QLab 4 with special guest Calvin Anderson
We get hands-on with how to sequence and cue projection content using QLab. Note: QLab access will be needed for this session to allow following along hands-on with this one session.
Session 7: Wednesday, December 15, 2021: 6pm – 9pm EST (UTC-5) Cueing with other Media Servers
A discussion of the range of media servers in use, how they differ from each other, and how the choice of media server affects the cueing process. We will also discuss the basics of projection mapping, as well as the process of integrating projection with other departments during tech.
Scholarship support for this course has been made possible by donations from generous supporters of the Studio School of Design. Please become a supporter today to help us continue to achieve our community’s mission to make our profession stronger through knowledge, access and belonging.
