How do you use gobos and projections to enhance the scenery and mood?

1 What are gobos and projections?

Gobos are metal or glass templates that fit into a lighting fixture and project a shape or design onto the stage. Projections are digital images or videos that are displayed on a screen, wall, or other surface using a projector. Both gobos and projections can be static or dynamic, depending on the type of light source and the content.

2 Why use gobos and projections?

Gobos and projections can add visual interest, depth, and dimension to your stage. They can help you create different locations, atmospheres, and emotions without changing the physical set. They can also highlight or contrast certain elements, characters, or themes in your story. For example, you can use gobos to create shadows, silhouettes, windows, stars, or abstract shapes. You can use projections to show landscapes, backgrounds, maps, photos, or text.

3 How to choose gobos and projections?

The first step is to consider your artistic vision and the message you want to convey. What kind of mood do you want to create? What kind of scenery do you want to suggest? What kind of effect do you want to achieve? Then, you need to research and select the appropriate gobos and projections that match your vision and your budget. You can find many options online, or you can design your own custom gobos and projections using software or apps.

4 How to position gobos and projections?

The next step is to decide where and how to place your gobos and projections on the stage. You need to think about the angle, distance, size, focus, and brightness of your light source and your projection surface. You also need to think about the movement, timing, and transitions of your gobos and projections. You want to make sure that they are visible, clear, and consistent with your staging and blocking. You can use a lighting plot, a storyboard, or a mock-up to plan and test your gobos and projections.

5 How to blend gobos and projections?

The final step is to integrate your gobos and projections with the rest of your lighting design and your sound design. You need to balance the colors, levels, and contrasts of your gobos and projections with the ambient and accent lighting. You also need to synchronize the sound effects, music, and dialogue with the changes and cues of your gobos and projections. You want to create a seamless and harmonious combination of visual and auditory elements that enhance your theatrical production.

6 How to be creative with gobos and projections?

Gobos and projections can be used in a variety of ways to experiment and innovate in theatre. For instance, you can use them to create illusions, surprises, or interactions; break the fourth wall; comment on the action; or involve the audience. Additionally, you can use them to express your style, theme, or message. As an example, Hamilton uses projections to show historical documents and maps that enhance the lyrics and narrative. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time uses projections to depict the protagonist's inner thoughts and feelings. War Horse employs gobos to create an impression of horses galloping, breathing, and sweating on stage. Finally, The Lion King utilizes gobos to portray the sun, moon, stars, and animals on stage.