Diane Smith, Department Chair for the Beth Tfiloh Community School Creative Arts Department, has been directing shows since 2003.
In 2018 she purchased a scenic projector, deciding to try out the new medium for her production of Into The Woods. Smith explains: “This was about the time that scenic projections starting showing up in [Baltimore] area community theaters. Evan Margolis, a student at Beth Tfiloh at the time, designed the projections. He made some of them animated, like when the tree falls. It was very primitive - it worked at the time, it worked very well. One of the reviews said ‘this is the best use of scenic projection I’ve seen in a show so far.’”
The projector Smith used in 2018 had 5,200 lumens. It worked, but often left projections looking dim, especially under bright stage lighting.
Lumens measure brightness - the more lumens you have, the brighter your projector. When upgrading to a new projector for scenic projections, this is one of the biggest factors to consider: brightness. But more lumens means more money - a brighter projector is going to be more expensive.
Today, six years and approximately 35 shows later, Diane Smith has invested in a new projector, the DWU1400-GS laser projector from Christie. She now has 14,250 lumens, nearly three times as bright as her previous projector. This means crisper, more vibrant images that pop even under strong lights. No more washed-out scenes, darker colors and fine details are clearly visible, and smooth, professional-quality projections match what’s seen in high-end theatres.
But brightness isn’t the only game-changer. This projector also offers:
Ultra Short Throw Lens—it projects large images from a very short distance, making it perfect for tight stage setups without casting shadows or obstructions.
Ultra-clear high-definition resolution (WUXGA, which is slightly better than Full HD).
Long lifespan—it runs up to 20,000 hours without needing lamp replacements.
Whisper-quiet operation, so no distracting fan noise.
RealBlack technology—it produces the deepest possible blacks for added contrast
Built-in warping, blending, & alignment via Christie Twist and Christie Mystique
Flexibility—it can be positioned at almost any angle, making setup easy.
This time around, Smith was directing Baskerville. “Baskerville needed two animated projections - someone dying by sinking into quick sand, and a train ride,” said Smith.
For Baskerville, this projector made a huge impact. The animated train ride scene and quicksand sequence were seamless, immersive, and fully visible to the entire audience. Smith received numerous compliments from audience members. She used projections once again in her recent opening of Mary Poppins, where SLShowTech’s highly detailed 3D animated scenic projections transported audiences straight into the heart of London in 1910. From the glowing city skyline to the magical rooftops where “Step in Time” came to life, the depth and realism of the projections made every scene feel immersive and cinematic, elevating the production to a level previously unattainable with traditional backdrops.
The Christie DWU1400-GS isn’t just a projector—it’s a game-changer for theatre, making it possible for directors to effortlessly incorporate high-quality digital scenery into live productions at an affordable price. With its incredible brightness, clarity, and versatility, it helps to eliminates barriers that once made projections challenging, giving directors the freedom to enhance their storytelling with stunning, seamless visuals for productions both large and small.
When choosing a scenic projector, brightness is just one piece of the puzzle. Consider factors like throw distance, resolution, and contrast to ensure your projections look their best in your space.
For schools and theaters with limited budgets, there are creative ways to fund a projector purchase. Many schools secure funding through their IT department, and rental options make high-quality projections accessible without a large upfront investment.
The right scenic projections can transform your stage—bringing scenes to life with vivid detail, cinematic motion, and immersive storytelling like never before. Contact us today to get started!