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In this exclusive online class, projection designer Mitch Stark hits all the fundamentals, with a collection of tips and tricks—in non-techie, simple speak that will instruct and inspire you to create stunning worlds on stage!
11 chapters of premiere video content—
learn at your own pace.
1.) Intro to Class | (1:44)
2.) Why Use Projections | (6:28)
3.) The Art of Projections | (6:25)
4.) 4 Things to Get Started | (2:08)
5.) Projectors | (12:45)
6.) Screens | (1:43)
7.) Software | (19:26)
8.) Lighting | (6:01)
9.) Front vs. Rear Projection | (8:13)
10.) Custom Projections | (5:45)
10.) Final Thoughts | (:37)
ABOUT THIS COURSE
Ready to revolutionize your stage with digital projections—but not sure where to begin?
Whether you’re directing a school play, choreographing a ballet, or designing your next community theatre show, Projections 101 is your friendly, step-by-step guide to unlocking the magic of scenic projections—no tech degree required.
Taught by professional designer Mitch Stark, this online class strips away the overwhelm and shows you exactly how to get started with the gear, the setup, and the creative mindset you need to succeed.
In 11 clear, practical chapters, you’ll learn what kind of projector to buy or rent, where to place it, what screen options work best, and how to use simple, familiar software like Keynote or PowerPoint to craft smooth, stunning transitions.
Mitch speaks your language—he’s worked in big theatres, small schools, and everywhere in between—and he brings a suitcase full of tips and real-world examples from shows like Annie, Charlotte’s Web, The Little Mermaid, Swan Lake, and In the Heights. You’ll walk away with the confidence to use projections as a powerful storytelling tool in your own productions.
If you’ve ever felt limited by your set budget, time constraints, or a tight crew, projections could be the answer you’ve been waiting for. This course will not only help you dream bigger—it’ll help you pull it off with the resources you already have. Let Projections 101 be your backstage pass to transforming your stage into something truly unforgettable.
"You don’t need Broadway-quality gear to start—you just need a projector, a screen, and the courage to begin."
—Mitch Stark | Projections 101 Teacher
Trailer & SAMPLE CHAPTERS
Mitch’s experience and teaching style is a superb fit for high school theatre teachers, community theatre directors, and students looking for the basics for using digital scenery and projection in shows.
Projections 101 | Class Trailer
(2:22)
Sample Chapter Clip | Why Use Projections?
(6:28)
Sample Chapter Clip | Projection Software (6:05)
Mitch Stark is the Founding Creative Director of Theatre Avenue, an Atlanta-based studio that creates digital projections for theatre, ballet, and dance companies around the world. Since 2009, Mitch has designed projections for hundreds of productions—from Swan Lake, The Wizard of Oz, and Romeo and Juliet, to contemporary musicals like Newsies, Little Mermaid, Big Fish, Tuck Everlasting and The Old Man and the Old Moon. His work has appeared on stages across the U.S. and internationally in countries like Ireland, Greece, China, Australia, Italy, and Belgium.
Mitch's journey into projection design began when a friend invited him to design The Wizard of Oz in a rural town with no fly space and few scenic resources. With just a rented projector and a hanging cyclorama, Mitch brought the world of Oz to life—and discovered a new creative outlet that combined everything he loved: illustration, animation, cinematography, design, and storytelling. With a BFA in Art and 3D Animation from Ball State University, Mitch continues to draw inspiration from a wide spectrum of the arts, from oil painting and woodblock printmaking to the nostalgic color palettes of Kodachrome and classic Technicolor films.
Known for his clear, beautiful projection design style—often infused with subtle movement and atmospheric depth—Mitch believes that projections are more than just a backdrop: they're another character in the story. Whether it's the glow of underwater light or a slow-moving sky, his work aims to lift a production rather than distract from it. He often collaborates closely with directors, costume designers, and students to make sure projections feel fully integrated and emotionally resonant.
A passionate educator, Mitch has taught nationally through the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC), and at events and conferences across the country in Texas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Washington, and beyond. His gift is in making the technical feel simple—breaking down equipment, software, art and storytelling principles in a way that inspires even the most hesitant teacher or director to give projections a try. His online courses and workshops have empowered countless theatre makers to dream big and transform their stages, often starting with the tools they already have at their fingertips.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
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Projection Designer, 2020
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Projection Designer, 2019
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Projection Designer, 2017
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Projection Designer, 2024
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Projection Designer, 2016
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Projection Designer, 2013
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Projection Designer, 2014
COURSE FAQs
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Enrolling in this class means you will have permanent access to pre-recorded video chapters and lessons.
You can watch these lessons as long as you like, whenever you like, and on any device you own including laptops, tablets and phones.
If any new content is added to the class, such as activities, guides or supplements, you will have access to those as well!
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Yes!
After you complete all of the chapters in a course, you’ll be able to take a short quiz proving your completion and comprehension of the class lessons and principles.
If you score over an 80%, you’ll receive a certificate from Theatre Ave Academy proving your completion of the course.
Theatre Teachers! It’s important to note that every state has different requirements for approval for PD hours. In some states or districts, you can send in your certificate as proof and they’ll award you hours. In others this class must be approved at the state level. Theatre Ave Academy is in the process of getting all of our courses approved in those states.
Please feel free to reach out if you have further questions!
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It’s simple! A ticket to your dreams:)
Yes, so our all-access pass means that for less than $15 a month ($179/annually), you’ll have access to all of our online video courses.
As new courses become available, you’ll have access to those as well. This includes the opportunity to take quizzes and receive certificates for each of the courses as well.
If you remain a member for at least one year, you’ll receive access to other treasures like special merch, videos, and announcements.
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If you purchase a course or an all-access pass and decide you’d like to cancel, please reach out to us within 5 days and we’ll give you a full refund.
Let’s Do This!
In this exclusive online class, projection designer Mitch Stark hits all the fundamentals, with a collection of tips and tricks—in non-techie, simple speak that will instruct and inspire you to create stunning worlds on stage!