Selecting a Projector for Theatre
Choosing a theatre projector comes down to four questions. You don't need exact numbers to get started; rough measurements and "not sure" are fine.
- How big is the image? Measure the width you want the picture to fill: a screen, the cyc, or the space between masking legs.
- Where can the projector go? In the booth, on a front-of-house pipe, overhead on stage, or behind the screen. This decides the lens. See Throw distance and lens choice.
- How much light is on the stage? Stage lighting that spills onto the image washes it out and raises the brightness you need. See Understanding projector brightness.
- What are you projecting onto? A screen reflects better than painted flats, scrims or dark surfaces.
Stage Gear's usual starting point
For many school stages we recommend front projection with an ultra-short-throw lens, with the projector placed upstage close to the screen. It gives a large image from a short distance with fewer actor shadows. Long throw from the booth and rear projection are alternatives when the space calls for them. See Front vs. rear projection.
Interchangeable lenses
The Epson Pro Series laser projectors we sell take interchangeable lenses, so you can match the lens to your room and change it later. New Epson projectors and lenses are sold by quote.
Get a recommendation
Use the Projector Finder to send your venue size, image width, mounting position and lighting, and a projection specialist will recommend a projector, lens and complete system. Photos, drawings or a ground plan help; email them to hello@shopstagegear.com.
Brightness and throw guidance are planning estimates. Final suitability depends on your venue, so we confirm recommendations with you.
Only need it for one show? See rentals.