Meet the Projection Designer of Thrown Stone's 2018 World Class Productions

Jonathan Winn and Jason Peck brought Thrown Stone to Ridgefield in 2017 with U.S. Premiere of Ross Dunsmore’s Milk, a production which received 15 BroadwayWorld nominations.

The innovative and inherently local theater company is back with its second season featuring two new world-class productions — The New England Premiere of The Arsonists by Jacqueline Goldfinger, and the East Coast Premiere of Where All Good Rabbits Go by Karina Cochran, performing in repertory at Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance from July 13-August 4.

We sat down to talk about the upcoming productions with Brittany Bland, the Projection Designer for Where All Good Rabbits Go. Brittany is a second year MFA candidate at the Yale School of Drama specializing in projection design. She was KCACTF nominee for her sound design for The Weir and was invited to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2006. She received her BA in technical theater production and design from Catawba College.

What was the journey that brought you to projection design?

My journey to projection design is based on the influences of my father and uncle whom both participated in theater but later became photographers/videographers. Their love for capturing the importance of a moment in a single image laid the basis for my eye as an artist.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Everyone's unique path in life has intrinsic value. Whether we know it or not the path we take in life and the experiences we cultivate inform every choice we make. I draw my inspiration from my continuous effort to be present and aware enough to notice the power and beauty of the everyday.

What were some of the most creative or fascinating projection designs you’ve seen?

War Horse at the National Theater; “David Bowie Is” Exhibition; Godspeed You! Black Emperor Projection Designer Philippe Leonard.

What is your vision for Where All Good Rabbits Go?

Where All Good Rabbits Go is a dark comedy that sometimes reaches towards the absurd. My goal is to lean into and heighten that absurdity.

What is the most surprising thing about projection design that people don’t know?

That it's not a new art form. Projection design has been an art form much longer than people know. In my opinion, it really starts to take root with Erwin Piscator in the 1920’s.

For more information on Thrown Stone's 2018 Repertory Season, and to buy tickets, visit thrownstone.org.