Creating stage projections and promotional graphics for RENT at Curve

For the 2024 production of RENT at Curve, Leicester, I created stage projections, motion graphics, social media content and flyers. It was a chance to bring my animation and design work into a theatre setting, creating visuals for both the performance and its promotion.

The project covered everything from neon-style signs identifying locations to motion graphics for the song “Contact”. My RENT project video brings together examples of the stage projections and promotional work.

Stage projection design for RENT

Theatre projections can do several jobs. They can establish a location, support a moment in the story or add movement to a musical number. For RENT, my work covered all three.

I created neon-style signs for locations including the Cat Scratch Club and Life Café. These gave the audience a visual cue about where the action was taking place.

Written parts of the story were also projected onto the back of the stage, adding another way to communicate information alongside the live performance.

For me, the interesting part of designing for theatre is thinking about how the visuals sit within the whole production. An animation needs to work with what is happening on stage, with the performers remaining the focus.

Last-minute motion graphics for “Contact”

“Contact” became a late addition to the production when we discovered that permission to omit the song hadn’t been secured.

With the number going back into the show, I created motion graphics at short notice to accompany a dance sequence. The animation gave the performance a moving backdrop, adding to the stage visuals while leaving room for the choreography.

It was a different challenge from the neon location signs and projected story text, and an example of adapting quickly when a production’s needs change.

Social media content and flyer design

My work also extended beyond the stage. I created all of the production’s social media content and flyers, giving me a role in how the show was presented to potential audiences as well as those watching it.

Theatre promotion involves designing for different formats. Moving graphics can bring a show to life on social media, while a flyer needs to communicate clearly as a still image.

This project brought those different parts of my work together: motion graphics, animation and graphic design, all for the same production.

Looking for visuals for your theatre production?

I’m Richie Phillips, a freelance motion designer based in Leicester. Through RP Motion, I create stage projection content, animated promotional videos, social media graphics and design for print.

If your production needs visuals for the stage, content to promote the show, or both, [get in touch](mailto:richie@rpmotion.com) to discuss what you have in mind.