Producer: Blumenthal Arts

Project: The Blumey Awards

Videocraft / Creative Studio

Projection Designer: Joe Burke

Associate Projection Designer: Erin Pleake

Projections Programmer: Michael Shoaf

Design Apprentice: Lily Chapman

I was selected as a Projection Design Apprentice for the Blumey Awards in both 2024 and 2025 after submitting a resume and personal statement as part of a competitive application process. This program evaluates over 50 high school productions across the Charlotte region and provides apprenticeships in technical theater areas including lighting, sound, video, and projection design.During my first year, I learned the fundamentals of projection design and assisted in the design process for Mean Girls, contributing to the cafeteria projection. In 2025, I advanced to independently designing projections for Guys and Dolls, including the Church in Heaven sequences and "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat." I have also applied for the 2026 season, continuing my involvement and growth within the program.

Blumey Awards
2024 and 2025

Projection

SKETCH

I began by establishing the stained glass window as the primary focal point, designing it to guide the overall composition.

FRAME

I developed the church environment by compositing several sourced images to create a cohesive architectural setting.

EFFECTS

The stained glass window was integrated into the background, with lighting effects added by Joe to simulate colored light illuminating the space.

FINAL

The window shifts into the foreground as a visual transition, leading into an abstracted afterlife with heavenly gates and ocean-like clouds.

This apprenticeship opened many opportunities for me. I was invited back to help set up projections for Opera Carolina at the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, where I learned how to install and frame projections so they were precisely aligned.