Winter Garden approves $100,000 for theater tech

Winter Garden city commissioners approved a $100,000 funding request for a project Jan. 22 that will help the Garden Theatre add new digital technology options to its productions.

The funding will be combined with more than $825,000 the theater has received in in-kind goods and services from local digital and technology companies to convert the theater into an immersive digital experience that enhances the live action of a classic play for the May 2015 production of "Peter Pan." The new technology will allow the theater to present a more immersive experience, leaders said.

“This is the next step in theatrical magic,” Garden Theatre Executive Director Alauna Friskics said. “It is being done on Broadway with new plays, in arena concerts and in theme parks. However, we will be the first to take a classic play and digitally enhance the scenes, especially in a venue of our intimate size.”

Traditionally, hoists and wires have been used to make Peter and the actors fly.

"This has been the only option for theater companies around the globe for over 50 years," said Becky Roper, Executive Producer of Peter Pan. "It’s expensive, and not 'magical' for today’s children and families accustomed to technology at their fingertips."

A partnership has been formed between the non-profit theater and local digital and technology companies, including Nth Degree Design & Visual FX, Birket Engineering Inc., Goodtheory Studios, Phoenix Rising LLC, Christie, Candela Controls and Valencia College. The digital partners are providing the animation and visual effects, projectionable surfaces, projectors, show controls, rigging, cables, servers and media.

Multiple projectors will bring 3D animated scenery and effects to the live stage which will have a special, curved screen that captures the images.