Todd F. Edwards
Theatrical Design and Production
Here are a few of my research and creative projects, grants, and presentations...
I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to be part of exciting research and creative activities. Many of these opportunities have been funded by grant awards and professional development support. Additionally, I have presented my findings at various conferences and workshops on the regional and national levels. Please see my c.v. for a full listing.
Mapping the Minuscule: Using Stop Motion and Traditional Animation and traditional Projection Mapping techniques to tell a story on a small scale.
CURI 2018
This project will utilize traditional stop motion, digital animation and traditional projection mapping techniques (associated with larger scale media mapping ) to create small scale environments used to tell a story.
Rough Cut Video of Opening Scene
Projection Mapping The Body and The World
CURI 2016
The purpose of this project is to explore the artistry and the craft associated with projection mapping on a large scale. The project will research existing projection mapping projects to learn from those experiences what was successful and what was not. The project will continue by investigating the relationship of the human figure to its environment, exploring interaction between humans and the world around them. This will then be augmented with the inclusion of mapped and projected media which includes video, still images, and interactive content. We will explore what is required to not only “bring to life” a static element like a building facade, but how we can transform that and even transcend what it is we perceive it to be. In addition to the artistry needed to create the spectacle, we will research the equipment (hardware, software, etc… )required to create the needed content and learn how to connect and present that content through projectors. Information on projection mapping can be found here: http://projection-mapping.org
Co Presenter USITT Professional Developement Workshop-
Projection Design Bootcamp
USITT National Conference 2015
Cincinnati OH
This PDW was envisioned as a bootcamp style workshop covering projection design from concept to delivery. It provided hands-on experience with equipment, materials, software and hardware for a variety of projection situations and budgets.
Workshop Goals:
For those who are new to projection design we covered the following topics: projection design concepts, content creation and acquisition, and an overview of equipment and materials.
The second day of the workshop built on knowledge from day one continuing to more advanced topics including: finding the right cueing system, integrating projection control with other control systems (such as light or sound boards), and projection mapping.
Real-Time Compositing, Special Effects and Animation for Live Performance
CURI 2015
The purpose of this project is to investigate the hardware and software needed to do realtime compositing, special effect creation and even animation on a pre-recorded or live video and audio sources. These sources, either pre-recorded or live would then be augmented and presented within a live performance situation. This project will explore the requirements of the hardware and software needed to complete this task as well as the potential issues associated with doing this type of augmentation live as opposed to recording the source with the augmentation already in place. The main goal of this project is to find an affordable, stable way to apply these effects and augmentations to a source that would (in keeping the feed live) allow it to interact with other performers or participants in a live performance venue.
Alternative Trigger Devices for Show Control in Live Performance.
CURI 2014
This summer project will research and test alternative triggering devices for use in live performance. These triggers can control special effects, lighting, sound, projections, pyrotechnics and scenery automation. Potential triggers can include MIDI, Arduino, IR, Camera and Motion Control devices. We will look at numerous products that are used for interfacing a user (actor, singer, dancer, other talent) with technology. These interfaces then trigger media servers or other software programs to fire specific cues, which can include lighting, special or visual effects, pyrotechnic devices or audio/music. Additionally, these triggers could be used to move scenery or props within a performance space. These devices can be used in theater, dance, performance art, musical/concert venues, etc…
Click on Image to Enlarge or PDF to download.
Article by Kramer Electronics
Published in September 2015
edition of Sound & Video Contractor
Digital Media Servers, Media Creation, and Playback for Live Performance
CURI 2013
This project explored the different options for media server technology. Asking the questions-what type of equipment (hardware) is needed, and what software options are available for the creation, manipulation and playback of digital media in live performance? We compiled lists of hardware and software that are industry standards for live performance, obtained and evaluated these units, spending time becoming proficient in the different applications. We then created sample presentations using video, audio, and other media resources in a way that would support a live performance. Finally we rated each unit on ease of use, power, flexibility, learning curve, cost of acquisition, etc… The compiled findings were to help small to medium sized professional, community and educational venues decide what media server technologies would best fit their needs.
The results were presented at the 2013 USITT NBS regional conference and the 2013 CTAM conference.
This project explored the different options for media server technology. Asking the questions-what type of equipment (hardware) is needed, and what software options are available for the creation, manipulation and playback of digital media in live performance? We compiled lists of hardware and software that are industry standards for live performance, obtained and evaluated these units, spending time becoming proficient in the different applications. We then created sample presentations using video, audio, and other media resources in a way that would support a live performance. Finally we rated each unit on ease of use, power, flexibility, learning curve, cost of acquisition, etc… The compiled findings were to help small to medium sized professional, community and educational venues decide what media server technologies would best fit their needs.
The results were presented at the 2013 USITT NBS regional conference and the 2013 CTAM conference.
Faculty Developement Grant
2013 Master Class in Projection Design, Las Vegas Nevada
This grant through the Faculty Development Committee at St. Olaf College provide me the exciting opportunity to attend LDI and the LDI Masterclass in Projection Design in Las Vegas. It was mind blowing and completely inspirational. I learned a lot at the seminar and have been actively implementing those new skills and ideas into my work!
Theatre Engine
I am so excited to have been asked to be part of this project. Conceived by Alison Dobbins of Michigan State University, Theatre Engine explores the use of mobile devices as a method to connect an audience to a live performance.
Theatre Engine: mobile applications, game development and theatre--working together to create a whole new experience for the audience.
Follow this link for more information and pictures on this project.
https://www.msu.edu/~dobbinsa/
