INFiLED LED Elevates Theatre Stage Tech for Stranger Things: The First Shadow

T.R. Knight as Victor Creel, Louis McCartney as Henry Creel and Rosie Benton as Virginia Creel in Stranger Things: The First Shadow | © Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

Overview

In partnership with Blue-i Theatre Technology, led by Ed Cooper, a company specializes in providing advanced video services in theatre productions globally, and 59 Productions, an acclaimed design studio known for crafting visionary audience experiences of all kinds, INFiLED delivered an immersive LED display solution for Stranger Things: The First Shadow.

For this production, the AR Series LED wall (recently upgraded to ARmk2)was installed at London’s prestigious West End and Broadway theatres, seamlessly integrating with the stage to enhance the performance’s myth-driven storytelling and create an engaging theatrical experience.

The Story of Blue-i Theatre Technology

Blue-i Theatre Technology, under the leadership of Ed Cooper, is renowned for delivering innovative and high-quality video solutions such as LED, projection, and media servers for theatre productions worldwide.

With over 20 years of expertise, Cooper and his team have been instrumental in iconic productions like Les Misérables. Blue-i’s dedication to excellence has made them trusted partners for creative teams like 59 Productions, known for their exceptional work in blending physical and digital elements on stage.

The Stranger Things: The First Shadow

Stranger Things: The First Shadow is a stage adaptation of the globally acclaimed Netflix series. This production weaves sci-fi and supernatural elements into live theatrical storytelling, relying on complex visual and surround sound effects to blur the lines between stage and screen, enhancing the eerie atmosphere while respecting the immediacy of live acting.

The production demanded advanced AV technology capable of seamlessly integrating illusions, immersive visuals, and the live energy of theatre.

The Visual Design and Challenge to Achieve It

The visual effects and illusions used in Stranger Things: The First Shadow amplify the suspense and mystery of the narrative, including sudden lighting shifts and shadowy, otherworldly effects. These aim to immerse the audience in a cinematic yet intimate experience.

This myth-driven production posed several unique demands:

• Immersive Integration: Ensuring the LED wall blended seamlessly with physical set pieces and did not disrupt the natural flow of the performance.
• Painterly Aesthetics: Ensuring the LED screens didn’t appear like traditional “screens”, but blended artistically into the set, creating an immersive, painterly effect.
• Space Constraints: Ensuring the flexibility of installation in a complex theatrical setting with space limitations.
• High Contrast: The production demands exceptionally high contrast to depict the show’s dynamic transitions between Hawkins’ mundane 1959 setting and its supernatural, eerie atmosphere.

INFiLED Solution: AR Series, Enhancing Without Distracting

Having collaborated with INFiLED on previous projects like Beauty and the Beast and Tarzan, Cooper’s team recognized the AR Series as the perfect choice for this production.

Some key features of the AR Series are specially essential in this project:

• 10-bit Color Depth: Important for smooth scene transitions and detailed gradients, enriching the show’s atmospheric lighting.“The 10-bit color depth of the AR Series LED is really essential here. It makes transitions much smoother and is critical for seamless visual effects in a live theatre setting,” shares Cooper.
• Brompton Dark Magic Colour Processing: A processing technology from INFiLED long-standing partner Brompton, delivering deep black levels and minimal glow, critical for maintaining visual illusions.
• Lightweight, Durable Tiles: Easy to install and adaptable for tight spaces, ensuring swift setup while meeting the structural demands of historic theatres.

Why Blue-i Theatre Technology Chose INFiLED

Cooper and his team had worked with INFiLED products for years, knowing the quality of the LED screens is always consistent and stable at a high level.

“We’ve always been an INFiLED house, and for good reason. INFiLED stands out in the theatre world, especially when paired with Brompton processing technology. Together, they meet the unique demands of live performances,” Cooper states.

INFiLED’s proven track record and partnerships with industry leaders like Brompton further cement its position as the go-to choice for theatre productions worldwide.

The Impact: Setting New Standards for Theatre Storytelling

The success of the LED integration in Stranger Things: The First Shadow was evident, with the AR Series screens playing a pivotal role in bringing the world of Hawkins, Indiana, to life.

As the production moves to Broadway, the same technology will continue to elevate the audience’s experience.

As Cooper noted:

“The use of LED screens in theatre is no longer just about adding digital effects. It’s about enhancing the storytelling, amplifying the emotional connection between the audience and the performance.”

The project set a new benchmark in the industry, highlighting that early planning and thoughtful integration of AV technology can help traditional theatres adapt to modern creative demands while maintaining their timeless appeal.