The Phantom’s theater

[Videoviper]

Older photo

I’ve been meaning to put this in its own thread as people ask me about it.

The Phantom’s Theater was originally just a light box to take better pictures. (Thanks Fogger!) That evolved over time.

Then the Muppets arrived & I had a crazy idea to turn this into a theater.

 

[Videoviper]

Saving this area for historical photos & history

Capable of doing Green Screen with proper software

 

[Videoviper]

Saving this area for LED lighting tutorial

LEDs
- LEDs run on a different frequency of light than incondensent light. Some people will be light sensitive to this so it’s best to block off the lights So people can’t directly look at the light source.


Do’s & Don’ts
- Plan before building. Redesigning this thing to adjust from the various systems was a real bitch!
- Power is key & needs to be run separately from video & audio cables.
- Use a surge protector & unplug when not in use.
- Keeping system simple is great, but don’t cheap out. I replaced several cheap audio systems.

 

[Videoviper]

Build & design information

The project has gone through multiple builds & design modifications.

-Was originally based on the Muppets theater with a side backstage.
- Location was changed several times to allow an outside & better usability. This thing is big.
- Camera can be brought in case I ever start animation again.
- Sized to keep backgrounds a standard size, can be used with multiple scale figures.
- Has a green screen
- Back of stage can be potentially expanded if ever needed.
- May be cursed by a immortal Phantom.
- Video monitor plays Roku


Sound System
- Various systems throughout the years.

Power System- for Various devices

Video integration & traditional sliding backgrounds

Working curtains
- pull strings to open & close drapes.

Working lighting system
- Both LED for stage & dimmer lights for overhead house lights

 

[Videoviper]

Modern photos
As you can see many bands have played the Theater.

 

[Videoviper]

Video test
Fire Test

 

[Videoviper]

Added booths
the lighting & sound systems have been revamped since this photo
Work in progress

Everything works like a real theater.
Front house lights are adjustable.
Lower lights pictured but they are now hung from above.

Front stage & over stage are separate LEDs circuits. & can adjusted or color changed as needed.

When video is used a computer monitor will display a laptop or iPad. Sound is then run out of the monitor to a small sound system.

Backdrops & dioramas are set up similar to how a real stage would work so dioramas can be swapped out quickly.