Projection screens & surfaces

What will you project onto?

The surface shapes brightness and contrast as much as the projector does. Pick a screen, your cyc, a scrim or the set itself. We'll size it and quote it with the right projector and lens.

Choose a surface Size it

Updated October 2026

Projected moonlit scenery behind two actors on stage in The Little Mermaid — Projected scenery on stage. The Little Mermaid, California Regional Theatre.

Step 1 · Choose your surface

Five ways to put an image on your stage.

Each works best with a different projector position. Our usual pick for school stages is front projection from a projector hung upstage with a 0.35:1 ultra short throw lens.

Brightest image

Front projection screen

A purpose-made surface that reflects light evenly. Gets the most out of every lumen.

Best for

A defined image above or behind the action
Stages with some light on them

Watch for

Matte white, about 1.0 gain, suits wide seating
Keep stage wash off the screen

Projector position

UST upstage · recommendedBooth worksRear

More detail

It can stand on a folding frame, sit in a fixed frame, roll down or hang from a pipe. Higher gain looks brighter straight on but can dim at the sides. Plan how it sets up, strikes and stores between events.

We need: the image width or opening, how it hangs or stands (and trim height if it flies), whether it strikes between events, and where the projector can go.

Rear projection screen

Projector behind a translucent screen, so nobody on stage crosses the beam.

Best for

Performers who interact with the image
Designs where the projector must never be seen

Watch for

Needs rear-projection material and clear depth behind
Backstage work light must stay off the back

Projector position

Rear · specialtyUST upstage often easier

More detail

A short-throw or ultra short throw lens saves depth behind the screen. The image must be flipped (projectors have a rear setting). Seats in line with the lens may see a brighter spot; material choice and projector height help. If the goal is simply no shadows, a front screen with an upstage UST projector gets there without giving up backstage depth.

We need: clear depth behind the screen, image width, what happens backstage, and how it will hang or stand.

Cyc or backdrop

Use the biggest surface you already own for full-stage skies and environments.

Best for

Full-stage scenic environments
Blending projection with cyc light

Watch for

Fabric reflects less: plan more brightness
Seams and wrinkles show; hang it taut

Projector position

UST upstage · recommendedBooth worksRear: ask us

More detail

White or light grey takes projection best. Front light and cyc wash spilling onto the image will wash it out. Very wide cycs may need more than one projector.

We need: cyc width, height and color, a photo (lit and unlit if you can), where your upstage electrics hang, and the part you want to fill.

Scrim (sharkstooth)

An image appears, then light behind it reveals the scene.

Best for

Reveals, memories and dream sequences
Layering projection over live action

Watch for

Light passes through the weave: keep upstage dark
Softer, less bright image than a screen

Projector position

UST close to the scrimBooth worksRear

More detail

Hung just downstage of the scrim, the steep angle lands more light on the weave and less on the scene behind. White or grey scrims take projection more readily than black. Hang it taut. Projecting through a scrim from behind sends most of the light at the audience.

We need: scrim size, color and position, what sits behind it, how the reveal happens, and where a projector could hang.

Scenery & painted surfaces

Project onto flats, walls and set pieces so the set itself changes.

Best for

Texture, weather and motion on built scenery
Unit sets that become many places

Watch for

Paint projection areas matte white or light grey
Content must be masked to the set's shape

Projector position

UST upstage · recommendedBooth often usefulRear: specialty

More detail

Dark, saturated or glossy paint swallows light or creates glare. Set pieces that move need a plan. Actors in front of the scenery can cast shadows, depending on where the projector sits.

We need: ground plan, elevations or photos, paint colors and finish, the areas to cover, and which pieces move.

Not sure which?

Send us a photo of your stage and how you want to use projection. We'll recommend the surface, size and projector together.

Get projector help

Ask for flame-retardant certified materials. Many venues and fire marshals require certification for screens, drops, scrims and scenery hung on stage. Ask for the certificate for any material you buy, and check what your venue requires.

Step 2 · Size it

How big, and where does the projector go?

Set the width you want. We'll work out the image height and, for the upstage setup, roughly where the projector hangs. Then add it to your projection quote.

Surface

Image width (feet)

Aspect ratio

Projector position

Image size

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Projector

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Add to my projection quote Throw calculator

Planning estimates. We confirm sizes and distances with your lens, mounting and venue.

Questions

Screens and surfaces, answered.

What is screen gain?

Gain describes how much light a screen reflects toward the audience compared with a standard matte white surface, rated around 1.0. Higher gain looks brighter straight on but narrows the viewing angle and can show a hot spot. For wide theatre seating, matte white around 1.0 is the forgiving default.

Should my screen be white or grey?

White gives the brightest image. Grey (high-contrast) surfaces can deepen blacks when there is light in the room, but they reflect less, so the projector works harder. For stages with controlled lighting, start with white. If stage wash will land on the screen, ask us whether grey makes sense.

Can I project onto the cyc I already have?

Usually, yes. A clean white or light cyc hung taut makes a good surface. Fabric reflects less than a screen, and seams or wrinkles show, so results depend on its condition and your lighting. Send us a photo and we'll tell you what to expect.

Front or rear projection?

Our recommended setup is front projection with the projector hung upstage, behind the actors, using a 0.35:1 ultra short throw lens: a big image, no actor shadows and a free booth. Rear projection is a specialty choice when performers work right at the image and there is depth behind the screen. Read the full comparison.

How big should my screen be?

Start with the opening width, how high the image can trim, and sightlines from the back row and any balcony. A bigger image spreads the light over more area, so it needs more brightness. See how many lumens you need.