Recently shared his experience using AV Stumpfl'sPIXERA media server for two productions at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. 

PIXERA, known for its powerful projection capabilities, allowed Payne to bring two distinct productions—Silent Sky and The Mountaintop—to life in immersive and creative ways.

Joe's journey with PIXERA began at the US Institute for Theater Technology (USITT) conference. Impressed by its ease of use and integration, he recommended the platform for use at the Utah Shakespeare Festival in 2024. He described his initial excitement but admitted to some apprehension due to his limited experience with the software. However, with the support of the PIXERA community and the intuitive nature of the software, Joe was able to effectively manage a complicated projector layout and complex designs. 

“The experience was great…the ease at which I could manipulate colors, saturation, and other aspects of the content within PIXERA allowed for detailed expression of the design and saved valuable time in tech rehearsal,” said Joe. He also praised PIXERA for its flexibility, which allowed him to adapt in real-time to the exploratory nature of the theatrical rehearsal process. 

In Silent Sky, Joe used projections to create a sky motif central to the play's theme of cataloging stars. He utilized layered imagery and projections across multiple surfaces, including the floor and cyc to transition between scenes seamlessly. "At the end of the acts, we put stars and galaxies throughout the space, and it was just really super exciting," Joe explained.

For The Mountaintop, which explores the last day of Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, Joe employed PIXERA to project photos and videos that complemented the magic and drama of the story. A compelling moment was the finale, where thousands of images filled the entire space, creating a moving and immersive visual experience.

Joe's work with Silent Sky and The Mountaintop demonstrates how innovative technology like PIXERA can elevate live performances. Its powerful projection capabilities allowed him to create dynamic, multi-layered visuals that seamlessly enhanced the storytelling of both productions. By enabling precise control and creative flexibility, PIXERA was the perfect fit to the theatrical process. Reflecting on the experience, Joe expressed his enthusiasm for the platform, noting how it has reshaped his approach to the implementation and execution of a media design "I'm a huge fan of the platform and what it's doing," he said. As Joe continues to explore PIXERA's capabilities, he is excited about its potential for future projects, both in professional productions and in the classroom, where it will inspire the next generation of media designers.