Emerson Welcomes Acclaimed Projection Designer

Projection design artist Zachary Borovay introduced himself and his craft to Emerson students on Friday, November 4, ahead of his residency in the Performing Arts Department.

Borovay sat down with students in the Semel Theater, where he discussed how a stage show is created, what his job is, and how and when he gets involved in a show. He went on to describe the tools used in creating projections for a show, the cost, and the different methods of projection, among other topics.

The talk was a precursor to the residency at Emerson that Borovay will be participating in next semester alongside Wendall Harrington, another accomplished theater designer.

Borovay has designed productions for Broadway, Las Vegas spectaculars, circuses, concerts, theme parks, operas, museums, corporate events, and art installations. His recent Broadway credits include Rock of Ages, Holler If Ya Hear Me, Waiting for Godot, and No Man’s Land with Patrick Stewart and Ian McKellen. He was nominated for Drama Desk awards for his work on Lombardi and A Catered Affair.

During the residency, Borovay will teach a class on theater projection, as well as work on two Emerson Stage plays. For King Liz, running February 16–19, Borovay will guide the projection, which will be run by students. He will be more directly involved in the projection design for Titanic, Emerson Stage’s big spring musical, running April 20–22.

Borovay described his spring semester class as a “really good opportunity to work with media.” The class will teach both Performing Arts and Visual and Media Arts majors to work with projection design. Borovay said that he has some guests lined up to come into the class as well.