Matilda Jr

One of the most challenging elements of Matilda was staging the “Alphabet Song.” The directors envisioned using white boxes, approximately 0.5 m², with individual letters painted on them. These boxes were arranged into one large triangle on the main stage and two smaller triangles on the front sides.

To make this number as engaging as possible, I used six moving-head fixtures to highlight each letter as it was sung and placed on one of the triangles. This required significant rehearsal time to ensure precise cue timing on my part, as well as coordination with the cast so the boxes were correctly positioned well in advance. Because the placement of the first box determined the alignment of all subsequent boxes, accuracy was critical.

I also alternated moving-head fixtures between bars to prevent sway caused by rapid movements, which could otherwise lead to a distracting wobble in the spotlight. In the end, the effect was highly successful, but it was by far the most technically demanding aspect of the production.