CAST recently sat down with Sarah Davies, Producer, David Tanqueray, Production Manager, and Jason Hackett, Production Electrician, to chat about their experience on The Red Shoes using BlackTrax.
The Red Shoes is a fresh adaptation of the classic Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, which went on to inspire the renowned film and ballet. This new version written by Nancy Harris and directed by Kimberley Ramparsad, Associate Artistic Director at the Shaw Theatre in Canada, brought together international talent at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). The play served as the RSC’s family Christmas production and was staged at the historic Swan Theatre, a 400-seat venue, in Stratford-upon-Avon steeped in history and character.
While primarily a text-based theatrical production, The Red Shoes leaned heavily into dance, with ballet playing a significant role in the protagonist’s journey. The production was praised for its innovative staging, seamless storytelling, and integration of magical elements that enhanced the audience experience.
The development of The Red Shoes spanned approximately one year, including six weeks of rehearsals followed by a week of previews. The production featured a large cast, dynamic set pieces, and a range of innovative and magical effects, including contributions from a professional illusionist.
“With BlackTrax, they could use any light in the rig to follow a performer across the stage, enhancing both backlighting and front lighting in ways a traditional follow-spot system simply couldn’t.”
Collaborative Creative Approach
The production was a true collaboration between director Kimberley Ramparsad, writer Nancy Harris, and set and costume designer Colin Richmond. Together, they crafted a visually stunning adaptation that respected the original fairy tale while introducing fresh, theatrical elements. Paul Kieve, a renowned British illusionist, joined the creative team to enhance the magic elements. His expertise was crucial for designing illusions that blended seamlessly with the story. The production required significant collaboration across departments. Here, the lighting, set, and special effects teams had to work closely together to create cohesive and immersive magic effects.
The Swan Theatre with its thrust stage required special production adjustments to accommodate modern staging and lighting technologies. The team had to work within these constraints to maximize the impact of the show’s visual elements.
Integration of BlackTrax Technology
Meeting the specific requirements of the show was the top priority. The lighting designer, Ryan Day, needed to accurately track performers using multiple lights from any manufacturer, and different angles, creating a dynamic and immersive visual effect.
This eliminated the need for multiple follow-spot operators, which is often impractical and costly for productions. With BlackTrax, they could use any light in the rig to follow a performer across the stage, enhancing both backlighting and front lighting in ways a traditional follow-spot system simply couldn’t.
The technology also brought a greater sense of spectacle and scale to the show, which was particularly important for the RSC’s family Christmas production.
Showcase Moments & Special Effects
The production utilized all three BlackTrax beacon options—Mini Beacons, Mini Beacon Waves and Beacons—each serving a distinct role.
Mini Beacons were attached to moving scenery, enabling seamless tracking.
The same technology was used for a magical sequence featuring “dancing red shoes.” Beacon Waves embedded in each puppet shoe ensured a consistent spotlight, making them appear self-moving. The intimate theater setting amplified the illusion.
Another highlight was a chaotic dinner party scene in which the lead character, Karen, became overtaken by the red shoes, dancing wildly and causing mayhem. The sequence incorporated slow-motion choreography with bursts of strobe lighting, requiring precise tracking. The system’s ability to snap between tight-focus lights emphasized key moments—such as a knife landing or a fork striking—while adapting to actor movements, ensuring accuracy.
This adaptability allowed the actors to move naturally, something a human operator could not replicate consistently. The result was seamless storytelling, with technology enhancing both the magic and chaos in ways that felt effortless and organic.
Final Thoughts & Future Innovations
The integration of BlackTrax technology in The Red Shoes represented a significant leap in theatrical lighting and staging capabilities at the RSC.
Looking ahead, CAST Group’s recent advancements in tracking with the new Beacon 2.0 addresses some of the challenges experienced in The Red Shoes, further enhancing the potential for automated tracking in live theatre.
The success of The Red Shoes demonstrated the power of collaboration, innovation, and technology in redefining classic storytelling for modern audiences.