Little Women: Special Lighting and FX
Make it Sparkle Video with Michael Montgomery
Community Theatre Director
7:08 (runtime)
Director’s Notes
Discover the magic of special effects and lighting in "Little Women" with Community Theatre Director Michael Montgomery. As he shares insights, explore how these elements were strategically used to enhance storytelling.
Michael introduces the concept of "go fog," explaining the use of fog and special effects to create fantastical elements in theatrical productions.
In "Little Women," the challenge was to separate the worlds within the narrative, distinguishing between Jo's real and imaginary experiences.
Michael advises against overusing special effects, advocating for subtlety and using them to complement the story rather than for shock value.
Specific examples include the intentional use of fog in the attic scenes—emphasizing Jo's retreat into her imaginative world and the strategic use of lighting to enhance pivotal moments.
Two key moments highlighted are the scene with Beth's passing and the finale, where special effects and lighting contribute to the fantasy elements, creating a captivating theatrical experience.
About Michael Montgomery
Michael Montgomery is currently a Senior Talent Advisor for Oracle Corporation by day (the third largest software company in the world), and is Stageworks Theatre's Artistic Director by night and weekends.
Associated with Stageworks Theatre since 2011 as a Board Member, Director, Producer, Stage Manager and Designer, Michael Montgomery has served in a variety of roles, serving as Artistic Director since 2016. Prior to this, he served five years on the main stage as Director of Production Services. Director credits include The Three Musketeers, Damn Yankees and Oliver. Prior Producer, design and production team contribution credits include Footloose, The Odd Couple, Peter Pan, The Little Shop of Horrors, Freud’s Last Session, Amadeus, Lend me a Tenure, The Foreigner, Into The Woods, A Christmas Carol, Les Miserables, 1776, Fiddler on the Roof and Annie. Upcoming Productions in 2017 include the Houston community theatre premiere of Peter and The Starcatcher, as well as The Elephant Man and The Wizard of Oz. Awards during Michael’s tenure include 2015 Broadwayworld.com’s Director of the Year for The Three Musketeers, Broadwayworld.com’s 2014, 2015, 2016 award for Most Improved Theatre in Houston. Several other Broadwayworld.com and Houston Press awards for actor of the year, musical of the year, lighting design, sound design, choreography and costumes for Peter Pan, the Musical, Footloose and Fiddler on the Roof.