NEW JERSEY – Robert A. Thorpe, David A. Cimetta and Thomas A. Fusco have created a photo project they call “Projections For Hope-2020”. The project came to life in April of this year when Robert Thorpe, Lighting Designer for the Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance, decided to do something to support and say “Thank You” to the heroes who have been working day and night to get us through the pandemic. He decided to use his Lighting Design expertise to accomplish this goal.
Article contributed by Robert A. Thorpe (thorpe@rowan.edu):
Robert purchased a series of glass patterns from theatrical supplier Rosco Laboratories called the “Gobos For Hope”. The images are able to be projected onto walls and buildings using theatrical lighting instruments. Robert started lighting his house in Rancocas Village NJ each night with a different positive message to thank those working so hard during this crisis.
Mr. Thorpe contacted his Entertainment Technology production team from the Department of Theatre and Dance; Professor Tom Fusco (Technical Director) and David Cimetta (Supervisor of Sound and Music) to see if they wanted to join him in a photo essay project. The idea was to illuminate various buildings around the Rowan University campus and record the images. Tom Fusco and Dave Cimetta both agreed that this was a project they wanted to be involved in.
Robert Thorpe provided the glass gobo images, the theatrical projection units and the color changing LED wall-wash lights; Professor Fusco purchased a portable gas power generator specifically for this project and handled the transportation and setup of the equipment; and David Cimetta provided all the camera equipment and his photographic and editing expertise.
The project took place over a three week period during the evenings in May and June with the team setting up and breaking down the lighting, the power generator and the photography equipment nightly. After 7 nights of shooting images, the team was satisfied they had what was needed to edit the project together. The result is a series of positive images intended to provide an uplifting message to our Rowan Community and to thank all of our First Responders, Healthcare Workers and Essential Workers.
Robert, Tom and David would like to offer the images as our gift to the Rowan University Community. They are intended to be used free of charge in any positive way. The only request is that anywhere the photos are used that they be credited to the entire team of Cimetta, Fusco and Thorpe as this was a true labor of love and could not have happened without the efforts of the entire Entertainment Technology team.
