Presentation Software

There are numerous presentation software options available, and the key is finding the one that best fits your needs. We recommend doing some research to identify a solution that suits both your requirements and budget. To help you get started, we've highlighted three of the most popular options below, which can serve as a solid foundation in your search for the perfect software.

Microsoft PowerPoint

PowerPoint, a widely used presentation software from Microsoft, offers familiarity and cross-platform compatibility, making it accessible to a broad range of users. While it isn't specifically designed for theatre, PowerPoint’s extensive library of templates, transitions, and effects can be creatively utilized to enhance theatrical projections, especially in educational or community theatre settings.

For static images, PowerPoint meets most needs, offering full control over transition timing and auto-transition options.

However, when it comes to videos, PowerPoint may not be the best choice. While it can handle one or two videos, larger files can cause performance issues, especially when multiple videos are incorporated into a single project. It can become unreliable as it demands more processing power to handle videos. If your production requires multiple video files, we highly recommend exploring alternative presentation software for better performance.

Microsoft Power Point

Keynote

Keynote, Apple’s presentation software, offers a user-friendly interface and powerful design tools, making it perfect for creating visually stunning presentations and slideshows. While it's primarily used in corporate settings, Keynote’s dynamic transitions and animation effects can bring depth and sophistication to theatrical projections, particularly for scenes that require polished visuals.

While Keynote is an excellent choice for static images, it faces challenges with large video files. If your production involves video content, we strongly recommend seeking presentation software specifically designed for theatrical applications.

Keynote

QLab

QLab, designed specifically for live performance environments, offers unmatched flexibility in cue-based control, seamlessly integrating audio, video, and lighting cues for precise synchronization with live action. Its intuitive interface and robust features make it the go-to choice for theatre professionals seeking flawless multimedia integration.

If you’re working with video files, QLab is our recommended presentation software. It includes features like automatic looping and provides reliable control over timing cues. As a powerful industry-grade tool, however, it does require some technical expertise to fully leverage its capabilities. If you're new to QLab, we recommend dedicating time to train before your production. Fortunately, there are numerous YouTube tutorials and support resources available on their website to help you get up to speed.