“The Astronaut’s Birthday,” the latest production by Redmoon Theater in partnership with Columbia, was an outdoor spectacle performance that gave many students their first taste of working with a professional theater company.

Using 36 overhead projectors, different images were cast through the windows of the Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave. Audience members were seated outside as they watched the images in the windows chronicle one man’s journey through space.

The show, which ran from Sept. 9 through 23, was the result of long hours of preparation and practice by the theater company and Columbia students.

Students throughout the Theater Department had the opportunity to be involved with the production. Those who worked on the project found it to be exhausting but rewarding in the end.

Their roles were not just technical or production-based; some students performed alongside professionals on stage.

“All of the performers, illustrators and young artists who contributed their time brought a sense of commitment, eagerness and drive to the show,” said Redmoon employee and co-director of “The Astronaut’s Birthday” Matt Rudy.

For many students this was the first undertaking they’ve participated in at Columbia.

A representative from Redmoon came to explain the project to freshmen and transfer theater students as they were picking classes. Students then chose to either work on the freshmen project or have a hand in “The Astronaut’s Birthday.”

Though many students expressed interest in working on the project, only 30 were able to join Redmoon’s production team working on the show.

“It was great to have students just arrive on campus and the first thing they do, before they have a class, is get involved with this wonderful project with Redmoon,” said John Green, chair of the Theater Department.

Much of the credit for the show has been given to Frank Maugeri, Redmoon’s artistic director and Columbia adjunct faculty member, for his focus on and dedication to the production of the show.

“It’s really [Maugeri’s] show,” said Brian Shaw, associate chair of the Theater Department. “He’s incredibly good at what he does. We provided a really solid infrastructure that helped them realize their vision.”

Students’ reactions to working with Redmoon were overwhelmingly positive, Shaw said.

Those involved were given a great deal of artistic voice and were encouraged to contribute in brainstorming sessions.

“We didn’t want to lead them by the hand too much because we felt a lot of their strengths lie in what they’re able to come up with on their own,” Rudy said.

Though theater students were taught how to project images through windows, they were prepared in different ways to work on “The Astronaut’s Birthday.”

“We teach collaborative skills in all our areas of study,” Shaw said. “We’ve also taught students how to work in rhythm and in concert with other people and, of course, the whole idea of working across specific disciplines within theater.”

But it isn’t just Columbia students who enjoyed the experience.

Redmoon employees said they are impressed with Columbia students’ contributions to the show, according to Green.

“All the Redmoon people I’ve talked to were just thrilled with Columbia students and their dedication, enthusiasm and flexibility,” Green said.

Currently, the Theater Department is working to forge a stronger relationship with Redmoon, as well as other areas of study within the college.

“We’re hoping to create more internships for students, as well as to work with Arts, Entertainment and Media Management to teach their business and marketing plan to our students,” Green said. “Down the road, we’d like to commission Redmoon to work directly with the department increating a piece.”