Custom Split Flap Countdown Display for Belvoir St Theatre, Australia

A custom mechanical split flap display created for Belvoir St Theatre’s production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, used as a functional countdown clock, timing device and stage visual element throughout the performance.

Project Information

Location: Sydney, Australia
Use Case: Theatre Stage Prop / Countdown Clock
Client: Belvoir St Theatre
Production: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Application: Live Stage Performance
Stage Role: Functional stage prop for timing cues, countdown scenes and visual storytelling
Design Style: Mechanical Countdown Display Integrated into Theatre Set Design
Installed: 2024

Split Flap Specs

Module Size: 40 cm (H) × 30 cm (W)
Layout: 1 Row × 5 Columns
Overall Display Area: 40 cm (H) × 150 cm (W)
Finish: Black Flap Surface with High-Contrast Characters
Display Content: Countdown / Clock / Timer / Number Display / Short Messages
Control System: Custom Software Control for Live Performance
Stage Function: Opening countdown, timing display, number changes and theatrical visual effect

Media & Production References

This project was featured and documented through theatre media, official production information and video content.

Read The Guardian Feature →

Visit the Belvoir St Theatre Production Page →

View Hannah Goodwin’s Director Portfolio →

Watch the Video on YouTube →

View the Split Flap Function Test Video →

Project Overview

Belvoir St Theatre in Sydney, Australia selected TS Display to create a custom split flap countdown display for its production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.

Although the project required only five mechanical flap modules, the display needed to support a wide range of stage functions. It was not simply a decorative prop. It had to work as a real performance device, supporting opening countdown sequences, clock display, standard countdown, count-up timer, number display and short information display during the show.

The final display was integrated into the stage design and appeared as a visible mechanical countdown clock and timing element. Its physical flipping movement, sound and visual rhythm helped strengthen the atmosphere of the production and created a more immersive theatrical experience.

The production was also featured by The Guardian and reviewed by John Shand, providing strong third-party theatre media visibility for the project.

Design & Customization

For this project, the key challenge was not the size of the display, but the complexity of the required functions.

The production team needed one compact mechanical display system that could perform multiple timing and number display tasks during live performance. TS Display customized both the mechanical split flap modules and the control software to make the display suitable for theatre use.

The system was programmed to support different display modes, including opening countdown, clock display, normal countdown, count-up timer, reverse number display, forward number display and message display. This allowed the stage team to use the same display in different scenes and performance moments.

Unlike a digital LED screen, the split flap display created a physical and mechanical visual language. Every number change was produced by real flap movement, giving the stage a stronger sense of time, tension and presence.

Stage Performance Use

During the performance, the custom split flap display worked as a practical countdown clock and functional stage prop.

The mechanical movement made the passing of time visible to the audience. This made the display especially suitable for a stage production where time, pressure, sensory experience and emotional tension are important parts of the storytelling.

The compact five-module format also made the display easy to integrate into the stage set. It supported the performance without distracting from the actors or the main scene, becoming part of the overall theatre environment rather than a separate screen.

The display can also be seen in the YouTube performance video, showing how the mechanical countdown clock worked as part of the live stage production.

Result

The custom split flap countdown display successfully completed the production requirements.

The display worked smoothly throughout the show and supported multiple stage functions, from countdown sequences to clock, timer, number and message display. The client was very satisfied with the result, and the cast and production team also took photos with the display after the performance.

This project shows how even a small split flap display can become a powerful stage device when it is designed with the right software functions, visual style and performance purpose.

For theatre, exhibition, museum, retail, brand activation and immersive installation projects, TS Display can customize mechanical split flap displays according to the required size, layout, content, control method and installation scenario.

Get a Custom Split Flap Display for Your Project

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TS Display designs and manufactures custom split flap displays and picture flap displays for global clients. We can customize the module size, layout, display content, colors, software control and installation method according to your project requirements.