zactrack SMART Supports the Belgian Touring Production of MAMMA MIA!

For the Belgian touring production of Mamma Mia!, produced by Deep Bridge, the technical team implemented a zactrack SMART automated tracking system to deliver precise and flexible performer lighting throughout the show.

Deep Bridge brings the beloved ABBA musical MAMMA MIA! back to the stage, touring major theatre venues across Belgium throughout March and April. Photo © Deep Bridge

Touring some of Belgium’s largest theatre venues, the large-scale musical features energetic choreography, moving scenic elements, and a dynamic ensemble cast. The production was developed by Deep Bridge, with set design by Philip Witcomb, lighting design by Jason Taylor, and technical direction by David Smeets.

To maintain precise lighting while preserving a clean stage aesthetic without visible followspots, the team integrated zactrack’ automated tracking solution into the lighting system, allowing performers to be followed seamlessly across the stage.

Maike Boerdam as Donna performs “Money, Money, Money” in MAMMA MIA!, with performer tracking provided by zactrack SMART. Photo © © Deep Bridge

Automated Tracking for a Dynamic Musical Production

To handle the constant movement of performers during the show’s choreography, the production deployed a full zactrack SMART tracking system capable of calculating performer positions in real time and transmitting the data directly to the lighting console.

The tracking hardware used during the show includes:

·       1 × zactrack SMART Server

·       8 × zactrack Anchors – mounted in the rig using magic arms

·       22 × Active Trackers

·       1 × zactrack Puck used to track a moving scenery truck

During the show, 11 principal performers are actively tracked. A total of 22 trackers are used to accommodate rapid costume changes and maintain operational flexibility. The Anchor network continuously calculates the exact position of each tracker, providing accurate real-time coordinates that drive the automated lighting system.

Lighting Design and System Integration

To maintain a theatrical lighting aesthetic while enabling precise tracking, the design relies on fixtures capable of producing soft yet controlled beams. Performer front light and back lighting are achieved using Robe T1 Profile fixtures.

All tracking data is integrated into the grandMA3 lighting control platform, allowing fixtures to automatically receive performer position and focus information. This enables moving lights to follow performers smoothly across the stage without traditional followspot operators. The complete tracking integration and lighting programming were developed by Kevin Timmermans from TCF, using a structured grandMA3 recipe workflow that allows the lighting team to quickly adapt beam size, focus behavior, and intensity depending on the scene. This approach supports both fast choreography and more intimate moments within the show.

“Half-body spotting” lighting technique subtly illuminating performers’ upper bodies, enabled by zactrack Smart tracking. Photo © Deep Bridge

Automated Performer Tracking with zactrack SMART

The visual concept for the production emphasises a very clean stage image. Set designer Philip Witcomb and lighting designer Jason Taylor wanted to avoid visible followspot beams or hotspots on scenic elements.

Instead, the lighting team adopted a technique often referred to as “half-body spotting": Rather than isolating performers with a hard spotlight, fixtures subtly illuminate the upper body of the actors, keeping the stage picture natural while preventing unwanted highlights on the set.

The technical implementation of the system was overseen by David Smeets, acting as Head of Department – Technical Director for Deep Bridge: “Tracking allowed us to keep the stage visually clean while still delivering precise performer lighting throughout the entire show. The flexibility of the zactrack SMART was essential for a touring production with complex choreography and moving scenery.”

MAMMA MIA! is one of the world’s most successful musicals, featuring ABBA’s iconic songs and performed in over 50 productions translated into more than 20 languages. Photo © Deep Bridge

Touring Challenges and Moving Scenery

As a touring production visiting multiple theatres, the system also needed to accommodate moving scenic elements and varying stage environments. One challenge involved a large scenery truck used during several scenes. To maintain accurate lighting when performers interact with the moving set piece, a zactrack Puck was installed on the scenic element so its position could be tracked in real time.

Another challenge came from costume integration. Some scenes feature performers wearing minimal costumes or swimwear, making tracker placement more difficult. Close collaboration between the wardrobe department and the technical team ensured that trackers could be integrated discreetly while maintaining reliable signal reception.

MAMMA MIA! is still touring Belgium until the end of April 2026. Tickets are availble via the official website.

CREDITS

Production

Producer – Deep Bridge

Creative Team

Lighting Designer – Jason Taylor

Set Designer – Philip Witcomb

Technical Team

Technical Director (HOD) – David SmeetsLighting / Tracking Programming – Kevin Timmermans

Technical Support – TCF // L&L stage service

Technical Systems

Tracking System – zactrack SMART (supplied by Face)

Lighting Control – grandMA3

Lighting Fixtures – Robe Lighting

Photos Credits © Deep Bridge