Case Study: Stratford Festival achieves lifelike, efficiently fabricated stage sets with Autodesk AutoCAD

AutoCAD helps set the stage for Canadian theatre

Stratford Festival’s technical director Andrew Mestern faces frequent creative and technical challenges delivering high‑caliber theatrical sets—from ensuring audience sightlines to fabricating bespoke props—while coordinating designers and builders. To meet these demands he relies on Autodesk’s AutoCAD for everything from detailed assembly drawings to 3D visualizations.

Using Autodesk AutoCAD, Mestern moves seamlessly from 2D plans to 3D models, renderings and STL exports for CNC machining and 3D printing, enabling clearer communication, accurate assemblies and physical prototypes. The workflow produced striking results—such as an Art Deco chandelier and a full-scale replica of a 1969 Lancia C3 built from a model instead of buying a $200,000 car—delivering cost savings, faster fabrication and reliably realized set designs.

Stratford Festival

Andrew Mestern

Technical Director