Theater Spot Lights
When direct lighting alone won’t do the trick, beam lights are a theatre production’s workhorses. Ellipsoidal reflector spotlights can be framed and focused and are the standard in most theaters.
Follow spots, similar to searchlights in their effect, allow you to highlight a moving performer. Profile spot lights produce a broader pool of light and can project gobos but with a fixed beam angle.
Backlights
Lighting is a vital part of any theater show or event. It catches the audience’s attention and transforms their emotions into that of the characters. A perfect set of spotlights can create the desired mood for any performance. They can be used to highlight specific locations or actors and even to make a particular object look larger than it is.
There are many different types of stage lighting, but the spotlight is a workhorse for any show. These lights can be found on a truss above the stage and are controlled by the lighting board to beam on the performers in a way that highlights costumes, actions, and facial expressions. They are often used to illuminate a whole section of the stage and can be placed at both upstage and downstage.
Depending on the show, lighting may stage light manufacturer also need to be used for special effects. This can include natural elements like waterfalls and fire or supernatural elements such as strobe effects or flashing lights. These are often done with a combination of lighting and additional equipment like gel frames or gobo holders.
A standard backlight is a parabolic aluminized reflector light (PAR). These are sealed beam lamps in cylindrical metal casings that look similar to vehicle headlights. These can be found in a wide range of power outputs and can use different lenses to alter the size of the beam. Another option is a zoom profile spot which can vary the angle of the light by moving 2 lenses and can project gobos.
Front Lights
The front lights in a stage show are the main source of light for most performances. The fixtures that point toward the performers’ faces are a critical starting point, but by themselves, they can make the actors look flat. To give a dimensional appearance, front lighting needs to be paired with backlighting and top lighting as well.
One of the best front lights is a theatrical spotlight, also known as an ERS (ellipsoidal reflector spotlight). The ERS shines a narrow beam of light that can be adjusted using shutters and a lens, and it can hold gobos or gels to create different colors and shapes in the beam. It’s the go-to gear for lighting designers in theaters, and it can help transform a nighttime scene into a bright summer day or turn a single actor into a star of the show.
Another option for a front light is the Fresnel, which has softer edges and more control over the shape of the beam. It can also hold gobos and gels, but it’s not as bright as an ERS. Fresnel lights are commonly used for top lighting and backlighting.
Follow spot lights, which are controlled by an operator, are designed to “follow” a performer or element of the stage with a powerful circle of light. These lights are often paired with colored filters to emphasize specific characters or elements. Spotlights can also draw the audience’s attention to important moments in a performance.
Follow Spots
A follow spot is a powerful fixture that follows a moving performer on stage with a beam of light. They can also be used to illuminate a set or prop. Follow spots can be powered by either an HID or LED lamp. They can be fitted with a lens Curved Led Light Bar that can be adjusted for focusing, and they may have a color magazine for changing the beam color. They can be mounted on stands or in trusses.
While a spotlight operator’s job might seem simple – just point and shoot – it’s a complex, demanding skill set. They need to know the equipment inside and out, and they must be able to multitask. They need to watch performers, follow cues and instructions, and have the stamina to work at any time of the day.
Theater lights are tried and true backlighting classics that help set the mood for your production. They keep the audience focused and can even influence how the audience will react to different scenes. For example, a dimmed scene could indicate that a more dramatic or intimate moment is about to take place, while brightening up the theater lights might suggest that a dance number is about to begin. Lastly, spotlights can be helpful in keeping the audience’s attention during scene changes. This is especially useful for larger-scale musicals or concerts where the cast and crew are constantly on the move.