A guide to stage lighting
Stage lighting is the craft of lighting the stage for a live performance. A stage lighting designer works with the director, choreographer, and set designer to create a lighting design that will complement the other elements of the production to create the desired atmosphere and look.
Stage lighting design is by no means an easy task. Lighting will not only be directly visible to the audience but also to the performers, and the style of lighting and the effects used must be decided upon carefully to suit the mood and atmosphere of the production.
Stage lighting design is not just about the stage itself, either. Lighting and effects are also used to create ambiance, mood, and atmosphere in the auditorium and foyer areas, as well as in the production areas backstage, along with the lighting rig itself.
How to Set Up Stage Lighting?
Lighting equipment used in stage lighting
Stage lighting is mainly electrical and is made up of a series of lights linked together. The lighting equipment used in stage lighting is generally smaller than that used for film or television. Because the lights will be seen by the audience and the number of lights used is also limited by the size of a theater’s lighting grid.
Lights in a lighting rig are typical of six types:
- Source lights, which provide the light onto the stage.
- Filler lights, which provide low-level lighting, are generally dimmer than the source lights, to help the source lights ‘fill’ the stage and set the mood.
- Accent lights, which provide additional light for a specific area, for example to highlight a prop or special effect.
- Backlights, which provide light from behind the performers.
- Effects lights, which flash, strobe or move to create a visual effect.
- Moving lights, which can be programmed to move to create a visual effect.
The lights themselves come in many shapes and sizes. A typical lighting rig will have a mixture of sources, fillers, accents, backlights; and effects, with some moving lights and a control desk, known as a lighting console, to control the lighting rig.
The lighting consoles
The lighting console is the hub of all lighting design and control. The lighting designer will work with a lighting programmer to create a lighting plan. The lighting programmer, who works with the lighting designer and production manager, will then program the lighting cues into the lighting console.
The lighting programmer can then use the console to control the lights and change the lighting plan as the performance progresses. The lighting console can be operated manually, or by using a lighting computer, which allows the lighting programmer to control the lighting rig from a computer.
The lighting console is itself made up of two sections:
- The control section, which is where all the lights are connected, and from where the lighting programmer can control the lighting rig
- The processing section, which is where the computer is, and where pre-programmed lighting cues can be stored
The lighting programmer can then use the console to control the lights and change the lighting plan as the performance progresses. The lighting console can be operated manually, or by using a lighting computer, which allows the lighting programmer to control the lighting rig from a computer.
The lighting programmer
The lighting programmer must be fully versed in the technology of the lighting console and able to adapt their lighting plan to the available technology. They must be able to create and program lighting cues in the console, and use the console to control the lighting rig.
A lighting programmer will work closely with the lighting designer and production manager to create the lighting plan and program the lighting cues into the lighting console. They will program the lights to change color, intensity, and position at the right time, and to fade in and out with the action.
Lighting programmers will also have to create moving lighting effects and make sure that the lighting rig is safe, correctly wired and waterproofed. Lighting programmers will have to know how to connect and disconnect the lights and have a good understanding of how electrical equipment works.
A lighting programmer may also be required to help with other aspects of the lighting design. For example, they may be asked to design the lighting for the auditorium and foyer areas or to help with the construction of the lighting rig.
The lighting designer
The lighting designer is responsible for the lighting plan and the overall look of the stage lighting. The lighting designer will work with the director and choreographer and will have to take into account the mood and atmosphere of the production, as well as the way in which it is staged. The lighting designer will have to work closely with the lighting programmer to ensure that the lighting plan is effectively programmed into the lighting console.
A lighting designer will need to have an understanding of the technology used in lighting consoles and an understanding of lighting effects. Lighting designers will also need to have an understanding of what is needed in the lighting rig to create the desired atmosphere and look.
The lighting designer will also have to have a good understanding of how to stage a show and will need to be able to interpret the director’s vision.
The lighting designer will need to be able to work well with others, and must be able to work effectively on a tight budget, as the lighting design will be one of the most expensive elements of the production.
The lighting designer will need to know how to use CAD software and have good computer skills. Lighting designers will also need to be able to work effectively with a lighting programmer to ensure that the lighting design is realized.
Stage lighting techniques
Some common stage lighting techniques are:
- Front light – A single light source placed in front of the performer, aimed at the performer’s face, chest, or both. This is the most common type of stage lighting and is used to create a basic stage lighting design.
- Backlight – A single light source is placed behind the performer, aimed at the back of the performer’s head. Backlight creates a silhouette of the performer and can be used to create a more dramatic stage lighting design.
- Sidelight – A single light source placed to the side of the performer, aimed at the performer’s face or chest. Side light can be used to create a more three-dimensional stage lighting design.
- Spotlight – A focused light source that is used to highlight a specific area of the stage. Spotlights are often used to highlight a performer’s entrance or exit.
- Floodlight – A diffused light source that is used to illuminate a large area of the stage. Floodlights are often used as backdrops or to create a wash of light.
- Key lighting: This is the main source of light for the performers, and is usually provided by spotlights.
Key steps to set up the stage lighting
1. Choose your stage lighting fixtures.
2. Place your stage lighting fixtures around the stage.
3. Connect your stage lighting fixtures to the power source.
4. Turn on your stage lighting fixtures.
How to set up the stage lighting
There are a few things you need to do in order to set up stage lighting.
First, you need to determine what type of stage lighting you need. There are a few different types of stage lighting, including spotlights, PAR cans, and moving lights.
Once you know what type of lighting you need, you need to figure out where to put the lights. This will depend on the size and shape of the stage.
Once you know where to put the lights, you need to figure out how to power the lights. This can be done with batteries, generators, or mains power.
Finally, you need to connect the lights to the power source and turn them on.
There are a few things you need to consider when setting up stage lighting:
- The size of the stage
- The type of show or performance
- The lighting requirements
Once you have considered these factors, you can start setting up the stage lighting. The most common way to set up stage lighting is by using a lighting grid. This is a metal frame that is hung from the ceiling and supports lighting fixtures. The lighting grid can be customized to fit the size of the stage and the type of performance.
The lighting fixtures can be positioned to create the desired effect. There are a variety of lighting fixtures available, including spotlights, floods, PAR cans, and LED lights. It is important to choose the right type of light for the performance. For example, a spotlight would be used to highlight a specific performer or object on the stage, while a floodlight would be used to light up the entire stage.
Once the lighting grid is set up, the lighting fixtures can be plugged in and adjusted to create the desired effect.
Tips and tricks to do stage lighting
There are many ways to do stage lighting, and it depends on the type of stage and the look that you are going for. Here are a few tips:
- If you want a more natural look, use less light. This will give the stage a softer look and feel.
- If you want a more dramatic look, use more light. This will make the stage appear brighter and more intense.
- Another way to create different looks is to use different colors of light. This can be done by using gels or by changing the bulbs in the fixtures.
- To create special effects, you can use light filters, smoke machines, and other devices.
