Basic Principles and Techniques for Entertainment Lighting
Stage lighting is one of the most beautiful aspects of any stage, as it can instantly set the right mood for the performance. However, if the stage is flooded with unnecessary lighting, it can certainly drop the entire act in mere seconds.
To avoid the mistakes, you must know some of the basic principles and techniques for entertainment lighting on a stage.
1. Coordinate lighting to the performance
One stage lighting is not for all performances, and it needs to be tailored according to different acts on a stage.
- Dance lighting: Dance lighting is all about movement, and has to synchronize with the performers’ dancing moves. For this, sidelights are recommended due to their ability to highlight tone and movement with perfection.
- Play lighting: It ensures that the light is directed from the audiences’ viewpoint, and also showcases facial movements of the actors.
- Live music: Stage lighting for live musical performances are setup as per the musicians’ style. For instance, a single spotlight is needed for a singer, whereas use of bold and colourful lighting is required for an energetic band’s performance.
2. Consider the role of lanterns
The stage operator may have a lantern stock, but it’s also important to understand functions and roles of each lantern.
- Floodlight: It produces a strong beam of light that floods the stage with a soft edged wash. Used for lighting scenery, curtain, backdrops, etc.
- Fresnel: It is spotlight with a soft edge. It can cover many areas with some control over the beam angle.
- Profile spot: It is a traditional spotlight that’s used to highlight particular points on stage or a single performer.
- Par cans: It produces an intense oval pool of light with unfocused edges. It is usually used during musical concerts.
3. Consider the script
The lighting designer must understand the intricacies of a script to make intelligent lighting decisions to enhance performances. For smart use of lighting for a performance, a lighting operator must know how to play around selective visibility, mood, movement of performances as well as lights. Moreover, texture and naturalism of the scene’s background must also be considered, before experimenting with different types of stage lighting.
4. Understand basic lighting positions
Front lighting: It is set overhead at 45-degrees to focus on facial expressions and eliminate shadows.
- Side lighting: It is used to enhance movements of dance performances.
- High side lighting: Placed at 30-60-degrees angle, it focuses on the top part of the performer’s body including head, neck, shoulders and arm.
- Back lighting: It is used to separate the background from a performer and to give the stage a 3D effect.
- Down lighting: It is used to light the whole performance space with an even wash of light.
These essential pointers must be kept in mind for appropriate stage lighting. However, for more information on stage lighting and expert guidance, visit AuditoriumWorks.