Stage lighting- The do’s and don’ts of successful lights

September 01, 2017 by Snupit

Stage lighting has the power to elevate, or the power to completely ruin a show. Following a few basic principles of stage lighting will ensure that your lighting is effective, appealing and appropriate. You do not need to have a degree or a great deal of experience to successfully light up a show, but you do need to do some research, understand how to operate your equipment, and familiarise yourself with the show and the movement you should anticipate from the performers. The last thing you want to do is highlight the wrong person or miss the main act.

1.   Set-up

The first step is to decide which lights should point where. Draw up a picture of the stage and decide on paper first. Be sure to include all of the fixed bars that exist to give you an idea of what you have to work with. Once you know what you are working with, you can decide how to play your lights. If it is possible, you can add in extra bars, with the help of an outside company. Setting up a DMX controller is also an option once you have hung the lights. This is done by plugging the lights in via a DMX cable. Everything can then be adjusted electronically, including the colour and brightness of your lights.

2.   Tie up loose ends

Ensure that all cables, as far as it is possible, are run overhead and kept off the floor. If you have no choice but to run cables across the stage floor, run them in recessed tracks. Also ensure that the cables are always safely dressed, and taped down. Also, remember to inspect each cable properly before you hang it. A visual inspection will be good enough to determine whether something is useful or not.

3.   Raise your production value, know the lineup

Not being 100% familiar with the line-up and performance sequences can really cause problems with the lighting. The lighting needs to be coordinated to the sequences taking place on stage with total accuracy. Missing a beat or lighting the wrong area can cause the focus to be on the wrong place and completely lower the quality of the performance. Remember that the lighting exists to highlight the main events, not the other way around, so time the lighting to fit with the cues given by the performance.

Also be wary of overpowering flashing and brightness. It may feel exciting, but there is a fine line between building anticipation and simply causing headaches and a sense of confusion in the flashing.

4.   Quality

Investing in good quality equipment will greatly increase the value of your lighting. Poor quality lights will affect the overall stage lighting design. Plan your budget properly and ensure that you are able to pay for the lighting that is needed, as this really is a necessary expense if you want to create a worthwhile effect.