Stage lighting is the most common form of illumination for theatrical or artistic performances. There are several lighting fixtures, and some are better suited for specific purposes than others. Conventional lights come in many shapes, and there are various options for illuminating a stage. For example, ellipsoidal fixtures give a broad, circular beam of light that helps the designer define specific areas with light. Cyclorama lights cover a large room with evenly diffused light. Fresnel fixtures are powerful beams of light that have variable focus. These types of lights are mainly used in theaters and other art shows.
High-side lighting focuses on the performers’ upper bodies and accentuates their movements. High-side lighting is advisable in both the center and the side of the stage. These lights should also be mounted on either the back or sides to give the performers more visual impact. If the budget for lighting is small, this type of lighting is an economical option for a rock concert. These lights are easy to maintain and lightweight, and they provide an oval-shaped pool of light.
Spot and wash lighting focus the light on the performers from the side. The beams are angled up to thirty to sixty degrees to highlight upper-body motions. High-side lighting is best used on both sides of the stage so that performers can make a more significant impact on the audience. There are also a variety of other types of stage lighting. The best one for your performance will depend on your setting in mind.
The primary source of light is a lamp. Stage lights can be fixed or portable. The lamps used are called luminaires and lanterns. They are commonly used to illuminate a large area of a stage. They provide a soft, broad source of light that wraps around the subject. SSRC LED Work Lights are good examples of solid lights. They are usually portable. The different types of stage lighting have other uses.
Often, stage lights are used to set a mood. The colors of the lights should complement the content of the play. For example, red lights are associated with sadness, while blue lights encourage happiness. Other types of stage lighting include spotlights, lanterns, and luminaires. The director determines the colors used for these purposes. The different colors of stage lighting will influence the feeling of the audience. These elements will create the desired mood.
Curtains and other types of stage lighting can create a mood and enhance the character’s outline. This effect can be very effective during a play that involves suspense or mystery. In these cases, it’s essential to match the intensity of the lighting with the mood of the space. While curtains can add extra light, they can also be positioned to provide the audience with additional light. This type of lighting has many different effects and can be very difficult to adjust.
Some types of stage lighting use gels to create a unique look. These are transparent sheets that change color. They can also be dimmed. In contrast, fluorescent lights can only be dimmed when placed on a table. Therefore, they also require specialized dimmers. The light from a gel lantern can be filtered through a gel holder. A gel frame holder can also be mounted in a metal frame or cardboard.
There are two types of stage lighting. Key lights are in front of the subject while fill lights are behind the actor. While both types have different purposes, both aim to create a uniform light on the stage. In addition, they differ in power and range. The light from the front is usually more powerful and has a higher throw. Generally, a moving head will have more flexibility. You can use a moving charge when you want to have a unique effect on the stage.
Other types of stage lighting are available. ERS is the most popular type and is used mainly in theatres. It is very economical but has the same purpose as other ERS types. However, its range is limited and can be a bit too narrow to cover the whole stage. ERs and parabolic reflectors are both common types of stage lighting. However, fresnel lights are more expensive and are usually used for other applications.