Theater Spot Lights
Theater Spot Lights
A spotlight is a powerful stage lighting instrument that highlights a particular element of your production. It can help draw an audience’s attention to a specific character and emphasize important dialogue or emotion.
Spotlights can also contain slots for gobos and color filters to give the spotlight a wide range of effects. They are operated by a lighting operator and follow cues during the show.
Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlights (ERS)
The workhorse of the theatrical spot light rig, ellipsoidal reflector spotlights (ERS) are known for their powerful light output and the ability to be customized with various shutters, iris, and gobo holders. They can be used as a spot for individual performers, backlights, or to highlight specific elements of a set design. ERS tech lights can also create captivating visual effects with a variety of patterns and cuts.
An ellipsoidal reflector spotlight, or Leko light (in America) is a type of stage lighting fixture that combines an elliptical reflector with either one step lens or two plano-convex lenses “belly to belly”. The elliptical reflector is positioned around the edge of the lens and has a number of shutters that can be adjusted to shape the beam of light. This allows the user to create hard or soft edges, as well as to zoom in or out on the focus of the light.
After passing through the reflector, the light rays converge at a point called the conjugate focal point or CFP. The double lenses located just after the CFP refract and concentrate the light to create an efficient spotlight that can be focused over a long distance. This allows the user to create precise lighting effects that highlight costumes, props, and even detailed set designs. This makes ERS lights an ideal choice for creating dramatic effects, such as Lady Macbeth’s guiltily uttered line “Out, damned spot!”.
Cyclorama Lights
A cyclorama is a large white or Theater spot lights colored surface that is painted or hung at the back of a stage setting to create an illusion of sky, open space, or great distance. It can be illuminated with varying colors and intensities of light to produce images such as clouds or stars. Some cycloramas, called dome horizons, are curved at the top to heighten the illusion of space.
The lighting used to illuminate a cyc wall or horizon can have an enormous impact on the production’s look and feel. The right cyc lights can make it easy to achieve professional results, and there are a variety of different types to choose from.
For the best cyclorama lighting, look for fixtures that provide an even wash of light over the entire surface. This can help reduce the dappling effect that can occur from spotlights or other fixtures that shine directly on a cyclorama.
One option is a linear striplight that has been specially designed for cyclorama lighting. These fixtures can be hung from the floor all the way upstage to the ceiling and provide an evenly distributed wash of light over the entire surface. Another good choice is a high-output cyclorama light from a brand like Altman or Chauvet Pro. These fixtures use a combination of UV LED emitters and reflectors to minimize the dappling effects caused by direct sunlight.
Followspot Spotlights
Followspots are the spotlights that are used to follow a performer around the stage. They create a narrow beam of light to highlight the person on stage so that the audience can keep their attention on the performance. They are normally operated by a spot operator using a plot sheet (usually written out by the lighting designer or by the followspot operator during technical rehearsals).
These special lanterns require expert handling, so they’re usually assigned to an experienced spot operator on the show crew. The operator is responsible for setting up the spot and ensuring it’s ready to go before the show starts. It’s important to practice before the show to get familiar with all of the features and functionality of the spot, including the different iris settings and shutter controls. It’s also important to make sure that the lantern is balanced so it’s easier to operate.
Modern LED followspots like the Chauvet FS600LED are lighter, cooler, and more flexible than traditional incandescent versions. They provide a wide range of control options, from manual modes to DMX connectivity. They can be set up in seconds, and feature mechanical lens controls to focus the beam. They also have internal color filters that allow for quick and easy changes in the beam size, quality, and color. You can even use the built-in CTO filter to match a tungsten source.
Moving Head Spotlights
Moving head lights (also called “mover” lights) give the operator a huge amount of control over the positioning of their light beam. They can move up and down as well as left and right, and are often found in theatres and concert halls giving the operator a lot of flexibility when designing lighting sequences.
The main types of moving head are the spot and wash versions. The spots generally contain features like gobos and prisms that allow for more detailed control. They can also have a wide range of colours that can be used to illuminate different effects or colours on the stage.
Beam lights are also a common sight in theaters, as they produce tight rays of light that can highlight specific objects or Side Emitting Led Light Bar areas on the stage. These can be used to add drama to a performance or even create a great effect when paired with a mirror ball.
Follow spots are another type of spot that uses a framed and focused ellipsoidal fixture to follow a performer around the stage. This is often seen at dance events and theatre shows where the performers are moving around a lot. Larger spot fixtures are also commonly used by large night clubs and concerts to project GOBO patterns into the air with smoke or haze, creating impressive midair effects.
